Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-12-01
Cuban Affairs.

All the signs of the times indicate that we are
before long to be involved in serious difficulties
with Spain, and possibly other European powers
on account of the island Of Cuba. The owners
and commander of the "Crescent City" appear de-
termned to precipitate the crisis. On its last trip
from New Orleans to New York, that vessel was
permitted again to enter the port of Havana, with
Purser SMITH on board, but the authorities again
notified Lieut. DAVENPORT that further indulgence
of the kind would not be extended The Lieu
tenant returned defiant answer, saying that Mr.
SMITH would certainly return in the ship and the
Spanish authorities would be responsible for the
consequences.
This perseverng effort of private company to
force an obnoxious individual into the territory Of
country with which we are at peace, is Justly
censured by many of the leading newspapers Of
the United States, and is known to be disapprov-
ed of by the Executive at Washington. The Sec
retary Of the Navy has sgnifed his displeasure by
withdrawing Lieut.. DAVENPORT from the steamer
and assigning him another post in the service. 1t
is well that our government is still in the hands OF
~ ''>AN " .
men who have correct sense of propriety, and the
requisite frmuess to do their duty unmoved by
popular excitement OF clarnor. We have always
doubted whether the Captain General OF Cuba had
the right originally to exclude the vessel, because
he was hostile to one individual on beard, but ne
may reasonably feel insulted at having the man
continually thrust under his nose, if there was
deliberate purpose to offer indignity.
Ifnewspaper reports are to be believed, the own
ers of the "Crescent City" have motive for kick
ING up a war, apart from patriotic desire to ac-
quire the island of Cuba. That steamer belongs
to class of vessels owned by private individuals,
but commanded by officers of our Navy. They
are under contract with the Government to carry
passengers and the mails between certain specified
points, and the agreement stipulates that in the
event of war. they may be taken fully into the
public service and be paid for at ten per cent adj
vance on the appraised value. If therefore Mes
srs LAW s. Company can succeed in bringing about
a quarrel, they may realise a handsome specula-
ton by the sale of their vessel, and also be able to
sell on advantageous terms Soihe loVooo ii"'ho'''
which they purchased from the Government at the
close of the Mexican war. The New York Eve-
ming Post, staunch Democratic paper, accuses
them of being instigated by some such motive.
The opinion seems to be gaining ground daily
among our people that Cuba is sooner or later to be
annexed to the United States. The idea of "man-
ifest Destiny has taken possession of the public
mind, and presentiments generally lead to their
own ful6lment We cannot say that we are dis
inclined to the acquisition of the island, provided
we can come by it honestly and at a cost not too
great. But any other means of acquiring it than
sucb as are fair and honorable should be repuda-
ted by an enlightened people. Let us have no
Fillibustering movements or piratical schemes Of
any kind. Dishonest courses always end In ruin,
and there is day of retribution for nations as well
as individuals. An ancient philosopher once chas-
tised his servant for theft when the mscrean plead
that it was his fate ''manifest destiny" to steal
all, responded the master, it is then your fate to
be punished also.