The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-12-02

lS44 25,O56,93l O6M 25,426,59l 1874
Admitting that those imports have increased
to tWenty-six millions Of dollars since 1874,
and estimating the average rate of our duties
under the existing tariff at 25 per cent. which
the Secretary of the Treasury informs me is
correct within a small fraction, the revenue
from imports would amount TO $6,5OOOOO
but from this sum must be deducted that pOr-
ton Of it which arises from productions of the
United States imported into Cuba The total
value of these during the year ending the both
June 1876, according to the books of our
custom house, was Sl7l3,06G. Estimating for
their increased value at the custom houses in
Cuba, in consequence Of freight and other
charges it would approximate the truth to
state that one-titth Of the imports into Cuba
consists Of American productions Then, in
order TO show what revenue we would derive
from imports into Cuba, we must deduct one
fifth from $4,000 000 and the balance remain.
ing 5000, 600, would be the amount.
1t may be remarked however, that our ac-
QUESTION of the island would doubtessly con-
slderably increase the annual military and
naval expenditures of tho United States But
these calculations all refer to Cuba in its pres
emit condition. We're it possession of the
United States its population and industry and
consequently its exports, would rapidly increase,
and produce proportionally increased imports
Indeed, it IL highly probable that during the
very frs, year the duties would amount to Il
sum not less than $60OO,O 900.
In regard to the quantity of public lands still
remaining in Cuba, the Department does not
possess accurate information. From all that
we hayo learned, it is believed that the crown
of Spain has already granted by far the greater
portion OF the whole territory Of the island b.
individuals. We need not therefore, calculate
upon deriving much revenue from this source
Upon the whole, the President would not hesi
tate to stipulate for the payment of-n III
convenient in3talments for II cession Of tn
island Of Cuba, if it could not be procured for
a less sum.
The apprchensons which existed for many
years after the orr gin OF this Government thai
the extension Of our Federal system would en-
danger the Union, seem to have passed away
Experience has proved that this system of con
federated republics, under which the Federal
Government has charge Of interests common t.
the whole, whilst local Governments watch
over the concerns of the respective States, is
capable OF almost indefinite extension, with in
crcasing strength This however. is always
subject to the qualification that the mass OF
the population must DO of our own race or
must have been educated in the school of civil
and religious liberty. With this qualification,
the more we increase tho number of cOnleder-
ated States, the greater will be the strength
and security Of the Union, because the more
dependent for their mutual interests will the
several parts be upon the whole and tn
whole upon the several parts. 1t is true that
of the 4lS29l white inhabitants which Cuba
contained in 1871, Il very large proportion il
Of the Spanish race; still, many of our citizens
have settled on the island, and some Of them
are large holders of property. Under our Gov
eminent II would speedily be Americdnised n,
louisiana has been. Within the boundaries o.
such Federal system alone can IL trade exemp
from duties and absolutely free be enjoyed
With the possession of Cuba we should have
throughout tho Union free trade on more
extended scale than any which the world hai
ever witnessed, Hrousng an energy and activity
of competition which would result in mos
rapid improvement in all that contributes Il
the welfare and happiness Of the human race
What State would torcgo the advantages o.
this vast free trade with all her sisters ant
place herself in lonely isolation? But the nc
QUESTION Of Cuba would greatly strengthen oul
bond of union. It's possession would secure Il
all the States within the valley of the Missis
sippi and Gulf of Mexico free access to the
ocean but this security could only be preserve,
while the ipbuilding aud navigating State
Of the Atlantic shall furnish n navy sufhcon
TO keep open the outlets from the gulf to tin
ocean.
Cuba, justly approaching the advantages o
annexation, is now ready to rush into on
arms. Once admitted she would be entirel,
dependent for her prosperity, aud even exist
ence, upon Ler connection with the Union
whilst the rapidly increasing trade between
her and the other States would shed its bless
ings and It's benefits over the whole. Such
state Of mutual dependence, resulting from The
very nature of things the world has never wit
messed. This is what will insure the pcrpetui
ty Of our Union.
With all these considerations in view, tn,
President believes that the crisis has arrived