Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-01-08

necessary 10 make TINS case OF Cuoa an eAceptioh anu
especially how far any motive may be found for entering
into any treaty stipuations or exchange OF official de-
carations with the Governments of France and Great
Britain in the existing Of things upon the subject
as de Sartigess communication questions which,
as the undersigned has already intimated viii be ma
turely considered.
The undersigned ayails himself of this opportunity to
renew to NJ de Sartges the Of his high con-
sideration. DANIEL WEBSTER
NI CHAMPION again addresses Mr. Webster under date
Of July Sth on the subject of his Of the Esd April
1852 but there does appear in the documents any
ply by Mr. Webster
NJ. Ererea 10 Mr. Champion, "a similar despatch
having been addressed to N. de Sdriges.
DEPARTMENT STATE,
WASHINGTON, DECEMBER /, 1852.
Sir: You are well acquainted with the melancholy cir
cumtances which have hitherto prevented reply TO the
which you addressed my predecessor on the sth
of July That note, and the instruction of Lord Mains
bury of the Sth Of April accompanying it. with similar
communication from the French Minister, and the Prea
Of convention between the three Powers relative to
Cuba have been among the first subjects to which my
attention has been called by the President.
The substantial portion of the proposed convention
expressed in single article, in the following terms;
The high contracting parties hereby severally and
collectively dsclam and for hereafter all lnten-
ton to obtain possession of the Island OF Cuba and they
respectively bind themselves discounenance all attempts
to that effect the part of any Power or individuals
whatever The high contracting parties declare severay
and collectively that they will not obtain or maintain ior
themselves for any Of themselves any exclusive
control over the said Iland exercise any
dominion over the same.
The President has given the most serious attention to
this proposal the notes Of the British and French
Ministers accompanying it, and to the instructions OF the
Earl Of Malmsbury and NJ De Turgpt transmitted with
the project of the convention and he directs me to make
known to you the view which he takes of this important
and delicate subject
The President fully with his predecessors,
who have on than occasion authorized the de-
caration referred to by Lord Malmsbury and NJ. De
Turgot that the United States could not see with
indifference the Island of Cuba fall into the posses
sion Of any other European Government than Spain;
not however because should be dissatisfied with any
natural increase of territory and power the part Of
England or France France has within twenty years
acquired vast domain on the northern of Africa,
with fair prospect Of indefinite extension. England
within half century has added very extensively to her
empire These acquisitions have created uneasness
on the part of the United States.
Unlike manner the United States have within the pc
Rod greatly increased their territory largest addition
that Of louisiana which purchased from France
These accesson of territory have probably caused no
uneasness to the great European Powers as they have
been brought about by the operation Of natural causes
and without any disturbance of the international rela
tons of the principal States They have been followed
also by great increase of mutually beneficial commercial
intercourse between the United States and Europe.
But the case would be different in reference to the
transfer of Cuba from Spain any other European Power
That event could not take place without serious de-
rangement of the international system existing and
it would indicate designs in reference to this hemisphere
which could not but awaken alarm in the United States
We should view it in somewhat the light in which
France and England would view the acquisition Of some
importantslandin the Mediterranean by the United States
with this difference it is true that the attempt of the
United States establish themselves in Europe would be
novelty while the appearance of European Power in
this part Of the world is familiar fact But this differ
in the merely historical and would not
diminish the anxiety which, political grounds would
be caused by any great demonstration of European power
in a new direction in America.
Lord Mambury states that Great Britain could
with indifference the possession Of Cuba by any Power but
Spain and explicitly declares that she has wish
intention Of approprang the island TO herself and the
French Minister makes the avowa behalf of his
Government. Lord Malmsbury and VI de Turgot do the
Government Of the United States than justice in
remarkng that they have often pronounced themselves
substantially in the The President does not
cove the acquisition of Cuba for the United States AT
the same time he considers the condition Of Cuba as
mainly an American question, and to limited extent
only European question. The proposed convention
proceeds different principle. 1t assumes that the
United States have other greater interest in the
question than England France whereas is necessary
only ones eye upon the map to how remote are
the relations Of Europe and how intimate those Of the
United States with this island.
The President doing full justice TO the friendly spirit
in which his invited by England and France
and not insensibe TO the advantages of good I'M
derstandng between the three Powers in reference to
Cuba feels himself nevertheless unable become party
to the proposed compact for the following reasons It is
in the first place in his judgment clear las far as the
respect due from the Executive coordinate branch
Of the Government viii permit him anticipate its deci-
son that such convention would be viewed with favor
by the Senate Its certain rejection by that body would
leave the question Of Cuba in unsettled position
than il is now This objection would require the Pre-
dent to withhold his from the convention II
no other objection existed and IL strong Of the
utility Of the rendered il his duty, far the
executive action is concerned to give his to the
arrangement Such, however, is not the The con-
yention would be Of value unless it lasting Ac
cordngy its terms express perpeuity Of purpose and
obligation Now, it may well be doubted whether the
Constitution Of the United States would allow the treaty
making power to impose a permanent disability the
American Government for all coming time, and prevent
IT, under any future change Of circumstances from doing
what has been 50 often done in times past In 1903 the
United States purchased Louisiana Of France and in 1919
-. Il =. r~;.t .ws 10