Washington sentinel., 1854-04-06

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throughout the land All these losses, together
win the loss OF that national honor, which was
only subsequently brought back by the blood o
our seamen, We contend, would have been spared
US Dy the timely creation of navy, growing with
Inc growth OF our commerce from the era of our
birth as nation Thus il will be seen how
smaii an expenditure, made in time, may save to
Inc country vast treasures of blood as well as o
money. II we can maintain our neutrality, and
secure lis rights, the commerce of the world will
be ours. The war will probably be carried by the
power and strategy of Russia TO the English East
indies. AT any rate, England will be TOO busy
engaged with her powerful foe TO have any spare
line 10 protect her eastern trade, and that fertile
stream VIII pour almost undivided into our lap
China, Japan, and all the bright Orient will load
our vessels and enrich our merchants. Com,
merce shall then own the mild sway of our flag,
and take shelter under its protecting folds. II is
indeed probable that the bridal feast of liberty and
commerce IS about 10 be spread. Shall we be like
The foolish virgins that kept oil in their cruises
or shall We keep our lamps trimmed and brightly
burning, and be ready TO enter in as chosen
guestsf Furthermore, if this war goes to the ex-
tent which appears probable, will not Spain be
involvedt Italy, released from French domina-
tlon, VIII probably again depose its Pope, and war
VIII rage all around her. But whether Spain is
involved or not when this war has waxed hot,
and Hungary and Poland are striking for ndepen-
dence, and when Italy is struggling for freedom,
VIII not the latent spirit of resistance TO oppres-
sion break out in Cuba? / feel very sure that,
whenever there is general and determined re-
ere against Spanish oppression II will be sue
cessfu. The blood oftErittenden and his Associ.
aes VIII not forever cry 10 Ieavea in vain for vet
geance. Then will coEte the golden opportunity.
without breach of treaty Obligation, or any viola
tion OF good faith, for us 10 annex that indepen-
dent island TO our confcderacy; and by the voIun-
tary consent OF free people, quiet forever one of
the most dangerous questions that claims solu-
ton from the future.
There is another contingency even more urgent
IN IT'S requirement of preparation than this. The
Suoan authorities have surrendered the Black
warrior; but the difficulty is not terminated If
Spain should fail to give the reparation demanded
OF her for the injustice done in OBTAINING that ves-
sci, and lining It's owners or if she should here.
alter recklessly continue such outragcs we NAV
he constrained TO take redress into our own hands
The almost universal sentiment ofthe country in
dicates what that will be. But il is right and
proper that we should look the contingency fairly
IN the face, and see what consequences NAV follow
Permit me, then, briefly 10 review the course
which England has heretofore pursued towards
us, and her present attitude relation 10 this con-
tnent s'
A successful revolt against one who has held
the position OF a superior, and successful com.
petition in business and renown afterwards is NOT
very well calculated to inspire kind feeling Com.
mercial prosperity, too is not generally more pro-
ductve OF wealth than of rvalres, jeaousies and
troubles.
If England, after the revolution, had exhibited
towards the United States spirit of sympathy and
good feeling, she would have proved herself not
only highly magnanimous, but she would have
risen above the weakness Of human nature.
II was, perhaps, too much TO expect Of her Ii
certainly is more than she has done. On the con-
trary, she has manifested spirit Of jealousy OF
our commercial prosperity, and determined op.
position TO our territorial extension.
Seeing her own sails flap in every breeze, and
whiten every ocean, she has been unhappy be-
cause she has seen ours also filed with the same
wind, and protecting the same traffic. Having
herself the greatest lust of dominion and of terri.
torlal extension, she has been nettled and pro.
voked TO see us widen the stakes, and lengthen
the cords which mark the area of freedom
Very soon after the revolution, our commerce
having increased rapidly, England began a course
of interference and annoyance, with view doubt.
less 10 check its SO rapid extension.
She claimed the right of search and impress.
ment, which were odous, and utterly nadmissibIe
The result was, that, with all our disadvantages,
We We're constrained 10 attempt to maintain our
rights by arms; and the history of the war of
1872 shows how successfully we did so, both by
land and by sea. But her attempts upon us did
not cease. So recently as 1Si1 under the pre-
tence OF suppressing the foreign slave trade, she
sought 10 involve other leading nations of Europe
IN qulntuple treaty, the object of which doubt
less was TO obtain their aid in the enforcement
upon us of the claim 10 search our vessels Our
sagacious minister at Paris saw, and exposed the
odious design and, by detaching the French gov
ernment from the treaty, succeeded in defeating
IT, Failing in this, she then directed her efforts 10
prevent our acquisition Of territory. II is need
less for me here TO record her Vaccinations to
prevent the annexation Of Texas. They were as
tru'tless, however, as they officious and un-
kind. lshall pass over her pertinacious course in
reference 10 our Northeastern and Oregon boun-
daries .4ts
I 20 a S,b, nf,
The proximity ofthc Island of Cuba to our coast,
IFS position at the mouth Of the Gulf of Mexico
through which the trade OF a great part of our
country pours; its identity in interest with that
part OF our Union which it lies contiguous to
these, and other important considerations, rem.
dered II an object of desire, at early day to our
patriotic statesmen, that it should on just and
honorable terms, become part of our Union.
England, lying far off in another continent having
NO interest which could materially be affected by
the annexation, early set 10 work to prevent us
from accomplishing this desire. / believe it is
true that Mr.. Canning before his death, which oc-
Cured in August, 1927, sought to bring about
convention guarantying Cuba to Spain. Certain
i Is tha, the English press and English statesmen
before that time looked with great jealousy to the
probable acquisition of that island by the United
States, and took the ground that England would
interpose with all her force to prevent it, II was
substantially the same feeling that prompted the
effort recently made by the Earl of Malmsbury,
aided by M. de Iurgot, to bring about trpartite
arrangement on the subject between Great Bri-
tain France, and the United States. Though the
United States government has never given its
assent 10 it, yet the pertinacity with which it is
passed shows the position and feeling of England
on the subject
Let us look, too, to the position Of affairs in
Central America Under the pretext Of maintain
ing her protectorate Of the Mosquito Indians, she
is asserting sort Of exclusive control in that part
of the North American continent. Why may she
not as well undertake 10 guaranty the rights of
the Indians of Nebraska The sentiment Of our
people is decidedly averse TO permitting the lead
ing nations Of Europe TO extend by force their do
minions on this continent Where will all this
end! II requires vision stronger than my own
TO see the end; aud more hopeful one 10 expect,
with great confidence, long continued peace.
II was but a few days since that Lord Clarendon
her Britannia moJesty's secretary of State for for
eign affairs, announced the important fact that
France and England had an understanding as TO
the policy 10 be carried out elsewhere than on
the European continent; meaning, doubtless, that
they agreed as 10 the policy to be pursued here.
Sir, 1t was an important declaration. France and
England, the two great nations Of western Eu-
rope. united for the first time TO maintain a bal
ance Of power in Europe, and also 10 parcel out