The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-10-02

49, = = = = - =
Cuka aad tho Triple Alliance.
The last steamer from Europe, the Baltic. in.
forms US that a treaty has been made between
England, France and Spain, guaranteeing 10 the
last, the possession of Cuba When the princi-
pal sovereigns of continental Europe formed what
was called the Holy Alliance about thirty years
ago, to guarantee their respective thrones and
possessions TO each other, England refuses
and repudiated the connection, and in this coun
try il was universally denounced, even by Mr.
CLAY and Mr. WEBSTER.
The object Of the new triple alliance is the
same in principle, and its design is to maintain
despotic government near the American shore
of the Atlantic. 1t is true that, as is reported
Cuba is to have local Legislature and repre-
sentation in the Spanish Cortez. But in Spain
the Cortcz is almost a nominal thing, and rep
resentation of Cuba in it would be the shadow
of a shade. The interests of Cuba are as dis
tinct from those Of Spain, and as compatible
as those of tax payer and tax receiver--and un-
less protected by an equal vote in the Cortez
with the mother country, would be Of no value,
except for speech making,--and the value of that
we have seen in the American Congress, where
the South has considerable corps Of speech
makers. AS for the local Legislature of Cuba,
it is not Of course permitted to pass any law
without the sanction of the Spanish crown.
The ostensible Or the avowed reason of this
sudden coalition in Europe, il rather too gar-
ingly inadequate. Two expeditions Of some four
hundred men each, have been fitted out in this
country; and after being watched and chased by
the navies of the United States and Spain, sue
ceeded in landing on the island One Of them
speedily made its escape, and the other was
speedily crushed. Both events were proclaimed
as evidence of Creole loyalty. And yet now
althougs, as is asserted, the people of the island
are unanimously opposed to all change of gov.
eminent, and to all fillib listers, and have the
aid of Spanish force of twenty thousand men
always on hand to help them, and the power Of
Spain to reinforce them, suddenly the two most
formidable kingdoms of Europe come forward
to guarantee the continuance of the Spanish
government.
Now, the most conservative Of men in this
country, and all the liberal party in Europe, have
always maintained the doctrine of non interven
ton in the affairs of one country by the govern.
ments of others. But here is an Intervention Of
two foreign powers not only to maintain an ex.
listing System of government, but to modify the
institutions Of people This movement is nc
doubt regarded by the parties to it as a cunning
thing. But in our opinion it is like many othe
cunning things-it is not wise.
Our government and people have always &C
quiesced in the exclusive possession of Cuba b
Spain-because, al hough Cuba commands tn
Gulf Of Mexico, and more lately our commun
cations with California and the Pacific, we kne,
Spain was not strong enough to endanger then
Cuba becomes very different thing, howeve
when it becomes protogee or colony G
England and France. 1t is their aly-and a
such, will give them peculiar privileges and ia
vors in peace or war. But there is another poin
of still more Importance. Whilst Cuba wa
connected only with Spain, we had no reason t.
apprehend change of the institutions of Cuba
which are identical with those of our own States
in her neighborhood. But with this new French
and English connection, there is reason to fear
what we learn is already reported--a change il
the institutions Of Cuba, so as to make then
hostile and dangerous to all the neighborinl
States of the South, and to several of those OF
the Mississippi. If this new treaty provides 70
ultimate emancipation, then it is obvious that
we acquire Cuba by purchase, or in any othe
manner, whilst this Union continues, the Mort
will enforce the emancipation stipulation
Such is one of the consequences of connec
ton of the South with the North.
But whatever may be the fact as TO this ues
ton in this treaty Cuba henceforth becomes NJ
object OF jealousy not only to the South, but
to the whole people, and to any administration
of comprehension and sagacity. Whilst our
government was exerting its power to the ut
most to prevent the hlibusters from making
Cuba American, England stepped in and mad,
it English--English commercially, politically
socially and strategeticaly.
Now with all due Difference to the pharisai,
conservatism that defended the butcbery of tn,
fifty captives as pirates and robbers, we tbinl
they had just as much right to interfere with tn,
institutions of Cuba as Queen Victoria and Pres
sident Bonaparte, their ministers and cabinets
We think the fiIlibuster Intervention honestly
intended more good to the people of Cuba than
tho European---and we have no doubt, was mo G
IN accordance with their wishes. And we think
that although some mischief may be done, ar
Immensely greater smount will be prevented b,
the Peaceable purchase of that island by the Uni
ted States. In case Spain is willing to sell--w,
advise England to acquiesce.
Judge Brenssn's peeIsien.