The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-08
Tho Negotiation for the Purchase OF Cub.

York EUening Post to prove that at least one
portion of the Democratic party-and that far
from NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. unequivocally the
assumption of power of which Mr.. PoLK's ad-
ministration has been convicted in regard to
Cuba, and the discreditable dupicity and petty
maneuvring with which its negotiations for the
purchase of that island were conducted. We
now append extracts from an article of the
New York Journal Of Commerce to show that
the main commercial wing of the party con
denim the action of MIR. BUCHANAN and his
chief, and approve of the course pursued by
MIR. FILLMORE in his response TO the resolu-
ton of the House Of Representatives. We
italicise sentences which, from such quarter,
should be well considered by not few of our
ferocous contemporaries: ......
"Mr. King, the Vice President elect, and who
was FOR some tipe our Minister to France, in
aking OF the true qualities of diplomatist,
referred to his own invariabe habit, which
was, to be wholly frank in bis communica-
tions; to explain to the opposite governmen mt
the real object and intent of the particular move
ment; to lay before them every fact within his
cognizance; and then to seek with fair arguments
to convince them that what he sought should be
assented to; that it was a policy which allayed
suspicion and bred confidence, and insured success
when the arts of diplomacy often failed. We
could wish that the United States should be Cow
erned by these straight forward rules, and never,
under any circumstances. attempt to gain its ends
through the cunning of diplomacy.
1t is true policy, not only for success in the
particular matter, but also in its effect the peo
pie Of the country, to conduct our foreign negota
r.
is far above all the powers of cunning minds.
They are not match for those who invariably act
on that distinct basis II requires no particular
effort of memory, such those must make
who tell what 10 not true. No unguarded moment
betrays them. No skill, aiming to throw off
his guard and thus reach the secret springs of
ton and ASCERTAIN the true motive. can ever
coed over those who adopt it. The policy is honor
able to the country, and was such as Franklin,
Jefferson, and Washington invariably pursued.
We do not, therefore, find fault soifh the President
for sending to Congrsss its col-lmited II
BY the usual provision- consissf ,cifh the public
interest, the documents and correspondence relating
to Cuba. Our first effort to procure that island,
and the reasons rendered by our Minister, were no
doubt Immediately communicated to the important
European powers. The publication of the docu-
ments will perhaps show them that they have mag
n6ed the extent of the feeling this country ia
vorable to that object, and weaken alarms already
felt IL ,ciu sho,o also that the proceeding sOas un-
dertaksn ,cithout the authority Of Congrsss The peo
ple and simply the responsibility Of those ,Oho had
right to take step Of that character. There are
undoubtedly many minds which will be greatly
surprised at what was thus revealed. 1t will not
be among those upon whom the burdens of Gov
eminent fall. They are astute to learn all such
things, fully and particularly. The publication
will have the effect to fix limit to their suspicious
of what our ams. The publication will have
another effect upon our own people, and we believe
beneficial effect. 1t will open this great question
for full discussion, if 1t has not been closed by the
dstint announcement, the wise announcement Of
the Spanish government-wise as respects them.
seves-that they would rather the island were
sunk in the than that it should be sold to any
foreign power. II the island shall be sold by Spain
to US, it will be equivalent to surrender by the
Queen of the great power of government. 1t will
bring upon the Spanish nation the contempt Of her
own people. Her authority is menaced, and it is
no time to part with her dominions by sale to
another power. Her assent at proper period to
its independence is another question. Hume has
said that there is period in the history of all colo
nies when they get ripo aud drop off from the pa
rent stem When that period arrives, the divorce
will be easy and natural. A sale, under the cir
cumstances of the case, 10 a wholly different mat
ter. We look therefore upon its acquisition by such
means, If it toere the unanimous desire Of the
country. ,oholly out Of the question The pur-
chase of Louisiana, and the acquisition OF Flo
rida, were not parallel cases.
The movement with respect to the purchase
of Cuba was originated in the Cabinet of Mr.. Polk.
was in no manner communicated to Congress, toas
not authorized, directly indirectly by that depart
ment of the Government, is not sustained by the
pressed tcishes of tbs American people, and will Gre
ate much astonishment throughout the country.
The public are now advised of the whole length
and breadth of this matter, by the publication Of
these important documents, and with proper in
| telligence and with due frmness will make up and
express their opinions in regard to it. The pur-
chase of Cuba we regard as wholly impossible. 1t
will, however, be the cover under which proceed
ings to acquire it by other will be discussed
by the flibustering forces, and it will best meet
all proceedings of this character to firmly oppose
all steps by which it's acquisition in any form shall
| be attempted. A painful suspicion of unfairness
and dishonesty with respect to this question already
exists, and II becomes the United States to remove
it by frank, manly, and honorable course towards
Spain, and by promptly suppressing all hosilities
against the integrity Of her possessions The out
| going administration cannot move too decisvely
against what Mr.. Jefferson stigmatized as the
criminal attempts of private individuals to decide
for their country the question of peace or war;"