Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-12-23

the island. Besides, from the increasing
changes in the Spanish cabinet and policy,
our desire to make the purchase might
thus be made known in an official form to
foreign governments, and arouse their jeal-
ousy and active opposition. Indeed, even
if the present cabinet should think favora-
bly, of the proposition, they might be great
ly embarrassed by having it placed on record;
for in the event it would almost certainly,
through some channel reach the opposition
and become the subject Of discussion in
the Cortes. Some delicate negotiations, at
least in their incipient stages, ought always
to be conducted in confidential conversation,
and with the utmost secresy and despatch.
At your interview with the Minister for
Foreign Affairs you might introduce the
subject by referring 10 the present distract
ed condition Of Cuba, and the danger which
exists that the population will make an at
tempt TO accomplish revolution. This must
be well 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 dispatch TO Gen.
Campbell, and the order issued by the Sec
rotary Of War TO the Commanding General
in Mexico, and to the officer having charge
OF the ernbarkation of our troops at Vera
Cruz. You may then touch delicatcIy upon
the danger that Spain may lose Cuba by a
revolution in the Island, or that it may be
wrested from her by Great Britain, should
rupture take place between the two coun-
tries, arising out Of the dismissal OF Sir
Henry Bulwer, and be retained to pay the
Spanish debt due 10 the British bondholdcrs.
You might assure him that, whilst this Gov
ernment is entirely satisfied that Cuba shall
remain under the dominion Of Spain we
should in any event resist its acquisition by
any other nation.
And, finally, you might inform him that
under all these circumstances, tn Presidcn
had arrived at the conclusion that SpaiI
might be willing TO transfer The island It
the United States for fair and full consid
Grafton. You might cite as precedent tn
cession of Louisiana to this country by Ma
poleon, under somewhat similar circumstan
ces, when he was at the zenith ofhis powe
and glory. l have merely presented thcs
| topics in their natural order, ard you CO
, fill up the outline from the information com
= municated in this dispatch, as well as frol
e your own knowledge OF the subject
Should the Minister ofForeIgn Affairs len
| a favorable ear to your proposition, then III
4 question Of the consideration TO be rai
! would arise, and you have been furnisho
{ with information in this despatch which wi
a enable you to discuss that question. In nju,
:; tice to Mr. Calderon, ought here to ol
n serve that, whilst giving me the iniormatic
e before stated, in regard to the nett amour
/ of revenue from Cuba which reached O.
IS Spain, he had not then, and has not nov
: the most remote idea Of our intention
a make an attempt topurchase the island.
e The President would be willing to stipr
late for the payment Of one hundred million
d Of dollars. This, however, is the max
n mum price: and if Spain should be williI
e to sell, you will use your best efforts
\ purchase it at rate as much below III
n sum as practicable. III case You should
Mt able to conclude treaty you may adopt
I'd Your model, so far as the same may be a
te piicable, the two conventions Of April 3
&C 1903, between France and the [. State
If for the sale and purchase Of Louisiana.
of The seventh and eighth articles OF the fiji
Of of these conventions, ought, if possible,
III be omitted; still, if this should be indispe
s. sable TO the accomplishment OF the obje
ne articles similar to them may be retained.
G. l transmit you full power 10 conclu
IT. such treaty.
a You will be careful 10 make a full a
It's faithful report to this Department Of all
-ly conversations and proceedings Oh this subj
M between yourself and the Spanish Minis
zee for Foreign Affairs. Should you succ
ent in accomplishing the object, you will as
ION cate your name wilha most important
he beneficial measure for the glory and proSI
Nd ny Of your country
lSS Yours, very respectfully,
| a JAMES BUCHANAN
ON RoMuLus Nj. SAUNDERS, Esq.
has In reply to this communication,
ure Saunders addressed letter TO Mr. /
hanan, dated La Granja, July 20, lS4I
ew, which he states that he was embarra
ar how, and TO whom, to make the offer for
'ur- purchase of Cuba. After sending all are
j he he heard there was change likely T.
per- made in the SpQnish Minister of For