Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-01-27
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iH.erfsrenee 70 prevent The transfer OF Cuba TO
amy other power caution which. coming from
the source II did, was BY no means TO be dcs-
pissdi and that finally, our government itself,
during the administration Of Mr. Polk, offered
great sum. one hundred millions dollars, for
ks purchase. II Spain would sell at all, she
would have sold to the United States, which she
could have done peacefully and rightfully; but
she did hrmly and finally refuse 10 sell. Is it
likely that she viii ever sell the island at all?
We have seen that she would not sell il 10 the
United Slates--is it probable that she would sell
It any other power, with blOOdy-visagcd war
gisring in her face; with much TO lose by ex-
hibiiing sueha preference, and nothing whatev-
81 = ssin2 At the time the offer was made,
Spain was in an embarrassed, even approaching
Z . critical condition. She would not then, will
not now, and never win, any more part with
Caha 70 any earthly power, than loving hus-
bead would sell his wife. She never has part
ed with any Of her territorial possessions, ex-
csPt when driven by disastrous and uncOntroa-
Bile necessity. IL ever the connection is dis
solved between Spain and Cuba, il must be done
By foreign force, or Falibustering in some shape
I> s4-ccsis, thea, the anne Aaiion Of Cuba, is
practically an advocacy Of the cause Of FillibuS-
tsfism. The change will not be brought about
BY revolution, for the history of the Fillibusters
has proved that the people of Cuba, as body,
do not desire political connection with the Uni
ted States. They have reason TO fear that what
ever free government may be 10 the people of
The United States, it would be destruction TO
thsn- Spain will not peaceably yield posses
sion Of the island even for an exhorbitant pecu-
mary consideration; the inhabitants do not desire
annexation, and even if they did, there is no
way in which Cuba can be acquired but by
war.
What kind Of people should we incorporate
with US, supposing Cuba annexed, after terri.
bic war with all Europe; war in which would
perish that commerce which constitutes the pre-
sent value OF Cuba to usp We should have a
population that has been used to be kept in or
der by standing army twice as great as the
whole force Of the United States.
II acquired would Cuba continue slave
State? In the course of the war wliich must
take place between Spain and the United States,
IL 10 most probable that Spain, in the last extre-
nifty, would manumit her slaves. They might
thus be induced TO fight for her, and at any rate
Cuba would come TO the United States free
State, and would be kept SO by the North, be-
ing The stronger. Spain-supposingt there were
no slaves among whom TO stir up insubordina-
tiOn-wOuld have her revenge in beholding her
most priced jewel, that had been wrested from
her by force, become pest and cause of dan
geroas and perhaps fatal agitation to this whole
country These agitations must cease; of all
storms, those Of human passion are the widest
and most terribly destructive. Such cannot
frequently sweep harmlessly over this country
In 1850, our institutions bowed and swayed in
the tempest like an oak in high wind; they
have not yet been torn from their foundations.
but no work Of man may be pronounced inpreg.
nable. II is net for human power TO suy--"I
have established this, and it is immutable."
The Charleston Is. c. Mercury. paper
That has sufficiently proved its attachment to
s ss.s..hl. eEEs interests, says:
II does not follow, that in conquering Cuba
we should gain a slave country. II is quite as
uncertain, II we did, that it would be admitted
as State. II the South is interested in resto-
ring the sectional balance, the North is bent on
retaining her superiority. Before, they had an
equality in the Senate, and they succeeded in
aepriVing California of all government whatey-
or, until she came before them for admission rs a
State with an ant-slavery constitution. Now,
thsy can not onh' check the SsWlh, they can vote
a. down in beth Houses; and are they likely 10
swrsa4sE superiority which they have viola
lsd every principle of good faith and endangered
the Union TO obtain2 Besides, in what condi-
ton would Cuba be 70 justify her admission in
10 the Union? There is a white population ma
tiVste the Island or permanently settled amount.
inR 10 near 600, 600, double that Of the white
pOPulstion of South Carolina, in territory lit
sic larger than our State, not one of whom ev-
~ exercised political franchise, or ever took a
share in public affairs, other than TO submit TO
che power and shout around the chariot wheels
Of established authority. We propose to drive
cut ell those who have ever held rule; and of
khsss WIN have heretofore only had experience
Of unsuesiiaLing submission we propose TO make
q dsmOOratic FepnbEe, and this in the face of
100000 free blacks and 400 600 slaves freshly
impOi ted from Africa, Among all the recent
abortive attempts at free government in Europe,
was there single one commenced under such
desperate auspices as this3 Is ii not absolutely
certain that to preserve order in such eommu-
nifty an armys~ould be necessary And where
there was an army for the purpose al domesiicI
peace and civil rule, could there be StateY-I
would we admit into the Union State which
had 40 power Of selr-government, bat was in
the hands 81 the United States army and navy?
But, suppose all these difficulties conquered, |
"A. Il - al.sah hal