The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-10-20
7 he Cuban Question.

he Cuban Question.
The rumors which have prevailed for some Time as to
the interference Of Great Britain in The slavery question
in Cuba, are revived with circumstances OF corroboraion
strong tina, there is but little left for doubt
their truth II has been about twelve years, il our
memory 10 not at fault since Sir Robert Peel justified the
proposition 10 indemnify The owners of slaves in Ja-
malca for their emancipation, upon the ground that the
OF aboshng slavery in that island would cx
ert an influence upon this continent, and that twenty
millions OF pounds sterling would be we'll spent for such
an object. That policy, as we believe. has been steadily
pursued by the British government, and is actually
consummaed or is about being consummaled, in the
scheme OF introducing apprentices from Africa into Cuba,
with the consent OF Spain and under the protection OF
British ships TO be worked for ten years slaves
with the further agreement that slavery shall
list in the island at the end of fifty years We have
son 10 believe, from private adyces from Havana,
that wealthy SpaHiards in Cuba negotiating for
the sale OF African apprentices at fixed prices in antci
patton OF mpora,ons for whcn arrangements have been
made with the government OF Madrid and sanctioned and
guaranteed by the British government. Ia tina, spirit OF
open-spoken freedom which ought to be the ruling char
acterstc OF an American press we deem our duty to
call the attention of The American people to the informa-
lion derived from these significant facts becomes
survey them with calmness and determination. We
would not indulge in passionate denunciation, but we
would speak we would have government 10 act,
with promptness, tirmaess. and energy.
As question of humanity the practical execution OF
the scheme of Africanzing Cuba is revolving human
II has but 10 be looked at in this point OF view
in revival, most hideous form, of the slave
trade Let be that the condition OF the APP
prentice for the years Of his to be stripped
OF those features in the slavery OF the United States
which make humanity OF treatment an object of interest
well as OF duty 10 the owner The apprentice is TO
be sold into bondage for ten years and during that pc
rod is to be subjected to such system Of labor and
ment will prove most profitable 10 the exactons of
feeling avarice. Ten years OF such boniage will be in
fni,ey than lifetime OF three years and
ten ri the slavery which in southern States
i. will become the llm, OF physical capabiliiy in
the apprentice; and If he survives this limit with life
will only be his LOT to take his freedom with capacity
IL enjoy it, On the question OF humanity the
ment OF the cvzed world ought 10 rise up and de-
nounce TOO shockngly barbarous to be tolerated.
But il is our duty look the movement in its in.
tended and it's probable bearing upon natioAa inter-
es,s. and in this pon, OF view presents question Of
momen,ous magnitude. Forming opinion upon we'll
authenticated historical acn. justified in atiribu-
ting TO Great Britain now the came motive which SIR
Robert Peel avowed in regard 10 the abolition OF slavery
IN Jamsica--ihe motive OF exerDg an influence the
institutions OF the United States II tha, motive suf-
hcienty strong in regard 10 Jamaica TO induce dsn
guished British Statesman advocate expenditure
OF twenty millions Of pounds, how much more potent
may not suppose the inducement 10 be to the Al
Termination Of Cuba Bot the question is not confined
in ito range TO the probable influence which nation OF
tree negroes may upon the institutions of the south
States, and consequently upon the integrity Of our
federal Union. Viewed in this light. the effcien, action
OF government is invoked by The most obvious prin-
cipes Of self-preservation.
Bearing in mind that this movement originates with,
least all Of its hopes OF to- the eounse
and the interference of Great Britain, canno, avoid
the conclusion that il is to be executed under the
guarantees Of the British navy, be made ef-
feetual by continued British proiec,orae over the
island Of Cuba. The eject ia the transfer OF Cuba from
Spain to Grea, Bf,sn-makinG it substantially British
instead Of Spanish province colony In this aspect
OF the the decided action of government de-
manded by that universally approved American senti-
men, which is prepared to resist al all hazards any at
temp, Of any European power to interfere with the af
fairs Of this continent Upon all these grounds the
intelligence from Cuba indicates the approach OF
a crisis which must settle the destiny OF the island
We have every assurance in the past course OF the
President and his cabinet ha, they will discharge their
duty with hrmness and courage whilst we have equal
guarantee that their action will be the result OF the most
deliberate and patriotic convictions. In view OF a crisis
momsntous. The heart of the patriot President mus,
swell with emotions OF national pride 10 know that,
with The exception OF few contemplate fanatics he will
be backed and sustained 10 the last extremity his deter
minsiion to follow the dictates of humanity TO guard the
constitutional rights Of all the Sales preserve the nieg
ry OF the federal Union, and the aggressons OF
British monarchy. by the united voice and energies OF
people who jealous Of their honor who are informed
Of their riGhs, and who ready to stake lfe liberty
and property the preservation of both BY all the
considerations Of interest OF honor OF blood we have
appealed TO Great Britain 10 desis from her mad inter-
ference IN our domestic concerns; but our appeal has
been IN van and We shall be compelled throw our
selves back upon rights and our government GUIDED
by helmsman who knows neiher fear nor dishonor.
must stand BY these rights, and leave the
to an ovsrruinG Providence.
Our Minister t. Chin.
We deem il matter OF congra,uaton thu, ,hs h;~b,v
important and arduons mission to China has since Tho
much regretted inability Of Hon. Robert Walker n 40
dertaks its duties been con6ded 10 the Hon Robt NJ M
.rd ~.