The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-01-06

of the acquisition Of the island TO a more dis
tant period than If the correspondence had not
been divulged and apprehend that it u not
very unusual, in the diplomatic intercourse OF
nations to bring from the secret archives,
where they properly belong, matters that have
confdentially passed between two Govern
ments on any question in which others hold
themselves to be interested. The Administra-
ton which has published the correspondence is
about to 60 out Of office. | shall make no war
upon it for what it has done but will say
! that, as far "a the acquisition Of Cuba is in
volved, it has done little TO expedite il by d.
vulging that correspondence Yet the publica-
ton may have the less injurious effect, for the
reason that our Government deals but little in
secret diplomacy. The ends and objects we
desire to attain, should not be idly or uselessly
promulged; but if they become SO, apprehend
the world will find nothing in them at which
we have cause to blush. Let them have the
information for what il is worth They all
know-I mean the European Powers all
know--not only the deep interest our whole
country fsels in tie acquisition Of that island
but they know also, that it will inevitably be.
come ours ut some day Let them have the
information for what il is worth 1t may post
pone the acquisition it cannot prevent it.
tell you, sir, what will expedite the annex
alton more than anything else-preservng to-
ward the Government OF Spain perfect good
faith, requiring of our citizens an obedience to
the laws in refraining from rapine toward:
foreigners, as they are required to do towards
each other. Let Spain repose in the conscious.
ness that, however desirable to us Cuba may
be, all that we demand of her is that she shall
keep it, and not part with it; and rely upon it
in the fulness of time, and before very long,
even Spain will yield to the inevitable necessity
which governs the events of the world The
geographical position of Cuba, with the in
oreasing growth of this country, will determine
all the rest.
| have said that in so much of the Presidents
message as have read, was contained mar
rative only of the fact that he announced In
the concluding sentence Of that paragraph, the
President expresses an opinion. He says:
g have, however in common with several
of my predecessors directed the Ministers OF
France and England to be assured that the
United States entertain no designs against
Cuba"
In the expression of that opinion fully agree
with tho President; we entertain no designs
against Cuba. But he continues:
But that, on the contrary, should regard
it's Incorporation into the Union at the present
time "a fraught with serious peril"
regret, sir, that the President deemed il
necessary to express that as the opinion of the
Executive Nor need suggest to the Senate
upon what that opinion is founded it speak
for itself But | am free to declare, as one o
the representatives of the States, that | know
of no peril which should ensue, or which shoul
cause us to hesitate if Cuba were ready 70
annexation tomorrow. But let this opinion 0
the President pass for what it is worth.
In the present attitude of the affair in hand
to discuss it could lead to no practical result
but ! could not dismiss il, except under pre-
test.
Mr. President, in making these remarks
the Senate upon offering this resolution, | in
tended to do no more than express my opinio
; rs an American Senator upon the relation
I that exist between this country and Spain
reference to Cuba, and to express further wht
hold to be the duty of every department
this Government, and of every American cit
zen te recognise csna rs the 9ropsrty OF Se
and ~ such to recognise also the munimen
: with which civilization protects all propert
!. Cuba belongs to Spain it does not belong
b us and none but profane hands can DO lai
} upon it, unless, through some act of Spain he
: self iofbearance on our part would invoy
the safety of our own people. And wish ful
ther to declare, in reference to. the propostiio
: made by those two Powers Of Europe-let
have what meaning it may--that wheneve
the hour comes, when in good faith and witt
due regard to national hsnor, we can incOrpo
rate Cuba as one OF these United States, il will
be done, and Europe may find it best then t.
hold her peace