The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-06
% zcqusscs in the cession Of Cuba to an European

uSoxac ~ ns uuly az the same time 10 re-
mind M. de Sartiges, and through him his govern
nent that the policy Of the United States has uni
ormily been to avoid, far as possible, alliances
Or agreements with other States, and to keep itself
directly the interests of the United States them
selves. This sentiment has been strongly felt and
entertained in the councils of this Gov
from its earliest history How far, there
an exception, and especially how far any motive
may be found for entering into any treaty stpula-
tons exchange of official declarations with the
of France and Great Britain In the
xsting state of things upon the subject OF Cuba,
questions which, the undersigned has already
will be maturely considered.
The undersigned avails himself of this oppor
tunity to renew to M de Sartiges the assurance Of
his high consideration.
(Signed) DANIEL WEBSTER
DErARTMENT OF STATE,
WAsHINGToN, April 20, 1852.
Mr.. Eueren to Mr. Champion. Ga similar despatch
hauing been addressed to NJ. de Sartge.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
-.-..g WAsHINGToN, December l, 1852.
Sic: lou well acquainted with the melan.
choly circumstances which have hitherto prevented
a reply to the note which you addressed to my
predecessor on the 9Th of July.
That note and the instruction of Lord Mains
bury of the SIh OF April accompanying it, with
similar communication from the English minister,
and the prejet of convention between the three
powers relative to Cuba, have been among the first
subjects to which my attention has been called by
the President. s-a t i.
The substantial portion of the proposed conven.
ton expressed in siugie article in the following
terms: ......... .... .zs. ..@.-ssa .st
s'The high contracting parties hereby severaily
and collectively disclaim now and forever hereafter
all intention to obtain possession of the leland of
Cuba, and they respectively bind themselves to
discountenance all attempt to that fleet the
part of any power or individuals whatever The
high contracting parties declare severally and
collectively that they will not obtain or maintain
for themselves, or for any one of themselves, any
exclusive control over the said island, nor assume
exercise any dou iniOn over the same"
The President has given the most serious atten
ton to this proposal, to the notes of the British
and French Ministers accompanying it, and to the
instructions ofM. de Turgot and the Earl of Mains
bury, transmitted with the project OF the conven-
ton, and he directs me to make known to you the
view which he takes of this important and delicate
subject. The President fully concurs with his pre-
decessors, who have more than one occasion
authorized the declaration referred to by Lord
Malmsbury and M. de Turgot, that the United
States could not with Indifference tt Island of
Cuba fall into the possession of any other Europe
an government than Spain; not however because
should be dissatisfied with any natural increase
OF territory and power, on the part of England
France. France has within twenty years
CURED vast domain on the northern coast Of Al
RIGA, with fair prospect Of indefinite extension
England within half century has added very
tensivey to her empire. These acquisitions have
created no uneasiness on the part of the United
States. r. a ...5-r .a-r.-, E
In like manner the United States have, within
the same period, greatly increased their territory
The largest addition was that of Louisiana, which
was purchased from France. These accessions OF
territory have probably caused no uneasiness to
the great European powers, they have been
brought about by the operation Of natural causes,
and without any disturbance of the international
relations of the principal States They have been
followed also by great increase of mutually bene-
al into hpfU he Ipitc cd
States and Europe. -5@z Boz d. a-ae-
But the would be different in reference to
the transfer of Cuba from Spain to any other
European power. That event could not take place
without serious arrangement OF the intern ttiona
system now existing, and it would indicate designs
in reference to this hemisphere which could not
but awaken alarm in the United States We should
view it in somew hat the same light in which France
and England would view the acquisition of some
important island in the Mediterranean by the
United States with this difference, it is true that
the attempt of the United States to establish them
selves in Europe would be novelty, while the ap
pearance of European power in THE part of the
world is familiar fact. But this difference in the
two cases ia merely historical and would not di-
minish the anxiety which, Oh political grounds,
would be caused by any great demonstration of
Eur )pean power in new direction in America.
Lord Malmesbury states that Great Britain could
never see with indifference the possession of Cuba
by any power but Spain, and explicitly declares
that she has no wish or intention of appropriating
the same avcwal on behalf of his government.
Lord Malmsbury and M. de Turgot do the Govern.
ment of the United States more than justice in
remarking that they have often pronounced them.
selves substa ntially in the same sense. The Pre-.
sident does not covet the acquisition of Cuba for
the United States. At the same time, he considers
the condition of Cuba mainly an American
question, and to a limited extent only European
question. The proposed convention proceeds on a
different principle: 1t assumes that the United
States have no other greater interest in the
question than England or France; whereas it is
necessary only to cast ones eye upon the map to
see how remote the relations OF Europe and
how intimate those of the United States with this
island. -.-.
The President, doing full justice to the friendly
spirit in which his concurrence is invited by
England and France, and not insensble to the |
advantages of good understanding between the
three powers in reference to Cuba, feels himself
nevertheless unable to become party to the pro- |
posed compact for the following reasons; 1t is, in
respect due from the Executive to a coordinate
branch of the Government will permit him to an
ticipate it's decision) that no such convention
would be viewed with favor by the Senate. It's
certain rejection by that body would leave the
question of Cuba in more unsettled position than
it ia now. This objection would not require the
President to withhold his concurrence from the con-
vention if other objection existed; and if strong
sense OF the utility of the measure rendered it HE
duty, far as the Executive action is concerned,
to give his consent to the arrangement. Such,
however, is not the case. The convention would
be of no value unless it were lasting Accord
ingly, its terms express perpetuity of purpose
and obligation. Now it may well be doubted
whether the Constitution of the United States
would allow the treaty making power to impose
perma nent disability the American & overn-
ment, for all coming time, and prevent it, under
any future change of circumstances, from doing
what has been often done in times past In
1903 the United States purchased Louisiana of
France; and in 1919 they purchased Florida of
Spin. 1t is lot within the competence of the
treaty making power in 1852 effectually to bind
the Government, in all its branches, and for all
coming time, not to maxi similar purchase of
Cuba. like remark l imagine, may be made
even in reference both to England and France,
where the treaty making power is less subject
than it is with to the control of other branches of
the Government. There is another strong objection
to the proposed agreement. Among the oldest
traditions of the Federal Government is an aver
sion to political alliances with European powers.
In his memorable farewell address, President
Washington says: "The great rule of conduct for
US in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our
commercial relations, to have with them as little
political connection possible. So far as we have
already formed engagements. let them be fulfilled
with perfect good faith. Here let us STOP" Pre-
sident Jefferson, in his inaugural address in 1901,
warned the country against s.entangling ALLAN
ces" This expression, now become proverbial, |
was unquestionably used by Mr.. jefferson in re-
terence to the alliance with France of 1772