The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1852-12-10
negotiations for Cuba.

Negotiations for Cuba.
The National Intelligencer has ublished
ma ecorrespenaencs which has taken place
Netwesn this country aud its diplomatic
agents abroad relative 10 the Island of Cuba.
Tue correspondence commences with ex-
tracts from letter dated Nov, 1922. from
Mr.. Forsyth, then Minister to Spain, and J.
q, Adams, at that time Secretary Of State,
under the administration of Mr.. Monroe, and
ends with the correspondence between Mr..
Buchanan, Secretary Of State under Presi-
dent Polk, and Mr. R. NJ. Saunders, then our
Mioister at the court Of Madrid.
The second letter from Mr.. Adams to Mr..
Forsyth, dated Dec. II, 1922, refers to pira-
cies upon our commerce in the Gulf and the
activity Of French and English agents in
Cubs, who were supposed to be ticking ad-
vantage of the unsettled condition of public
opinion for the benefit Of their respective
governments II concludes with instruc
tions to Mr.. F. to learn what he could "about
any negotiations that might be pending abou;
Cuba, and to communicate TO the Spanish
Government, in a manner adapted TO the del
icacy Of the case, the sentiments of this gov
ernment in relation 10 this subjert, which
are favorable to the continuance of Cuba in
n. cannoctinn with Spain.
The next letter is from Mr.. Forsyth to
Mr.. Adams, date1 February 10th, 1923, in
which the writer relates an interview with
the Spanish official, who said he relied upon
their own resources and upon Us for the Sc
curity of the Island. Mr.. F. said he felt
confident that the United States desired no
other neighbor in Cuba but Spain and would
do all in their power consistent with their
obligations, to prevent Cuba from being
wreslcd from her.
In the next letter from Mr.. Adams to Mr..
Nelson, then our Minister at Madrid, dated
April 2sth, 1923, the doctrine Of annexing
Cuba was for the FIRST time broached BY cur
government After referring to the possible
contingencies o. the war The w0ging between
France and Spain, and the probable extinc-
tion Of the Spanish rule upon this continent
as one of its results, he proceeds to speak Of
the importance of Cuba as an American pos
session, in which he makes substantially The
same points as we've subsequently made by
Mr.. Buchanan, and asks 10 be advised Of any
negotiation that might be on foot between
the English and Spanish Governments.
July 10, 1928, Hugh Nelson writes TO Mr.
Clay, then Secretary Of State, that he had an
nounced to the Spanish government what he
had been instructed TO say, sin reference 10
the aversion Of the American government 10
see the island Of Cuba pass into the hands Of
any other European power, and our disclaim-
er of all views on our part in reference to
the same subject
He received from Don Francisco de La
Bermudez the Spanish Secretary Of State, a
note expressing the kings qualification at .he
receipt of the assurances above quoted, and
adds:
's'His majesty has al no time thought ofce,
ding to any power the islands of Cuba and
Porto Rico; and, SO far from such purpose
is firmly determined 10 keep them under the
dominion and authority of his Legitimate
sovereignty"
April 9Th, 1925, Mr.. Clay instructed Mr.,
Everett, then Minister at Madrid, to urge the
Spanish govt rnment TO conclude peace
with the new republics on this continent
which successfully reyolted from Spain, as q
protraction of the struggle would inevitably
lead to warlike expeditions upon Cuba and
Porto Rico. In that connexion he says;
.'The United States are satisfied with the
present condition of those islands in the
hands of Spain, and with their ports open 10
our commerce as they are now OPEN this
government desires no political change oi
that condition. The population itself Of the
islands is incompetent at present, from its
composition and It's amount, to maintain
eelf government. The maritime force Of the
neighboring republics Of Mexico and Colon.
bia, is not now, nor is it likely shortly 20 be
adequate 10 the protection of those islands
If The conquest OF them were expected.
FThe United States would entertain constant
apprehenaons Of their passing from their pos
session to that of some less friendly sovereign.
tyiand Of all the European powers this coun.
try prefers that Cuba and Porto Rico should re-
main dependent on SPAN. If the war should
oontinne between Spain and the new republics
and those islands should become the object anc
the thsster Of ii, their fortunes have such
connection with the prosperity of the Unite,
States that they could not be Indifferent spec
tators and the possible contingencies Of snci
a protrscted war might bring upon the goyern
nent OF the Uniteo States duties and obliga
tions the efformance Of which, however pain
faiit Should be, thry might not be at liberty :
decline"
Several other letters of little importanc
toths subject are Published, bearing vafiou
dates hetween the yesrs Of 1925 and 1874
and here the subject rested uutli the election
ofMr. Polk,
Mr.. Buchanan first writes to MIR. Saun
ders, June II, lsae. He sage tbst the Unitel
States is willing that Cuba should continu
tobsa colony ofSpain, but nsverto becom
iho colony Of spy other European power.
His reasons are, her proximity to the Unite,
States, sndher commanding position in th