Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-01-22

tion and the circumstances which have almost reduced
70 dead letter, have produced the impression which
evidently prevails in Europe that not prepared to
enforce it. as the war-making authority has refused
neglected to sanction it-why, repeat withhold this
action and leave thereby encourage unoward events
which que hrmness part might anticipate, and
would probably prevent The decree stands recorded in
The history Of Executive acts 1t is essential to its
vitality that it should take its place in the acts Of
We Legislative department Why not? Do you mean to
ease II without effect and abandon it to its fate, and not
wen attempt to enforce it? If so, it would be much
more honorable to repeal it. Or do you desire its eff
st action in great exgencies which may come. proba
nv indeed will come; for if you do you must fortfy
N the declaration Of your Jealous concurrence, and If
Aee4 pc, your powerful cooperation Or afraid to
ypk out boldly, plainly becomes the American peo-
trusting to the miserable policy of expedients instead
" 4ttng ur rights and determination to maintain
AZ may be consolng to Observe at least for those
>p the consolation, that Legislative declaration
ss % ssss q i have ssssls sssSsass PRE-
w0Id dosbtlew be made for assuredy SSue8sk via
the Uhed States for the acquisition Of territory
America the vry seatof our powsr would not BE- hazard
ed without vert powerful considerations which it's d
cut rese in the face Of the exerons Of this coun-
try, putting foIh all its strength.
So much for his project of reconvertng the American
continent into ropean colonies and for the position is
our duty to asme and maintain in relation to it, And
now for the secnd resolution which looks the present
and the future the Island of Cuba.
But before preceding to the consideration Of it, it is
proper to remak that its form has provoked good deal
Of animadverso and opposition because the desire
of the United Safes purchase Cuba is not distinctly
announced upo this occasion. Mr.. President it is an
occasion whichs not appropriate to such declaration
Our present pupose, in this appeal to the world is to
icy, should any other nation attempt to
obtain possess by the consent without the consent
of Spain and the conviction that such solemn proce-
dure will have tendency to prevent designs which might
otherwise be Undertaken But purchase of Cuba is
question between AID Spain and requires no public
annunciaton other naions and to make it would be
sacrifice of our,wn self tespect.
So far respects personal views, these have
already explained to theSenate. desire the possession
of Cuba, earnestly desiH it, whenever justly OBJ
tain it. and the sooner that time comes the better for
then will be finally setfd of the most delicate ques
tions-the most ielicat perhaps in foreign policy
always liable to embar1ss by grave conjunctures
easily to be seen than be guarded against As TO the
means though as hde already said, am prepared to
advocate its purchasS even the most liberal price,
STILL should prefer il acquisition by the action Of the
people of Cuba-and noble tribute it would be to our
insttutons-in tie eiercise of their power nde
pendent nation could hey succeed by any arrangement
with Spain in procuring her recognition OF that condition.
should they oe ab and prepared to establish their
right to place in the family of nations.
There are two questions involved in this subject Of
Cuba one Of right the other Of expedency; whether
do a thing justly and if we can, what and how
much we ought to do. This great measure Of policy,
connected With the destiny Of that important nsuar po
stion has long occupied the attention OF the American
people, AMI the considerations bearing upon it have been
often snd elaboratey presented that shall confne
my present remarks within the narrowest compass which
the gravity of the inquiry will permit We are oil aware
Of the recent circumstances which have attracted and
rested public attention and though the crisis they ap-
pered to foreshadow has passed away still there are
elements Of arising ont Of the uncertain ecpd
ton OF the spanish monarchy, both metropolitan md
lonia which must be In active operation liable te
produce results gravely affecting vital interests
The right Of one country to occupy or control portions
of the possessions of another is deducble from the
law of selfdefence which is applicable to communi
ties to individuals. There many instances in
dern history Of the application Of this doctrine, and the
code which regulates hentercourse of nations and which
adaps itself to the existing circumstances of the world
recognises this power of sefpreservation Like other
human pretensons this is liable abuse and has been
greatly abused in Europe and especially by the usurpa-
tions arising out Of the balance Of pow-a principle
avowedy introduced for the protection of the weak against
the strong but practically perverted to make the strong
more powerful and the weak dependant. nation,
feeling the responsibility Of its conduct towards God and
man. and sensible Of its duties, should take care
when driven to avert danger by anticipating It, that 1t
does mistake spirit Of aggrandizement for the just
claims of selfdefence and seize the feet OF friendly
Power Danish fect for example, as mere instrument
of maritime supremacy.
The true principle is we'll laid down in legisa-
tive history aud announced in the resolution Of Con-
gress of March Sd, 1911, which declared:
"Taking view the peculiar situation Of Spain and Of
her American provinces and considering the influence which
the destiny Of the territory adjoining the southern border Of
the United States may have upon their security tranquility
Resolrd 5y ne Senate and House Of Representative, q
the United States Of America IN Congress assembled That the
United States under the peculiar circumstances Of the exist
ing crisis cannot without serious inquiede, part Of
the said territory pass into the hands Of any foreign Power
and that due regard their safety compe them "a
provide certain contingencies for the temporary
patton Of the said territory They the time declare
that said territory shall in their hands remain subject
future negotiations
And in the act Of Congress passed the day. fol
the purpose OF carrying this decaratory resolution into
effect Il Is provided that the President be authorized
to take possession Of the country east Of the Perddo river
and south Of the State Of Georgia and Of the Mississippi
Territory among other events in il should be de-
yered up by the local authority or in the event of
attempt TO occupy the said territory by any foreign Gov
ernment."
This is our doctrine and our policy and the very pro
position Of the French and British Governments to
own regulate bya rpartte treaty, without the partc
patton Of Span the future condition Of Cuba is itself
concession Of the right to direct and control peculiar po
sitions upon whose fate important interests depend
Does the Island of Cuba present those paramount con-
sderatons connected with safety and prosperity which
justify the United States in the exercise Of vgilan su
person over its destiny and in the adoption Of decisive
for its possession should any other nation seek
to obtain II by force by purchase The Importance Of
the question, rather than any difficulty in its solution
deserves passing consideration and in referring to i
must repeat views have heretofore presented TO the Sc
nate upon this subject.
The Gulf Of Mexico is the reservoir Of the great river o.
the North American continent whose Importance 1t s a
difficult to realize il is the value Of the country which
must seek an outlet to the through it's waters That
country Is nearly equal to all Europe in extent embracing
twenty-five degrees Of latitude and thirty five Of ong
tude upon the great circles Of the globe This vast basin
extends from the summit Of the Aleghany to the summit
Of the Rocky Mountains, and its population now equals
eight millions The yet lives who was living vher
almost the FIRST tree fell before the woodsmans stroke in
this great domain and the is living who will live
to see II contain one hundred millions Of people Already
the hardy Western pioneer has crossed the barrier Of the