The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-04

invasion Of Cuba from the United States, or any
armed Intervention which would not be justified by
the usages Of nations, and approved precedents Of
successful revolutions. But we would not have the
neutrality laws Of our country construed with such
x as 70
lies Of the oppressor every where-and We see in
them much that needs definition, as well a. great
deal that needs change although doubtless the most
implicit obedience Is due, and should be paid while
it lasts, to all that is really law.
The Prepar ations for the Capture OF Cnba.
From the Buffalo Express, June 20.
The President having issued his proclamation
its hands, closed its eyes, nd sat down to enjoy
quiet nap over the conquest Of Cuba by sdventur.
ers This leads to the Irresistible conclusion that
the pronumctanaento Of Gen. Pierce was as sounding
that of deceving the Spanish government into false
security The Washington Inteligencer is not a
journal to be easily deceived in regard to such mat
tiers, and it gives credence to the statement that
ing orcbe possession Of the Island of Cuba. Having
issued its proclamation, our government assumes
dignifed neutrality, leaving the projectors Of an
invasion Of Cuba to pursue their plans boldly and
without molestati0n.
The preparations which are going ON are vast be-
yond belief, and have attained degree Of forward
ness almost incredible. We are advised of the
extent of this enterprise in minute and staggering
details and yet the government sleeps on in undis
turbed quiet. We are told that eight steamers and
four sailing vessels have been placed at the disposal
of the expedition and can be got ready for the SER
vice at twenty-four hours notice. We are also pub
cly advised that nearly million Of dollars are in
the Cuba conquest fund--that some fifty thousand
men, who are well skilled in the use Of firearms,
are enrolled and ready for the field when the time
comes to strike the blow and that they are the pos
SCISSORS OF between eighty and ninety thousand
stand of arms, muskets and rifles inclusive. To this
armament UOnd
supply Of ammunition and eide arms, aud the pub
lie can form some idea OF the extent and parfection
Of the preparations for robbing Spain Of her posses
si0n6. -4@
Then, again, we are told publicly that the entire
command of this expedition will be vested in gen.
tleman of known ability and skill and whose name
has already become q household word with the
citizens OF the United States, in consequence of his
while in command Of the American army during
the late war between the United States and Mexico
The curtain l. lfted yet . little higher, and it is
mand w in IN
with Sout bern principles, who commanded brigade
in the Mexican war; and has since filed important
civil trusts. Whether this means General Pierce or
some other officer Of the same kidney, we have no
means of knowing. 1t is said that Gen. Gonzales,
who Is known as the chief Of the flibusters is to
be third in command.
Among the smaller fry we notice the names of Col.
Wheat, Col. Pickett, Col. Bell Major Kelly, Major
and Lieutenant Cilmette, all of whom were init
matey connected with the previous expedition, and
who, we are credibly informed are exerting them.
selves in preparation for the forthcoming struggle
and will "be in at the DEATH"
The time fixed for carrying out the plans of this
stupendOus enterprise for plumber is said to be the
middle of July. The advance army is to be about
10000 strong, which is to be followed Immediately
by reinforcements OF twenty or thirty thousand
more. Now, this looks well on paper. It may eli
exist in fact and If it Does then il the peace Of oul
country in great jeopardy. The incentives to this
plundering scheme lie in the vast wealth of the
island.
It contains an area of 10000. 900 acres, every
three Of which, it is estimated is capable with pro
per cultivation, Of producing one hogshead of sugar
annually. More than five years ago, the property
OF the island was valued at 100000, 600. Such
vast possessions and wealth enough to excite the
cupidity of the adventurous and unprincipled, whe
Their in the government or among the outsiders.
The island of Cuba is defended by land force o.
some 26 GOO men, and navai armament which il
properly and vigilantly kept on the alert will be
able to cut off and destroy an expedition of 10000
men before they can put foot on the island. While
we have no confidence in this, or any other flbuste
derstand how it is that the government can relieve
itself from the responsibility of the attempt.
1t is surprising to what extent the preparations
have been carried under the very noses OF the adj
on their part even an attempt to nip the expe ition
in the bud. The proclamation of the President has
proved as impotent as the white paper upon which
it was written, SO far as any subsequent action on
the part of the government is concerned This
throws the President within the pale of suspicion
and leads to the irresistible belief that hs procIa
nation was only ruse, to hide the secret, plans and
purposes of the government, in regard to plumber.
ing Spain Of her possessions. Certainly an admi.
nistration that will plot and perpetrate fraud upon
its own people, is none too good to steal from its
neighb0Is. This ia the character ofthe government
in present hands. What Notifying spectacle it
presents to the world!