The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-24

| the insane attempt OF Lopez, or the excited yea
and imperfect political knowledge or experience o
| the Cronicd have heretofore permitted il to ex
hbit. SenOr San Martin is an able man ; and le
US hope he will be wisely conservative, and under
| stand his mission.
Perhaps there Is no more interesting question
outside of the territory of the United States, just
at this moment, than that which embraces in its
bearing the destnies Of this island. uitely bu,
truly termed the "gem of the Antilles" Indeed,
| the proximity of Cuba to the United States; the
recent quasi agitation of . great question bearing
equally upon the interests of both countries; (that
| Of the absorption Of Cuba into the American
Union,) the common tie Of interests, as yet but
feebly felt, but destined to be more clearly under
stood; all combine to centre upon this island an
interest as instructive as 1t IL exciting.
hold IN my possession facts developed and un-
developed, that illustrate all three of the main
point OF common tie of interests, as yet feebly
fet bat destined to be more clearly understood It
shall be my province, in the series of letters am
about sS uch to address S XSu to amy and to throw
II will be necessary to give the American people
through the columns Of the universally read Herad
such an insight into the political, industrial and
ciai condition OF this island as will prepare them for
distinct appreciation of the interests of Cuba;
and the true interests of Cuba are the interests of
the United States. Agitated by exaggerated re-
poItS, duO al sea, WttnOut u chart, as re-
spects the truth lying at the bottom OF all the Gu
ban excitement, the public will be aslonshed at
the revelations about to be made TO them, and
Americans and Cubans will both be better able
than they now are, 10 proceed understandngly in
| the action in the premises.
Recent events denote the existence of griev-
ances on the part Of the people of this island, call
ing for redress. What are they! The want of all
colonies-ever felt, and whenever refused always
engenderng spirit of revolution-the want OF
union OF taxation and representation This sub
iect will be treated more at large in succeeding
letter
The planters OF Cuba are natives, creoes, who
intermarry, and thus generally perpetuate their
property in possession of their own class The
trading is principally in the hands of Spaniards,
called here Galatians, bringing with them, from
more bracing climate, more business energy than
is possessed by those native to the island. As the
active business men OF our Southern States from
the Northern ones, while the planters are usually
natives of the Sourthern, and less enterprisng in
disposition. These Galatians usually return TO old
Spain, and live there upon the fortunes acquired
here. Knowing these facts, you will the easily
comprehend the force of much of what | shall
have to say hereafter
Who feel the want of reforms What interest
would be most favorably affected by them When
we say the agricultural. we in general terms en-
brace the reply but we shall soon gather more
Thorough understanding OF the subject in the reply
to the ,feat quession-how are the grievances to
The Lopez expedition was, for many reasons, an
ill advised affair The evils in society, (and there
are evils in all societies,) can never be entirely
removed by changes in social and political laws
The rash, who would reform by sudden, violent
means, expect such contamination Of perfection
as the reward OF good end, justifies the
of bad means. But as no such complete radical
result can follow, il often occurs that ii is not worth
while TO violate laws and disturb the peace of
people in futile attempts-in chasing an idea. The
evils existing In society may be ameliorated in their
social and political aspects and there are relative
degrees OF good existing in societies, some being
.sfk
than others, in some department of policy, il not
in all. Spain and the United States are fair exam
pies of difference in policies; and the results Of
their workings are clear to every intelligent obser
yer. For all practical purposes, adapted TO the
wants Of the pseseas geHeFaiou al Ieast, lhe cure
IL to be sought in judicious development, and
by giving proper direction to the resources of the
country-its agriculture. Ia no other way can this
be done, because with this interest lies the wealth;
in its hands is the power, and no measures opposed
by the Creole planters can permanently succeed
Sugar being the greatest staple pruduct, the greatin
terest OF this isa nd is the planting interest. No vo
lent measures whereby they may risk the loss of
their wealth, will be adopted by the agriculturalss.
Paradoxicsl though il may seem, they are the re-
formers and the conservatives OF Cuba. Inc deve-
lopement of their interest and extension of their
wealth. getting means will, by the very nature OF
things Gas will be clearly shown in the course of
these letters) make them reformers. That same
wealth and its preservation forces them to be con-
seryative.
The effect that the political mana cement Of the
country by old Spain. may have upon that proper
~, shall determine the question OF the existence
of quiet or disturbance. Ii will behoove Spain, at
this juncture, TO remember that the spout of the
teakete be left open, the vessel is safe, but if
stopped by force, the lid will be blown off. Cuba
we @ recall the fact that to slml move
me Mt of the teakettle under tbs eye Of the obser
want Merquis Of Worcester, we owe the discovery
OF that power Of steam, which, in its revolution
,zing progress, must arouse even Catalan slumber
And what is Il. that in the very nature Of things
must make the Cuban planters reformersl II is
not alone the great want before named, but also
the same spirit Of commerce, that underies the
nations, that yivltes, giving the life Of all their
action. liberal commercial policy will do more
for a naiion, (and many Cub aus are becoming wise
enough to perceive ii,) than augbt else. save
rich soil and abundant labor. Cuba possesses
these agricultural me to degree that properly
aided. defies competition In her own great staple
She needs, with ils various channels and adjuncs,
liberal commercial policy. With IL, the deyelope-
ment Of her resources, and the extent finer wealth
and importance, may realize the brightest pictures
yet drawn OF the "gem Of the Antilles" !,
Before writing my next, shall have completed
the statistical memoranda, by means OF which will
be illustrated much that Is herein shadowed forth,
| and that is to be hereafter expressed.
| In closing this letter, however, will, without
| delay, put you in possessi of a fact which will
enable The travelling American public TO save an
| expense now incurred by thousands, under mis-
apprehension. Thote passengers who visit Havana
In trans-ihat 10 TO say, who, on their way by the
California steamers TO Chagres, New Orleans, or
| elsewhere, make no longer stay in this city, than
during the detention Of the We ssel here-(ususlly
two three days) do not require passports order
to. go on shore. A permit Is granted them, for
| which one dollar Is charged. This gives the pri-
vilege, and is granted when they have passports,
as readily as when they have. Those who would
remain in Cuba after the departure Of the vessel on
which they arrive must have a passport.
Mr. Bennett and lady sailed for New Orleans IN
the Falcon, on the ith instant, and must carry
with them vivid impression Of Cuban hospi,ai
ties and attentions such as have not been usually
| extended to Americans.
The Governor General has just returned from
his visit TO Matanzas II is said that he has raisee
the sentence a extradtion that was passed agains
some citizens Of that place for their participation
in the affair Of Lopez, and they are nov at liberty
10 return TO their homes. Let us hope this is tn
beginning OF ,eiug wee policy, of which