The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-02-22
Wenfral lfws.
From tue Charleston Evening Ne'rs.

From the Charleston Evening Nea7s
One of the most interesting speeches deliv-
cred in Congress during its present session is
that which the representative from Florida,
Mr.. Cabell, addressed to the House OF Repre-
sentatives, on the subject of terrifying Key
West and the Tortugas, and exhibits equal
ability and research. Mr.. Cabell first shows
the Importance and value Of the commerce
which passes through the Florida straits hirh
needs the protecting arm of the Government
He estimates, from reliable data, the yalueoof
American property only that annually passes
through these Straits at 100000, 600. In
this estimate. none of the British, French,
Dutch, Spanish, Mexican, or other foreign com
merce, is included, which he estimates at $l5Q,.
0oO,0o more. The exports of Cotton from
the Gulf ports which must pass through the
Straits of Florida, being twothirds OF the whole
crop of the United States, he estimates at $685.;
206.292, in addition to the to4T,ss7-ea9alred :
for tins immense trade. All this commerce,
Mr.. Cabel very properly says, will be at the
mercy of any strong naval power in possess
sion of Key West and the Tortugas.
lie then shows. from numerous extracts from
Presidential Messages, Reports from Secreta-
ries of the Navy, and Naval Officers, the i'm,
portance of offortifying those two valuable points
of our Gulf Coast. Fort Taylor at Key West,
and Fort Jefferson at Tortugas, was officially
estimated to cost, for construction and repairs,
commenced in lS45-46, and left incomplete,
80. 400, 900, of which sum S605, 1873 has been
expended. The purpose of Mr.. Cabell's argu:s
ment is that the appropriation should be made
at once to complete them as soon as practica.
BILE, as from the appropriations as now made,
it will require from fifteen tontwenty years to
complete the works at Tortugas. u
There are some illustrations Of Mr.. CabeiPs
argument that enhance the interest Of this Ad-
dress in connection with the Island of Cuba.
The following extract from his speech will
show the absolute necessity of the measure he
urges.
The completion of these works is also & ju-
dicious measure, because it will destroy one
argument strenuously urged by some in favor
of the immediate annexation of Cuba, founded
on the assertion that the Moro Castle now CON-
mands our Gulf commerce; and therefore that
it is necessary we should possess it. AS have
before shown, the fact Is not true. The Moro
Castle, or any other point in Cuba, does not
command the Gulf trade Even noaO if a respec
table naval force is placed to protect it at Key
West and Tortugas. On the contrary, Forts
Jefferson and Taylor will, when fortified, with
a naval force, not only command that trade,
but the Havana and Matanzas, and the entire
northern and eastern side of Cuba, more effec.
tually than the Moro Castle now does, even if
the latter has superior naval force to aid 1t.
They will command that Castle ITSELF Yet
the logic just alluded to, so artiully addressed
to our pockets as we'll as our patriotic pride, is
so potential that it has misled many good citi-
zens and otherwise prudent statesmen into
willingness to withhold their pointed condem-
nation of highly reprehedsible conductby 9th
ers, professedly to attain an object falsely as.
sun,ed to be indispensable for the protection OF
our interests.
1t was my purpose to speak of the much
talked of acquisition by the United States of
Cuba, as closely connected with this SUBJECT
1t is by far thesmost important question pend.
ing in this country. l desire and am prepared
to discuss it; and representing a State perhaps
more deeply interested in what may precede,
and in what must follow the consapmation OF
such measure, intend to avail myself OF the
first opportunity that presents itself to express
nv views, frankly and fully. At present, J
will content myself with saying, first, that if
the works commenced at Key West and Tor.
tugas are finished, it is not requisite for the
protection of our vast and constantly augment
Ing commerce passing through "ths SSaits Of
Florida" that we should possess Cuba, or the
Havana, or the Moro Castle, or any point in
Cuba. Secondly, that if any attempt is to be
made to conquer Cuba by naval and military
force, the fortifcations at Key West and Tor
tugas should be finished and garrisoned before
it was made; being important to secure sue
cess in that undertaking, with the>least hszard,
difficulty and expense. Thirdly, after such
conquest of Cuba, these Notifications are essen
tial to ensure the continued possessionof, Gu.
ba, even during the war FORTS acquisition, and
at all times to prevent its blockade by naval
enemy. Fourthly, without these forti6cations,
in a war that will ensue from an attempt by
US TO conquer Cuba, or from our resistance OF
the attempts of any other power to obtain that
Island, or to interfere with it, or war that
may arise in any other way with any respecta-
BILE naval power, our Gulf commerce, and all
else that passes through the "Flo'ida Straits, i"
will be greatly exposed, and may be seriously
injured. Filthy, that these Notifications are
necessary, evenif we acquire Cuba by purchase
and peaceful cession, and not only for the pro.
lection of the vast commercial and navigating
interests have mentioned, but for the protec.,
ton, defence, aud security Of Cuba at all times
hereafter. And, sixlhly, if Cuba remains in
possession of Spain, these 1tifcatons are es
sental to US, insomuch as besides protecting
our commerce and navigation, they "viH at all
tines command the Havana, and '.give as the
control ofMe Island of Cuba" So far as Gu
ba is concerned, therefore, | claim for this
measure the support of all divisions in this