The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-09-24
s MI-W e e * L Y.

hostility. As II is, the Spaniards have put into
operation the utmost rigor of the law, and the
citizens of the United States are naturally ex-
asperated-a state Of feeling which is likely TO
create further embarrassment fer the govern
lnent of Cuba. The aggression of the "synpa-
thizers" has undoubtedly given the greatest pro-
vocation; but an organized government has no
right to be vindctive, and, as matter of pru.
dence, il would have been far better to avoid
course so likely to add to the immediate dam
ger. The worst cavhmniator of the Americans
will not accuse them of want of courage and
national feeling; nor will they be easily deferred
from future aggression by the punishment OF
their countrymcn, especially when il has been
inflicted by foreigners.
But, although the conduct of the Spanish
general is in every way deserving OF censure,
the quarrel is one OF American seeking The
native instruction in Cuba was very inconsid-
cradle, and probably it had it's origin in the
United States. 1t cannot be called natiocal
movement But if it really were the rebellion
of Spanish subjects against the royal authority,
Their, ia M, axrnsa for Iha nterfarenae of Amer
lean citizens. Unfortunately, however, foreign
relations are most impertectly understood in the
republic. The first statesmen of the Union un.
hesitatingly avow principles that are utterly OPP
law Even the language of Mr. Webster, on
the question of the Caroline, BEERS out, to a
certain degree, the right of warfare claimed by
the annexationist party. According to that au-
thority, "synpathsers are not pirates, and
they hive a right to be treated with peculiar
consideration. In other words, it is only requi-
site to avow rolitcal motive in order to justify
the invasion of bandtti. Such, undoubtedly g
the American feeling, and it has been encour-
aged by the facility with which they have hith-
erto extended their empire. In their negotia.
ton with Great Britain, after the Canadian trou.
bes, the question was dropped, and an apology
for the violation Of the American waters suf.
feed to atone for the burning of the United
States vessel In the aff.ir Of Texas, the fed
eral government took higher ground, and the
resistance of Mexico provoked invasion and
conquest. In each case, the quarrel began in
the acts of independent citizens. In the one it
was popular, and was supported by the Wash
ngton dpomacy-in the other, it was both
popular and profitable, and was maintained BY
the resources of the Union. Thus far the at
tack upon Cuba corresponds with f rmer pre-
cedents The American name is fully commit
ted to the enterprise by the acts of individual
adventurers; and the sequel will show whether
the central authority, SUPPORTED by the North
eastern States, is strong enough to resist the
movements of the South and the demands of
the mob. and to keep faith with foreign govern.
ments. On the conduct of the Cabinet at Wash
ington will depend the attitude of the European
powers. The latter would contemplate with
unwillingness war between America and Spain,
and would be 10th to see the peninsular mon
archy weakened by the loss of its most valu-
able colony. Nor is it a matter of indifference
to France and Great Britain, to whom the island
of Cuba belongs; for, if it were in the hands Of
the Americans it would give them the undis-
puted empire Of the Gulf of Mexico-the Med.
iterrauean of the oths r hemisphere. The Gu.
ban insurrection may become more than a
merely American question. e..
In general heinterests involved are sufficiently
important to justify speculation upon the eventu-
alities which may arise. In America, the subject
will be mixed up with the slave question; and
the desire Of extending the dominion of the re-
public will be stimulated by the efforts of a
powerful interest. In Europe, the propagandism
of American citizens will be looked upon with
suspicion, whilst the unprovoked aggressi on
upon Spain will excite com nisseration and If
the government of the United States should take
up the quarrel, the most serious consequences
might ensue. According TO the most probable
account, the Spaniards have not much to fear
from their own colonial subjects, divided as they
are into the three distinct classes of Creoles, ma.
tive Spanards, or Peninsulars, rs they are called,
and colored people. Notwithstanding the alleged
discortent of the Cubans, it is scarcely likely
that they are willing to unite with Americans
for il must be very clear TO them that, il they
were annexed to the States, their language and
nationality would be destroyed. According TO
an expressive American phrase, they would be
| improved off the face Of the earth" We may,
therefore, anticipate that in the event of con.
| flict, considerable resistance will be made to
the invaders The Spaniards, unquestionably,
will not abandon Cuba without struggle, how
ever strong may be the manifestation of pub.
lie sentiment in the Union. They possess, too,
as last resource, the power OF liberating the
negroes, and Of establishing an internecine war
with the American apostles Of liberty They are
not so defenceless as the Mexicans-they have a
large European garrison, and government
which, though wanting in direction, is certainly
not deficient in vigor. In any case, the conquest
would not be an easy one, and such result is
not yet to be anticipated, in spite Of the inpu.
dent staggering Of mobs Of buccaneers in the
cities of the Union. But we cannot be blind 10
the dangers involved in the recent occurrences
at Havana; for, with people 50 easily excited
as the Americans, the events to which we have
referred nre sufficient TO raise fame. II will
be a signal triumph Of the good sense Of the
community, If the government should show IL.
self superior to the popular impulse.