Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-09-14


had accompanied the production of the papers The
despatch of Lord John Russell is then to be Judged
without such ocial comment as expression of the
views of the British government In another column
will be found article from the Boston Post in the
general scope and drift of which we concur respect
ing those propositions in Lord John Russes letter to
which it refers. There are however some points in
that despatch, in our judgment alike important and
inadmssible which the Post appears to have omitted
or reserved for future examination, and to which
we deem it proper to invite the attention of our
readers.
Towards the close of the British letter occurs the
following very extraordinary paragraph:
"Nor let it be said that such convention would
have prevented the inhabitants of Cuba from assert
ing their independence With regard to internal
troubles, the proposed convention altogether
silent. But pretended declaration of independence,
with a view of Immediately seeking refuge, from
volts the part of the blacks under the shelter of
the United States, would justly be looked upon as
the in effect formal annexation"
1t will be perceived that the declaration of indie
pendence here spoken of is ''pretendeG' declara-
ton, made "aoith tile 0iea0' of Immediately asking
aid from the United States against consequent in
surrecton of the blacks in the island These limita
lions in the British proposition, in our judgment,
practically amount to nothing because they have
foundation in the nature of the contemplated
declaration of independence made without due
thority from the people is declaration at all but
if made by due authority on the part of the people,
it is not within the competency of any foreign pow
er to regard such declaration as mere pretence.
form, and If duly performed involves considerations
altogether too momentous to permit it to be regarded
sham. The other limitation is equally unbound
ed in the nature of the case because, if the Cubans
declare their independence, they mast do in full
view CT negro instruction, Spain having been
dertood repeatedly to threaten to set the negroes at
at liberty in such event in order to put down
a revolutionary movement in Cuba by the torch and
the knife in negro hands 1t is easy to see there
FORE that whenever the Cubans declare themselves
independent they will do of necessity, in full view
of the horrors OF consequent servile of eXter-
minaton, and, of course with the view of seeking
shelter" from such horrors wherever such shelter
may be found. All these conditions suppose to
be involved in the very nature of the which the
above-cited proposition contemplates. They show
that the limitations of the British proposition practi
cally amount to nothing.
The proposition, then is that, assuming DECLARE
ton of independence and revolution in Cuba, and
a consequent revolt of the blacks under Spanish au-
thority, and by Spanish instgaton any act of aid
succor to the Cubans by the United States, howev-
urgently invoked by them, is in the view of the
British government to be regarded and resisted as
alike Objectionable and unwarranted.
Now, of this British proposition so stated before
touching its bearing upon other cardinal points of
American policy, remark that it sets at defiance
every dictate of humanity and even of civilization.
What stronger case can be imagined to invoke and
to justify the nterpoStion of the United States than
such appeal from the people of Cuba in state of
revolution to them from general massacre, and
their beautiful island from barbarization the hands
of savage and Infatuated negroes thus let loose upon
them?
1t is not purpose to anticipate the decision eth
of the American government of the American
people upon the question of such interposition by
the United States in the have supposed.
That question will doubtless be considered and deci
ded when the arises. Our point is that if Great
Britain properly denOunce 6ef0rehond anaoar-
ranted and iGdnaass6Le such interposition by in
such case, then is there whatever involving
relations with the communities on this continent
action towards them. WI Great
may not with at least equal right pretend to inter-
fere and to dictate.
Look at the undisputed facts of the case Here is
an island almost within sight of our coast-comman-
ding the great outlet of our principal staple products
forming naturally part of the American terrific
rial and commercial system. That island is wretch
edly misgoverned by European power. By the
showing of the British government itself the Spanish
rulers there in addition to what else in their rule is
ntolerabe, have been for years past in defiance of
solemn treaties the confederates Of the African slave
traders And yet Great Britain assumes to tell the
United States, that if the CubanS against their
oppressors the United States shall not interpose to
protect them from the savage slaughter of a servile
war, excited and nstigated for their destruction
The British government will hardly pretend that |
any question can arise in relations with the COM
munties of this continent of deeper interest to in
all its aspects then would be the question presented
to us in Cuba by the very case which the above ex-
tract supposes, and in which England thus openly
undertakes to prescribe in advance to the only t
line of policy which it will regard admissible. |
The British dictuna is that when that case arises
whatever may think of it. to let the aChoZe
matter alone, under peril of English displeasure if
we move in it. We do not deem it necessary to |
waste words upon such British pretension We |
entertain not the slightest doubt that the whole
American people will, with voice, repudiate and |
repe it. 1t is hard to believe that the British gov
eminent has put forward such pretenson seriously
and deliberately 1t is still difficult to believe
that that government will, upon reflection, adhere to
it and maintain in what appears to be its manifest
scope and meaning. But if such shall be the course
of the British government, then not how to |
avoid the conclusion that in matters vital to
tona rights interests and honor, it will be directly
in conflict with the fixed policy both of the govern
ment and people of the United States in regard to
the affairs of this continent The practical effect of
such collision between the views of the two gov
need not now to be anticipated because
we should regard it in high degree dscreditable
to any democratic administration to suppose that
any event. it would consent to surrender one jot or
title of that true American policy-the only policy
of justice and permanent peace-n the affairs of the
American continent which it has so fully and form
ally proclaimed Wash. Union.
DEEP EARNEST THoUGHT. l. It is a rare at +
tainment to get the power of close and consecutive
thinking No man can do it but with great pains. /
1t is of the great ends of education and mental