The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-19

evpts which due frmness on our part might anti
s and rco, would probably prevent The decree
act 1t is essential to its vitality that il should
tab its place in the acts OF the legislative depart
mot Why mott Do you mean to leave il without
efct, and abandon il To its fate and not even at
tempt to enforce it? II so, it wonld be much more
honorable to repeal it. Or do you desire it's efficient
acton in great exigences which may come.-pro-
baby, indeed, will come?-for. if you do, you must
fory it by the declaration Of your Jealous concur
rene, and, il need be, your powerful cooperation
Orare we afraid to speak out boldly, plainly, be-
cones the American people, trusting to the miserable
pofy OF expedients, instead OF asserting or rights
ant our determination to maintain them? It may be
coHOng to observe at least for those who need the
correlation, that Legislative declaration would to
say the least of it, have strong tendency to pre-
ven attempts which, without such an imposing mea-
sur would doubtless be made, for assuredly the con-
teswith the United States for the acquisition Of ter
rit0y in North America, the very seat OF our power
wodd not be haZarded without very powerful cons
derions, which it is difficult to foresee, in the face
of tie eXertions Of this country putting forth all its
strength.
So much for this project of re-convertng the
American continent into European colonies, and for
the position it is our duty to assume and maintain in
relation to it. And now for the second resolution,
which looks to the present and the future Of the
Island Of Cuba. ....
BIT before proceeding to the consideration of it, it
is proper to remark that its form has provoked good
deal Of animadversion and some opposition because
the desire Of the United States to purchase Cuba is
notdistinctly announced upon this occasion.
Nh. President, it is an occasion which is not appro
priste to such declaration. Our present purpose,
in this appeal to the world is TO announce our policy
should any other nation attempt to obtain possession
by the consent or without the consent of SPAIN and
in tie conviction that such solemn procedure will
have a tendency to prevent designs which might
otherwise be undertaken. But our purchase of Cuba
is question between us and Spain, and requires no
public annunciatOn to other nations and to make it
would be sacrifice Of our own selffespect.
so TAR as respects my own personal views, these I
have already explained to the Senate. desire the
possession OF Cuba-earnesty desire it, whenever we
can justly obtain it, and the sooner that time comes
the better tor then will be finally settled one of the
most delicate questionable most delicate, perhaps
III our foreign policy, always liable to cmbarrass us
by grave conunctues more easy to be foreseen than
to be guarded against. As to the mcans-thOugh
as have already said, am prepared to advocate its
purchase even at the most liberal price, still should
prefer its acquisition by the action of the peope of
Cuba-and noble tribute it would be to our insttu
tons-n the exercise OF their power as an indepen-
dent nation, could they succeed, by any arrangement
with Span in procuring her recognition of that con-
dton, or should they be able and prepared to esta-
bsh 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 eypediency.
Whether we can do anything justly, and ii we can,
what and how much we ought to do. This great
of policy, connected with the destiny Of that
important inslar position, has long occupied the at
tention Of the American people, and the considera
lions bearing upon it have been often and so eabo
ratey presented that shall confne nv present re-
marks within the narrowest compass which the
gravity OF the inquiry will permit We are all aware
OF the recent circumstances which have attracted
and arrested public attention, and though the crisis
they appeared to foreshadow has passed away still
there elements of difficulty arising out OF the un
certain condition of the Spanish monarchy both me-
tropoitan and colonial, which must be in active OPP
Grafton, ever liable to produce results grayely affect
ing our vital interests.
The right of one cOuntrv In occunu or confrol nov
tons OF the possessions of another is deducbe from
the great law of sedefence, which as applicable
to communities as to individuals There are many
instances in modern history Of the application of this
course OF nations and which adapts itself to the ex
lstBg circumstances OF the world, recognizes this
power OF self-preservation. Like other human pre-
TENSIONS this is liable to abuse and has been greatly
abused in Europe and especially by the usurpations
arising out OF the balance of power, principle
avowedy introduced for the protection of the weak
against the strong, but practically perverted to make
the strong more powerful and the weak more de-
pendant nation feeling the responsibility of its
conduct towards God and man. and sensible of its
own duties, should take care, when driven to avert
danger by anticipating it, that it does not mistake
spirit of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for the lust claims of self
defence, and seize the fleet of friendly power-a
Danish fleet, for example-as mere instrument of
maritime supremacy.
The true principle is well laid down in our own
legislative history, and was announced in the resolu-
that Taking into view the peculiar situation OF
Spain and OF her American Provinces and consider
hg The influence which the destiny of her territory
adjoining the Southern border of the United States
nay have upon their security, tranquility, and com
nerce therefore
Resolved by the Senate and Houss Of Repre-
o. the United States Of America in Congress assembled,
That the United States the peculiar
ofthe existing crisis cannot without serious
setany part OF the said territory into the hands
AM foreign power; ana that due regard to their own
Tn provi dor cprto
cet for the temporary occupation Of the said territory
they at the time declare that the said territory
tatbns.n
And in the Act Of Congress passed on the same
day, for the purpose of carrying this declaratOry
resolution into effect it is provided that the Pres
dent BE authorized to take possession of the country
eastpf the Perdido river and south of the State oil
Georgia and of the Mississippi territory among
other events in it should be delivered up by the
Dcalauthorlty; .'or in the event of an attempt to
occnIy the said territory by any foreign government
ms ls our doctrine and our policy; and the very
proposition of the French and British governments to
dr own to regulate by trparte treaty without the
participation of Spain the future condition of Cuba
is Itself concession Of the right to direct and con
tol peculiar positions. upon whose fate important
Interests depend.
Does the island of Cuba present those paramount
considerations connected with our safety and pros.
pGity which justify the United States in the exer-
else OF vgant supervision over its destiny, and in
tn, adoption Of decisive measures for its possession
sud 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 it must
releat views l have heretofore presented to the
Senate upon this subject.
The Gulf of Mexico is the reservoir OF the great
river of the North American continent, whose i'm
ponance it is difficult to realize as is the value
OF the country which must seek an outlet to the
ocean through its waters. That country is nearly
equll to all Europe in extent, embracing twenty-five
dcgees of latitude aud thrty-ive of longitude upon
the great circles Of the globe. This basin extends
the Rocky mountains, and its population now equals
eight millions. The man yet lives who was living
whel almost the first tree fell before the woodlands
strobe in this great domain, and the man is v
ing Who will live to see il contain one hundred mil
lonsOf people. Already the hardy Western pioneer
has crossed the barrier Of the Rocky Mountains, and
the Drest is giving way before human industry upon
the very shores that look out upon China and Japan
The Mississippi is the great artery of this region,
which, drawing its supplies from the fountains Of the