Polynesian., 1852-12-18
Prospect of War.

he Alta California, OF Nov. lS, says, II
reference to the late act Of the Cuban gov
ernment in prohibiting the steamer Cresen
City from having intercourse with the shore
there are Indications of hostilities to come
between the United States and another Eu
jropean power, which belicose people ma,
base more solid hopes upon. Since the ia
nous F'illibuster expedition to Cuba-an ex-
pedition as absurd as it was imbecile, and as
Imbecile as it was unlawiul-the Spanish au-
thorities, both in Cuba and elsewhere, have
manifested a disposition to take advantage OF
the leniency and justice Of our government,
and have done things which they would never
have dared to think of doing, had not the
United States government disclaimed the ac-
ton of the Filibusters. The Spaniards seem
to mistake justice for weakness on our part
and upon this false hypothesis have made
demonstrations against our vessels and peo-
pie which they will have occasion to repent
ere long. They forget that the Americans
have not the same reasons for desiring per
manent peace with Spain and with GreaI
Britain. If we have war with the British,
we are sure to loose much, without the pos
sbility Of gaining anything more than the
credit OF having whipped the greatest power
credit most satisfactorily, there is no object
in doing it over, especially as it is sure to
cost us more than we wish TO pay. But
Spain should bear it in mind that the same
considerations will not govern our inter-
course with herself. We do not desire war
with her, although we could not lose any
thing, and would be sure to gain much in
such contest.
Nevertheless, Spain should bear in mind
that, while the magnanimity ard conscious
power Of the U. States, induce our govern
ment TO bear with her presumptious imperti-
nence, and prompts degree of leniency
that would not be shown TO more powerful
nation, we are under no obligation to over
look her nsoence when it becomes really
troublesome to u.s. A madman may rave and
buster at laundering locomotive with i'm
punity, provided he keeps out Of the way; i;
but if he attempts to check the career Of the
subject Of his abuse, the chances are that he
will get run over. So with Spain. She may
illuminate as she will, in her courts and jour
mails against the United States, without excl
ting the resentment or even the notice of the
Americans; but when she so far forgets her.
self as to interfere with our peaceful and law
fu vocations, she puts herself in fair way
| for trouble.
Without considering the effect that rup-
ture between Spain and the U. S. would have
upon the affairs of Europe, it is clear that
our own government and people would derive
advantages of the most important character
from it. The first and most serious result Of
the conflict would be the conquest OF Cuba, a
consummation that has long been anticipa-
ted and desired by many Of our wiscst and
most judicious statesmen. The benefits
which would accrue to the republic from
that acquisition are known to and apprecia-
ted by all the world, and we will not, there
fore, argue them: but we doubt if Spain SO
fully appreciates what she would lose. in
such loss, or the absolute certainty of sus-
tanning that loss in the event Of her provo
king war. She seems TO look upon the
FiIlibustero demonstration as the work ofthe
American nation, and the failure of the
movement as national failure. With that
view, she doubtless expects the same result
in any effort the Government may make
against the island. 1t is hardly necessary
to say that in this her calculations are erro-
ueous.
As we said before, The late proceedings al
Havana give much more promise of a war
than did. or does, the fishery fracas in the
North. Let those who have pleasure in wars