The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-02-26


cred the entering wedge to the acquisition of Cuba
by the United States They are noticed also as
exhibiting the deep interest felt and close attention
paid 70 our conduct and progress. Some Of these
speeches are interesting, also, as showing the as
tonishng precedence of her statesmen of that day,
who thirty four years ago prophetically alluded
to our future career. They did not mistake; they
properly appreciated the tsmanifest destiny''-the
inevitable progress of this Confederacy; and
they properly estimated its effect upon their own
country. The jealousy they exhibited was at that
time natural; yet / am rejoiced to believe that,
except with very few of the leading men Of Eng
land, it no longer exists. They do not now
look upon ussas an enemy or arrival to be checked.
They regard our interests as identified with
their own most subjects They know that
a contest of arms with could not result
in any Interior benefit to their own country, and
that injury to US would be injurious to themselves.
Their enemies nearer home. Beyond all
doubt, prior to the annexation of Texas, and the
adjustment of the Oregon question: and the close
OF the Mexican war, they were inclined to check
and impede our march to prosperity and power,
ana were averse to our assuming the position of
the hrst agricultural and commercial nation of the
world-the greatest in geographical extent and in
population and in resources. But this is no longer
the case. They are now disposed to acquiesce in
our manifest destiny. The true interest of Great
Britain, as her most sagacious public men have
accomplishment of this end. ssUnited by the ties
OF common origin, common laws, and common
anguage,'' her policy, as they now understand,
IS to look to us her natural ally in times of
danger that may and probably will arise from
those who are yet smartng under chastisement
formerly inflicted by her, and painting for re-
venge. She considers this country as a sure and
profitable market for her manufactures of our raw
material, which resource alone is sufficient to
sure her prosperity. Abandoning to some ex-
tent her ancient restrictive commercial systems,
she now seeks to conciliate and secure our good
VIII by somewhat more liberal regulations When
she 8 convinced that she can no longer pro6tably
or successfully compete with US, she wisely and
gracefully yields, and even takes satisfaction in
the credit resulting to herself from the astonishing
success OF her young "Anglo- Saxon offshoot.,
Rely upon 1t, sir, Great Britain will not enter into
contest with us, unless force her to en- gage in
1t 10 avoid dishonor. The questions and negotia.
tons connected with the subjects of our Fisheries
Canada reciprocty-Ya Island, and the
adjacent territory-and the rights of the Hudson
Bay Company-all will be adjusted without trouble
Least of all will she quarrel with US about Cuba or
Hayti, or the Sandwich Islands. She does not
want Cuba; she could not own it advanta geousIy;
the present deplorable condition of Jamaica would
soon become the fate of Cuba. 1t would be better
for her tor the United States to own it, She is sin
cere in her expressed desire to put an end to the
African slave trade This will be stopped if we
possess Cuba. Even the shallow Drained fanatics
who would excite trouble on the subject of negro
servltude, are beginning to that such would be
the result. Whatever Lord Palmerston, or such
misguided and mischievous men az the late Lord
Bentnck, may say or be willing to do exhibiting
hostility to the United States, they not now
sustained by the British people, or their judicious
and most intelligent statesmen.
But though it is not probable that we shall have
any serious difficulty with Great Britain, he must
be careless observer of passing events who does
not perceive the 'clouds gathering in the political
horizon Of Europe. Great Britain sees it. She
Is preparing for it. She is vastly augmenting her
naval force at Jamaica and elsewhere An Eu-
ropean war may take place within the next year,
which will be fought in American seas; nay, near
our own coasts. We may be involved in it. It
will be difficult to avoid it. repeat, though once
our enemy, Great Britain is now bound to US by
ties ofinteres and friendship; there is little proba
billty OF collision between the "stars and sripes''
and the ''cross of st. George" Her preparations
are 70 meet the coming storm in Europe. In this,
great as she Is, she may encounter fearful odds,
anu be induced to invoke our aid against the COM
bined despotisms of the continent, and which aid
distinguished Democratic statesman, the ablest
OF President Folks Cabinet, recently assured the
people of England would be promptly and freely
given.
Profting by her past dear bought experience,
Great Britain, however, may wisely adopt the DO
Icy of the United States, and resolve keep aloof
from the wars of continental despotisms, which
have been SO proftess to her, and have entaiIed
upon her people public debt of eight hundred
millions of pounds sterling. This policy of s'armed
neutrality, will enable her to maintain such atti
tude, and will coerce the respect of all belligerent
powers.
Our relations with Spain may lead to trouble.
The odious and insulting system of secret spies
she has adopted towards our Government and PEG.
pie, and their unfounded and mschievous reports;
the unnecessary severity and cruelty her func-
tlonarles have pursued towards misguided Ameri,
cans IN their powery the strange conduct of her
Cuban officers, displaying Jealousy and hatred
towards our people; its misgovernment of Cuba
and Cuban affairs, arising from fear, selfshness,
and avarice; her exactons upon our trade and
commerce, and the illegal exclusion of our vessels
and citizens from her harbors in violation of the
spirit OF treaty stpuatons, and her exhibitions of
hostile feelings, are combined provocations to dis
pute But it is to be hoped wiser and better coun
sells may prevail at Madrid, and at the Havana,
which may result in the preserva ton of peace and
harmony between the two nations.
In conclusion, / repeat, sir, that no appropria.
ton can be made, no work constructed, in which
so many and such varied and importantinterests
are involved. The ship builders and the ship own
e eI OF the East, and the commercial men of the
North generally, the planters of the South, and the
farmers OF the West, all have direct personal
interest IN this measure. The General Govern
ment is interested in the fertilization of these
points IL is due to itself, and to the people of the
United States Without them, our navy may be
crippled in its strength, and rendered com para,
lively inefficient; and commercial marine
may, in the language of Lord Bentinck, s.be cut
IN TWO by maritime enemy May not, then.
to the patriotism of every American, to sustain the
proposition have made?
am Indifferent, MIR. Chairman about the adop-
ton OF this resolution at this time NV object
was to direct public attention, and particularly
that OF members Of Congress, to this subject. That
has been accomplished. Hereafter, when we come
to consider the appropriation bills, will again
bring the matter before the House. In the mean
time, shall print these remarks, and the facts,
statistics, and authorities to which have referred
for the use OF members, who trust will give the
subject some attention.; and most earnestly and
solicit the members of the Committee
on Military Affairs, and on Ways and Means, to
give that consideration to the subject which its
importance demands.
"HAvE WE BOURBON AMONG US ?',-This
question was discussed on Monday evening, by
Rev. DR.. Lothrop, before the Mercantile Library
Association. The doctor thinks we have not; and
believes that the Rev. Eleazer Williams is simply
an enthusiast. DR.. Lothrop has known Mr. Will
liams for many years, and is confident that his
claims of relationship with the senior French FAM
lily OF Bourbons are. unfonnded. The seBourbon''
preacher was born in Whitehall, New York, and
not in France and the lecturer is of that if