The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-09-11
- From the National IBtsnigeucer.
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Ii would appear from q passage in the debate
in the Spanish Cortes, which we quote below,
that the Spanish Government has an express
guarantee Of aid from France and England for the
protection Of Cuba, if necessary. 1t appeared
that, at the last dates from Havana, there were
no British ships Of war in that port and only one
French ship-a steamer. The news of recen,
events will doubtless bring thither portion OF
! the naval force Of those countries.
On the 10th Of July discussion arose in the
! Congreso or lower House of the Cortes at Mad
rid on a call for information concerning the an
teCsdenS of the last expedition of pirates COM
manded by Don Nsrciso Lopez against the Island
Of Cuba in which Senior Badia deputy who has
lived much in Cuba after speaking of the annex.
alton of Texas and the invasion Of Mexico the
attempt of Lopez at Cardenas last year, and the
threatening of another attempt this year-goes
on thus:
"Some persons in Europe inquire, how can
such excuses be committed if the opinion Of GER
tain influential men is opposed to all these annex
ations2 The explanation is easy, When, in
the United States an opinion becomes popular,
statesmen do not gOvern-they are governed. 81
am the Government says the people, and so the
thing comes to pass Down to the early part of
the present century, the Anglo-Amerioans, faith
tul to the religious sentiments and the humane
maxims Of Washington, when he retired to pri-
vate life, acquired territory, as in the cases Of
Florida and Louisiana by treaties, and according
to the principles of international justice. But Of
late years, as if the law of nations were dead
letter they threaten, invade, and occupy foreign
territory, as if the world of Columbus were their
own exclusive property. And thus it is, gentle
men, that entertain deep conviction that the
Democracy Of North America will compromise
the peace Of the world0
After some further remarks of the same sort,
the Marquis OF Mirshores, one Of the Ministers,
and a very accomplished statesman, replied:
"Senor Badia has just pronounced discourse
which both the Congress and myself have heard
with the greatest pleasure The desire for inform
alton expressed by the gentlemen who have sus-
tanned the proposition for inquiry cannot be more
praiseworthy than it Is, but the explanations
asked for by Senior Badia might, perhaps COM
promise the Government
He then speaks of the explanations given on a
former occasion, to which he refers Senior Badia,
and concludes with these words:
Gan can say to Senior Bsda is, that, at the
present time, the nava force of England md France
and the state of our relations pith those countries
otr as the certain means Of preserving the integrity
Of our Ualuabls island nos offreoen medic SECURE de
conservar la integridad de nuestra precosa An
tilla being able to assure the Congress that,
while the Spanish Government possesses in the
Island Of Cuba a brave General and great ele-
ments of internal strength, none can attack our
territory with mpunity"
After few words, of no Importance, from Oh
Ozaga and Gonzalez Bravo, Senior Badia, at the
request of the Marquis of Mirsfores, withdrew
his proposition for an inquiry, and the subject
was dropped.
The report is in Ell HeraldO, Madrid, July IT.