Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-04-01
ANTI.sIAvERY AMONG THE CUBANs

We have occasionally in times past referred t
indications Of the fact that there exists in Cuba
positive Anti-Slavery feeling among some Of that
portion of the population who desire, and are
willing to achieve when the time comes, the politi-
ial independence Of that island. The existence OF
such an element in the revolutionary spirit Of the
CroOles can not but he regarded with great interest
as its Importance can hardly be oyerratcd in the
event of the rupture between the colony and the
mother country. In several conversations held
with one Of the Cuban exiles, and an influential
man among them in this city, we have been repeat
cdy assured that the hope Of emancipation is very
strong with many Of his countrymen, even Of
those who are most earnest for the annexation Of
Cuba TO the United States; and that il little isl
said OF it, except among themselves, it is because
they are so fully persuaded that the very apprc-
hcnsion OF such an event of revolution would cut
of all chance OF aid from many in this country
who now look upon it with favor. Such policy
we, Of course, look upon rs worse than doubtful,
and altogether too closely allied to that sort Of Re-
publicanism with which our own ancestors set up
a Government and likely 10 end in pretty much
the same way But still it may be that better
counsols will prevail before the end comes, and we
think we may discern at any rate, in the existence
of the feeling. one of those little feeks of cloud
which will go to make up the tempest that is gath
ering.
This subject is again suggested to us by speech
Of Col Forbes, the Secretary OF the Society OF Uni
yorsal Democratic Republicans Of tins city-a so,
ciey composed mainly, ifnot altogether OF ofpoitical
refugesirom abroad, and which, we are g.ad to
hear, is beginning to see the influence which Amer
can Slavery has upon the cause Of European Libcr
ty. At its last meeting on the Sth instant, Col
Forbes called its attention to the subject we speak
Of, and remarked that:-l 4, S. Standard
BY decision of the 10Th Of last month, which
is here in circular printed in Spanish (hdgiHg
he appreciation IF The Cuban J,ntdl, the Cuban
Democratic Athcneum invites competitors to send
themes upon the following subject;
sis it possible to replace slave labor by free la
Dor in all branches of Cuban Industry And,
if So what can be suggested rs the best means TO
accomplish this changew
The themes must have the initials Of the author
or any other sign (but not the name), and oro to
be sent to the Secretary, Sig. Ambrosio Valiente
prior TO the 9th Of May, accompanied by another
letter sealed, bearing the outside the initials OF
sign affixed to the theme, and having inside the
name Of the author. That theme which shall be
selected the best and those who shall obtain an
honorable mention, will have tho corresponding
letters opened, and then the names Of their authors
will be affixed to the several compositions. The
author Of that one which shall be selected rs the
best, will become an honorary member Of the Gu
ban Democratic Atheneum premium.
No person should be deferred from sending
theme, for though there is but one premium, never
thelcss many most useful suggestions might come
from other quarters which may be oil essential ser
vieo 10 sthe unfortunate slavc-owner, and 10 the
whole community in which Slavery exists-the in
huence Of which institution must be felt by every
member of the body polite and social IL is graft
flying to perceive that those Cubans who 80 loudly
claim their own freedom, are not devoid Of sympa-
thy for others. BY such conduct they pursue the
surest road bywhich to arrive at their own liberty,
and, moreover they show themselves deserving Of
that blessing.
During last autumn hcard. from Mr.. DcBetan-
court President Of the Cuban Junta) ina speech he
made at n meeting of the lngruham Committee at
Mr.. Morango's, and likewise in private CONVERSE
ton, that the Cuban patriots desirous of get
ting rid Of Slavery; but the mode which he had
in view do not consider to be practical, because,
before il could be cfectnally carried ont, there
would intervene influences which would nulify
the scheme. This publication, inviting persons to
send communications ON the subject, is, however,
the first public announcement of the feelings Of tile
Junta respecting Slavery
/ Mr.. Gorcourid, of our .Socct7, who is n member
Of the Junta, tried the experiment of introducing
free labor into Cuba, and he succeeded hpctcly
50 long as he gas permitted to act. lie sent over
upward Of 400 emigrants from various parts of
Europe, and he proved by the results that phite
free labor, even so far south as Cuba can be used
on the plantations. At this stage Of the proceed
ngs the owners of slaves, fearing that the value Of
/ their stocks OF negroes might lie diminished, and
foolishly losing sight of tho advantage which they
NNN4u NNilfS iIoiA HtNliS llttI tatutth tullhulcu
! by willing aborers rather than by gangs ofnegroes
underthe lash, made representations to the Spanish
Government, so that not only was Mr. Gorcouria' S
benevolent project stopped, but he became suspec.
ted Of the crime Of Liberalism, rs he soon discoy-
ered to his cost.
| The above fact has demonstrated that the obsta-
Gle to the introduction Of free white labor is not in
the climate. The great difficulty which presents
I itself, is that so long as Slavery exists in coun
try, that description of work which is generally OF
even sometimes performed by slaves will have at
tachcd to it q certain disrespect--I might perhaps
say odium without expressing myself too stongly.
Let us congratulate the Cuban Democrats upor
their desire to remedy an evil and be JUST and le
us hope that some mode Of efiecting speedily the
object may be pointed out,
Col. Forbes was followed by Monsieur Rosset
a French exile, who referred to the expermen
made by Gen. La Fayette to substitute free labo
for slave labor. He said that he had good dea
Of communication with La Fayette, ON this sulec
in $780, and that he still retained the whole cor
respondence which he would present to the Socict,
at some future meeting.
H DEMOCRATIC GALLANTRY.