The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-11-24

ting States of the Atlantic shall furnish navy sufflcien
10 keep open The outlets from the gull 10 the ocean
Cuba Justly apprecatng the advantages OF annexation
is ready 10 rush into our arms once admitted, she
would be entirely dependent for her prosperity. and
even existence, upon her eoDnexion with the Union,
whilst The rapidly increasing trade between her and the
other States would shed IFS blessings and its benefits
the whole Such state OF mutual dependence resulting
from the very OF things the world has wit
messed This is what will insare the perpetui,y OF our
Union.
believes that the crisis has arrived when effort should
be made 10 purchase the island OF Cuba from Span and
he has determined 10 lnusl you with the performance OF
this most delicate and important duty The attempt
should be made, in the first instance, IN confidential
conversation with the Spanish Minister Tor Foreign AL
fairs written offer might produce absolute refusal In
writing, which would embanass US hereafter in the ac.
QUESTION of the island Besides, from the incessant
changes in the Spanish cabinet and policy, our desire 10
make the purchase might thus be made known IN an Of
cial form to foreign governments ana arouse lhe zeal
ousy and active opposition Indeed, even II the present
cabinet should think favoraby OF the proposition. they
mig be greatly embarrassed by having placed
ord for in that event. il would almost certainly through
some channel, reach the opposition, and become the
subject OF discussion in the Cortes Such delicate nego
atons a, least in their ncplent stages. ought always
10 be conducted IN confidential conversation, and with
the utmost secrecy and despatch.
AT your interview with The Minister for Foreign AZ
airs you might introduce the subject by referring TO the
present distracted condition OF Cuba, and the danger
which exists that the population will make attempt
accomplish revolution. This must be well known 10
the Spanish government. In order 10 convince him OF
this government has acted you might read 10 him the FIRST
part OF my despatch TO General Campbell and The order
issued by the Secretary Of War 10 the commanding gen.
eral in Mexico, and to the officer having charge of the
embarkaion OF our troops at Vera Cruz. You may
then touch dellcaiey upon the danger that Spain
may lose Cuba by revolution in the island. or
that it may be wresied from her by Great Britain,
should rupture take place between the two countries
arising OF the dismissal Of Sir Henry Bulwer and be
retained TO pay the Spanish debt due 10 the British bond
holders You might assure him that, whilst this gov
eminent is entirely satisfied that Cuba shall remain
der the dominion OF Spain, we should in any event
resist its acquisition by any other nation. And final
/ ly, you might inform him that under all these cir
cumsiances the President had arrived at the conclusion
that Spain might be willing to transfer the island TO the
United States for fair and full consideration You might
cite precedent the cesson OF Louisiana TO this coun
try by Napoleon, under somewhat similar circumstances,
when he was at the zenith OF his power and glory
have merely presented hase topics in Their natural order,
and you fill up the outline from the information COM
muncated in this despatch, as well as from your own
knowledge of the subject Should the Minister for For
egn Affairs lend favorable 10 your proposition, then
the question of the consideration 10 be paid would arise,
and you have been furnished with information in this
despatch which will enable you to discuss thai ques
ton In justice TO Mr. Calderon ought here to observe
that, whilst giving the information before stated in
gard the net amount OF revenue from Cuba which
reached Old SPAIN he had not then, and has not
the most remote idea OF our intention TO make attempt
/ The President would be willing 10 spulate for the
payment Of one hundred millions OF dollars This, how
ever, is the maximum pree and SPAN should be will
log sell you will use your best efforts TO purchase al
a rate much below that sum practicable In case
you should be able conclude treaty. you may adopt
asyour model, far as the same may be applicable the
two conventions of April 80, 1903, between France and
the United States for the sale and purchase OF Lous
ana The seventh and eighth articles oil the first OF these
conventions ought, if possible 10 be omitted still, il this
should be Indispensable 10 the accomplishment OF the OBJ
ect articles similar 10 them may be retained
transmit you full power to conclude such treaty
You will be careful 10 make ul and faithful report
10 this department of all the conversations and proceed
ngs on This subject betwRsn yourself and the Spanish
Minister for Foreign Affairs. SHOULD YOU succeed
complshing the object you will associate your name
with most important and beneficial measure for the
glory and prosperity OF your country.
Yours, very respectfully.
JAMES BUCHANAN
RoMULUs M. SAUNDERS, esq.
PS You will send your dispatches The subject OF
this despatch by special messenger to our consul al
Liverpool and draw upon the Department for the expense,
unless you can transmit them by trusy person. They
may be directed 10 the President You may probably
have OCCASION relation 10 this subject, 10 the
pher OF The legation
mo. 22.l DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, July 7, ls45.
SIR With reference 10 The INSTRUCTIONS you of the
nth utimo mo 2I) will thank you TO substitute the
following paragraph for that beginning with the words,
! /" In regard To the public lands oil Cuba;"
In regard the quantity ofpublic lands still remaining
in Cuba the Department does not possess accurate ino
nation. From all that have learned, 1t is believed
haua huf tba