Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-09-10

OF their communication To the Secretary OF state
and if Mr. Webster has had any misunderstand-
ing with the President of the United States, it is
more likely to have been on the very point of
this reply than on any other. OF this, however,
we shall know more hereafter. Mr.. Webster,
at any rate, signfed to Sir Henry L. Buwer,
and the French minister, that while the govern
ment had done, and would continue to do, all
in its power to check any unlawful expeditions
from leaving the United States, that it would
not heed the threats of any foreign power in re-
lation to Cuba, or any country, and that such
threats were out of place. What those threats
were we have been informed by one of the Wall
street journals, claiming to know President Fill
more's policy, for it has recently held up the al
legged secret treaty between France and Great
Britain as a terror TO the American people,
Now, any party may cut its own political throat,
if it so choose; but, when high spirited nation
feels the shock of an insult, it is not in the pow
err of any mere political party to oppose the pop
ular will. Nay, more-the government itself
must bend to the power from without There
are no statesmen in this country who dare avow
their willingness that Cuba should pass from
the rule of Spain to that of any other royal gov
eminent of Europe. The attempt to effect such
result would be a caSus belii. France and Great
Britain will never be allowed to interfere in the
quarrel. A law Of political necessity forbids it.
"Thus, then, all our domestic political action
seems destined to merge every issue into one,
and only one--and that will be with regard to
Cuba, and the course of this country respecting
it. Politicians may be slow to appreciate this.
Well, be it so. There are those who see in this
a special Providence. The evils of internal dis
sensons in the country may soon be buried in a
great national cause, which politicians can neither
smother nor repress. Such events as have ars-
EN- in Cuba are not common. They give rise
to train of results which can only be modified
by sagacity and caution, and cannot be averted.
Already the popular will has given expression
to its determination, and whatever opinions in
dividuals may entertain on the merits of ques-
ton of such vast magnitude, the sagacity of the
people will not only reach conclusions with
startling activity but it will single out the means
for sustaining the national honor and dignity
without regard to the quibng of political tao
ticians. We do not entertain doubt that on
this subject, as on every other one of similar
Importance, the world will find nothing anoma-
lous in the expression of the popular will. 1t
will be in complete accordance with the histori-
cal events in the records of all popular govern
ments down to the present hour. They have
ever sustained their own rights, interests, and
honor. That the government Of the United
States, in view of the imperative circumstances
of the Cuban question, will feel itself constrain-
ed to immediate activity to satisfy the public
demand or the exercise of. its authority for the
preservation of its honor and dignity, appears to
be undoubted in but few quarters Whatever
may be thought of the justice or injustice of the
summary sacrifice of so many American citi-
zens, all seem agreed as to the insult to the A
merican people, perpetrated by the Spanish Ad-
miral upon the United States mail steamship
Falcon An immediate investigation of that af-
fair will take place without delay
Meanwhile, public opinion will be guided, in
some measure, by the next news from Cuba, as
to the steps which, it is said, have already been
taken here and elsewhere, to aid those who have
placed themselves in opposition to the royal au-
thority of Spain. Fit is true that the revolution
lists are gaining ground, that provisional repub-
can government has been organized by the
people of Cuba, and should the revolutionary
movement advance, the crisis will be accelerat-
ed, so far as this country and Spain are concern
ed. 1t seems to be understood, that a war be-
tween Spain and the United States is ardently
desired by the Galatians. They, it is said, be-
eve that they can harrass the commerce Of the
OUlIeu states 10 MAKE IuOTe lillll Il
restitution for themselves for the loss Of Cuba.
By granting letters of marque and reprisal, they
can enlist, as they think, sufficient power to
cripple our merchantmen, while Spain herself, in
any event, can suffer but little from declara-
ton of war by the United States. A war with
Spain is to be deplored, both OH her own ac-
count and for the results of a general character
to what it would inevitably lead. The future is
fill Of serious difficulties. To avert them is the
act of wise government; but in doing this any
departure from the popular instincts is as sure
10 be fatal to those who attempt it, as it will be
certain to lead to the establishment Of author
ity that will protect the honor of the country,
and that dignity to which it is rightfuly entitled
among the nations Of the world.
Some eight or ten weeks ago, before Mr..
Webster left Washington,the British and French
diplomatic fupctionaries here, limited, in semi
official manner, at the necessity in which their
respective governments might be placed to pre-
vent the attempts of our citizens to seize upon
Cuba; to which Mr.. Webster, believe gave
very comprehensive reply, stating that the gov
eminent of the United States had done, and
hourly continued to do all in its power to pre-
vent other expeditions against Cuba; but that
this government was not to be threatened by
any foreign power, and would not listen to such
threats. Mr.. Webster's note remained unan-
swered by Sir Henry and the Minister sent us