Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-13
CUBA.--SHALL 1T BE AFRICAN OR
AMERICAN!

We dor not know how far the apprehensions
Of certain public Journals in respect to British
intrigues in Cuba are founded upon any well
authenticated facts. If they are, they call
loudly for prompt and energetic action on the
part Of the administration. Ifthey are not, the
baseless rumor has one good consequence
that it stimulates watchfulness, and keeps the
sleeping American mind awake to the crisis,
which we cannot help thinking is approaching
in that glorious island which is the key to our
gulf-the gate upon our commercial highway,
and destined ultimately to be the impregnable
outpost of our defence-the southern home of
our marine-and the guardian spirit of our
coastwise commerce. She is essential to us in
every respect. She must be ours! Such is
her manifest destiny! We do not propose to
preciptate it. The results of these causes,
which in the high orders of Providence are as
certain as the past, may safely be left to Him
with whom 9 a day is as thousand years--and
thousand years as day" The result is Ger
tain. The time is unknown. But as the instru
nents in working out results 50 momentous
and yet so full of good to ourselves-at the same
time SO free from injury to others, we must not
be lulled into fatal security, and let the gold
en- opportunity when it arrives, pass by, I'M
needed and unimproyed. Fortune is ever
and is only-propitious to human activity and
energy. .~:".
The question will be propounded TO our faces
AZ Americans, at some future time: Shall Cuba
be the possession of the free and debased Afri.
can, or shall it be the possession of the free
white race Of America, and the home of that
race as the masters, and Of the Africans as then
slaves? These questions come directly home
to the entire Union-to the whole world. The
comfort of the whole race is III no small degree
dependent upon their solution. The fate of the
relation between the master and the slave o
America is one which involves, not only til,
prosperity, peace, and happiness of the slave
countries of the world, but that of the whole 0
Christendom. 1t is true that in this country
where fanatcism has given us a breathing spell
we should see the interests which are bound ur
in the muchreviled institution Of slavery Te
do so will not revive an agitation, which we
fondly trust is at rest, but will serve to show to
the south the high part they play and are still
10 play in the worlds destiny; and to the north
how largely founded upon the industry of the
SOUTH are their own hopes of advancement in
their unparalleled career Of commercial, man.
featuring and shipping prosperity Let the north
understand that abolition must Africanize the
2southern States-inake the Union an unnatural
and disgusting amalgamation Of two diverse
races---and crush thatimmense capacity for pro
duction which stimulates northern manufacto
ries, feeds northern commerce and builds north
ern Ships and those who have real stake il
It's prosperity will stihe the voice of faction
which aims so deadly blow at the peace O
the Union, and the existence and well.being 0
the white race. "..a.
The history of abolition in the West Indies
is the preface to the history Of its consuming
ton here. Whether the philanthropy Of tn
British lion, will be permitted 70 extend il
triumphs to the islands of Spain, is a questio
now mooted, but not yet decided. Upon
there should be no compromise, no evasion
A bold and distinct announcement Of our do
termination to resist by protest of words, b
the louder protest of arms, and the NOR
pointed argument of sword and bayonet, ma
as well be at once expressed. The Munro
doctrine denies permission TO Great Britain I
interfere thus in West Indian Spanish affair,
Her interference is "wholly inadmissible
Lord John Russell may grumble and snar
at an exSecretary Of State, but the American
peope-the great negotiator for this cont
nent-will laugh at his lordships i'll humor
and determine their own policy, regardless o
his sneers or the surly Indignation Of his gov
eminent
To resolve the right Of the American gov
eminent to oppose the proposed interference o
Great Britain is by no means n difficult task