Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-12-01


should be made to purchase the island of Cuba from
Spain, and he has determined entrust you with the
performance of this most delicate and important duty
The attempt should be made, in the irst instance, In
a confidential conversation with the Spanish Minis
ter for Foreign Affairs; written offer might produce
an absolute refusal in writing, which would embarrass
US hereafter in the acquisition 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 official form foreign Governments,
and arouse their jealousy and active opposition. In
deed, even if the present Cabinet should think favor
ably of the proposition, they might be greatly embar-
rassed by having it placed records for in that
ii would almost certainly, through some channel, reach
the opposition and become the subject of discussion
In the Cores Such delicate negotiations, at least in
their incpient stages, ought always to be conducted
in confidential! conversation, and with the utmost
cresy and dispatch.
Al your interview with the Minister for Foreign
Affairs 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 10 accomplish revolution. This must be
we'll known to the Spanish Government. In order to
convince him of the good faith and friendship towards
! Spain with which this Government has acted, you
might read to him the first part of my despatch to
General Campbell, and the order issued by the Secre
tary OF War to the Commanding General in Mexico,
and to the officer having charge Of the embarkaton of
our troops at Vera Cruz. You may then touch deli
lately upon the danger that Spain may lose Cuba by
revolution in the island or that it may be wrested
from her by Great Britain, should rupture take place
between the two countries arising out of the dismiss
sal of Sir Henry Bulwer. and be retained to pay the
| Spanish debt due to the British bondholders. You
| might assure him that, whilst this Government is
tirely satisfied that Cuba shall remain under the do
mnon of Spain, We should in any event resist its
QUESTION by any other nation And, finally, you
might I'M form him that under all these circumstances,
the President had arrived the conclusion that Spain
might be willing to transfer the island to the United
States for fair and full consideration. You might
cite as precedent the cession of Louisiana to this
country by Napoleon, under somewhat similar circum
stances, when he at the zenith of his power and
glory. have merely presented these topics inf their
natural order and you fill the outline from the
information communicated in this despatch, as well
as from your own knowledge of the subject. Should
the Minister for Foreign Affairs lend favorable ear
to your proposition, then the question of the consd
Grafton to be paid would arise, and you have been
furnished with information in this despatch which will
enable you to discuss that question. In Justice Mr..
Caderon ought here to observe that, whilst giving
the information before stated, in regard toEe
amount OF revenue from Cuba which reached Old
Spain he had then, and has now, the most re-
mote idea of our intention to make attempt to pur
chase the island.
The President would be willing to slipulae for the
payment of one hundred millions of dollars. This,
however, is the maximum price; and if Spain should
be willing to sell, you will your best efforts
purchase IT at a rate much below that prac-
| ticabe. In case you should be able to conclude
treaty, you may adopt your model, far the
same may be applicable, the two conventions of April
3d. 1903, between France and the United States, for
the sale and purchase of Louisiana. The seventh and
eighth articles of the first of these conventions ought
if possible to be omitted still, if this, should be in
dispensabe to the accomplishment of the object
tcles similar to them may be retained.
| transmit you full power conclude such
treaty.
| You will be careful TO make full and faithful re-
port this Department of all the conversations and
proceedings this subject between yourself and the
Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs. Should you
succeed in accomplishing the object, you will asso-
ciate your name with most important and beneficial
for the glory and prosperity of your country.
! Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
| RoMULUs NJ. SAUNDERS, Esq.
| P. S. You will send your dispatches on the sub
| ject of this despatch by special messenger to our
Consul at Liverpool, and draw upon the Department
for the expense, unless you transmit them by
trusty person. They may be directed to the Presi-
dent. You may probably have OCCASION in relation
to this subject, to use the cipher of the legation.
| mo. %. DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
| Washington, July 7, 1s4s.
Sir: With reference the instructions to you of
the 18th umo, (No. 81, will thank you suhsti-
tute the following paragraph for that beginning with
the words In regard to the public lands of Cuba ="
In regard to the quantity of public lands still
accurate information. From all that we have learned
it is believed that the Crown of Spain has already
granted by far the greater portion Of the whole terri
tory of the island individuals. We need not
therefore, calculate upon deriving much from
this source.
| / am, sir, very respectfully,
| Your obedient servant,
! JAMES BUCHANAN.
Ro,,r1us NJ S,uNDFRs ESQ