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

4
my request. il il should be my pleasure TO make any
communication 10 him.
II was arranged should call The next day. when he
would receive me al early hour accordingly
called al The hour appointed and opened the conversation
by stating the information which had been given by Mr..
Campbell relative TO The threatened Instruction IN the
Havana; your instructions 10 consul as 10 the eau
on 10 be used in his words and actions 10 avoid even the
suspicion Of encouraging the insurgents and the posi-
live order OF the Secretary OF War 10 Major General But
Ter 10 prevent any attempt on the part OF the volunteers
| in their return from Mexico from stopping al the Ha-
yana de expressed himself thankful Tor the inior-
nation entirely satisfied with the conduct OF our gov
eminent; and requested me 10 express mueaas grltas,
many thanks, 10 the President for his in the bus
ness He further said they had their difficulties TO
tend with both in Cuba and al home but should always
look WIN confidence 10 our great country, iIon the
friendly relations which had long existed between
Spain and The United States
He requested to be furnished with copies oil your an
swer and OF the Secreiary's order promised 10 give
him copy OF the order 10 General Butler, and of so
much OF your letter as referred to The subject with the
understanding that the information given by Mr.. Camp
bell not 10 be used in any way TO excite preIndces
against him consul.
| considered this favorable moment TO introduce the
subject which had been the peculiar object OF my visit.
began by saying His excelency would allow me to
advert TO another matter in regard to the island OF Cuba
which, though one Of decacy was OF great importance
TO us, and trusted he would receive my communication
in the same friendly spirit in which ii was made" He
replied il would afford him much pleasure 10 hear anything
might have to say. continued: His excellency was
fully aware OF the very deep interest which the United
States felt in everything connected with the present
dition and future prospects OF Cuba; lis position, its
great Importance TO our commerce, the condition OF
potion of its population, well calculated to
the interest felt in its fate" He expressed his full
assent 10 all Of this. said that whilst the President
and our people were perfectly content that il should re-
main a colony of Spain, and did not by any means de-
sire 10 change that relation, several events had recently
taken place well calculated to excite fears, and to
create some alarm the subject ] should content my
self by referring him 10 few OF them The recent
revolution in France, and the order by lis provisional
government for the immediate emancipation OF the
slaves the French islands, and the fatal consequences
which had followed, had produced great anxiety in the
United States TO its effects the Spanish islands
He would doubtless recollecl The speech OF Lord George
OF the Spanish bondholders, and OF the reply OF Lord
Palmerson, asserting The right of the British govern.
men 10 wage war against Spain for the recovery OF
these debts whenever il might deem il exPedient" His
excelency very emphaticay sgnied his recollection Of
these speeches "These circumstances, ~ connexIon
with the recent suspension OF all diplomatic Intercourse
between the two governments had added 10 the anxiety
| of the United States TO the condition of Cuba They
had led the President 10 believe the time had arrived
when prudent for him 10 give TO the minister at
should be the pleasure Of her Catholic Majesy to enter
into such negotiation had been honored by The
President with special commission for this purpose-a
fact which had been directed 10 communicate TO the
governmental her Majesty in confidence, and which,
from the respect entertained towards his excelency,
hal induced me 10 make i known 10 HIM" he said in
reply shat he received the information with much
pleasure; that whilst he should consider II as contden-
al might be best that the Minister OF State should be
made acquainted Win II tha ne enjoyed ms lul con-
fdence and might be implicitly conhdea in" feoined
81 did not doubt on that score; but had thought, from
the nature OF the subject, as the Minister oil State was
just about enter upon the duties OF his office, II was
most proper 10 make the communication 10 his excel
lency"
Here our conference ended As you will see, was
somewhat guarded in The latter part OF my expressions,
and that the minister was not very explicit in his reply
He evidently was pleased with the communication. lie
not only courteous anG respectful, but manifested
the greatest attention aud interest during the whole OF
The | deemed IL most prudent not 10
the yord cession" and not exactly certain that he
understood me as being authorized 10 treat Tor the ces-
sion, merely Tor the security OF Cuba ~ all events,
did think polite, at this stage oil The business, 10
be explicit to press the matter further have
opened the subject, apprzed hm oil my authority and
hereafter advert 10 the subject as circumstances may
Justify. am well satisfied nothing will induce the Spaa
sh government TO part with Cuba but The apprehension
Of successful revolution in the island OF The fear OF its
seizure by England The national pride and character OF
these peo would not induce them readily to give up on
the first point have reason TO know the government
are not without their fears on the latter point As learn,
private letters from England give them to understand
tat Lord Palmerson is disposed 10 give them trouble,
and that the bondhodes pressing that something de-
cisve should be done in their behalf II the government
shall eneraa any serious fears IN regard 10 the matter
they would likely open the subject end thus enable inc
TO bring forward formal proposition 10 treat for ces
sion deem IT, therefore, the better policy 10 spheT the
thing 10 as il is for the present The court will re-
N here for some weeks, when shall have the oppor
uniy OF meeting the ministers 10 an Informal way with
out attracting that attention which our official visits IN
Madrid would likely excite Besides | can al my dis
creon as the matter now stands renew the subject with
the new Secretary, which shall most certainly do should
discover the least ground 10 suspect that they labor
ing under any msapprehension as 10 my conversation
with General Narvaez.
Mr. Pldal belongs to the French party, is strongly
preiudiced against The Engsh and will warmly second
Geh Narvuez on that point He was Secretary of War
al the time Of the Qdeens marriage Is The broher.in.
law Of Mon who was The Minister q! Finance at the
time and the great colaborer OF Count Bresson 10 sup
pott oil The Monpenser marriage. Su, he Is strongly
Spanish in his feelings and character, and not likely to
oln in promoting calculated 10 shock the national
pride On the other hand, he bold, rough. ndepend
eni U1an and would fearessy carry out any measure
he might undertake OF the Queen Mother have al.
ready spoken thai you have pretty accurate idea oil
the persons with whom have to deal and OF the prob,
ability OF success You will naturally inquire ii the
state OF the finances is 10 have effect the cues
ton With empty treasury, and the expenses daily
increasing With the credit of the government far
reduced as 10 be driven 10 the necessity OF resotng
to a forced loan 10 raise the small sum of tive mil.
hons one would suppose such state of things this
would be the first consideration with those charged with
the administration OF the government But, unfortunate
~ such il the desperate stale OF the finances and OF the
public debt. that all seem TO despair OF correcting
millions OF dollars. OF which the agent OF Tie Ing.
lish creditors claims two hundred and fifty millions OF
the domestic debit what is the amount to
know; Ills said even the government keeps account
OF 1t or il II Does will mol let be known. is stated
at three hundred millions three per cent, exGhang cable
fer certain kinds OF public property, Mr. Henderson is
still at Madrid, acting agent oil the bOndhoders, and
boasts OF occasionally receiving note OF promise from
General Naryaez The fact s, expect he is merely KEEP,
meet the heavy demands The treasury, IL dis
Certainty they without that radical rpform