Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-03-29
From our Washingfca Correspondent.
aVAsIIlNeroN. B. 8. March Is. 1854

1ck Warrior by the Cuban authorities has elicit
ed much comment, and the moderate and conserya-
tive men generally regard his course as all that the
present state of the required The fast men of
the present day, who desire the acquisition of Cuba
regardless OF means sedto eecti its accomplish
nent, accuse him of taIneness, while the BOLTON
lists proper foresee that the affair may be ended by
addition to the numb slaveholdng States
and denounce him also. It is difficult to- see what
other course, consistent with honor and charac-
ter as great and powerful nation, was left to the
President to pursue An outrage has been commit
ted by Spanish officials upon our commerce. Cur
Government has deisanded reparaton if given that
matter is settled if not we shall be justified before
the world in adopting such measures as may be ne
cessary for our own protection. - s -
My own impression is that the Black Warrior az
fair will prove to be the stroke which has snapped
the apple from its parent stem. 1t is announced,
what authority have means of knowing, that the
E demand on the Spanish Government is summary in
Its character, not allowing time for reference
of the matter to Cuba, for inquiry. take it for
granted that this announcement is well funded !;
otherwise the same representation of which the
President complained in his first annual message
will be resorted to with the expectation that forget
fitness may again secure IMMUNITY to Spanish inso-
lence. Anything less than a summary demand will
involve the matter in endless round of profitless
negotiation The question then arises, will our de-
mands be acceded to. I shall be as much surprised
gratied if they promptly and satisfactorily
met, The more probable anticipation is that the
Spanish Government will assume an air of dignity
and injured innocence and decline action until the
Cuban authorities have presented their view of the
case. Ordinarily no sound objection could be urged
to this course but the seizure of the Black Warrior
is an outrage gross and involves such grave
sequence to Us nation and the interests of our
commerce, following series of smaller and malicious
annoyances, that nothing but prompt and speedy
redress will assure that they are no. pre.nedtated
1t is also understood that the demands of our Gov
ernrnent look not merely to PREPARATION for the Black
Warrior outrage, but have in view such change in
relations with Cuba will prevent a REPETITION
of these diculties-a change that shall render the
local Government of the Island directly responsible
to ours and give it the power of PREPARATION as well
as the power to injure and modest. We insist that
Spain shall admit our light to regard Cuba in
dependent Government in her relations to No
other arrangement possibly obviate the constant
recurrence of difficulty. Yet what reason is there
to suppose that such change Will oe adopted in the
Spanish Colonial policy, under the pressure of
a summary demand 'for indemnity for the past and
security for the future? Representations have been
made to Spain on this point previous to the present
time but nothing has been effected The Spanish
character is noted for its pride and haughtness the
Spanish Government for its blindness and corrup-
ton. Presenting upon the support of England ard
France, reason will hardly prevail, and the whole
negotiation may be expected to fall through.
1t is plain that the interests of our commerce and
the honor of our Government will not permit the
question to rest there Both will demand it's per-
maneIt settlement. Redress must be taken if not
given. The knot might be cut by the purchase of
Cuba but Spanish blindness will prevent such sou-
ton. To resort to rctaationby making reprisals on
Spanish commerce. would in effect, be authorizing
the Spanish Government to commit dcpredations on
our own; the one having the greater amount ofcom-
merce would be the greater loser. To repeal the
neutrality laws far Cuba is concerned, and thus
silently give countenance to private organized eXpe
ditions against that Island, would be construed by
enemies into an indirect mode of accomplishing
what we hesitated to do boldly and openly, and as
sanctioning measures for which we refused to hold
ourselves responsible. England and France would
take advantage of this circumstance to interfere ac
i've TO
offensive act towards our Government. The only
mode Of redress consistent with the honor of this
Government and the frankness and drectness of its
diplomacy, will be the seizure of Cuba Then let
negotiations settle the rest by the payment to Spain
of such of money Will indemnify her for the
loss In this way and in this alone shall we secure
"indemnity for the past and security for the FUTURE"
and to such result should the people of the United
States and their Government look forward in antici
patton. 1t will vndicate to the world the honesty
and cantor of Government, its determination to
protect the interests of the people and accomplish
the objects of our present demand. Should the ques
ton reach this condition. England and Franco would
doubtless make show of opposition through nego-
tiation cooperating to maintain in Americansas well
in Europe what they designate as the balance of
power. Their right to interfere in the affairs at
of this Continent, however, has never been ad-
mitted. England and France have interests oftoo
tremendous Importance to make war on their best
customer for slight cause. England cannot go to
war without the sanction of her people, and
potential than the chastisement ofSpanish in
science must be offered before John Bull will take
up arms against brother Jonathan in behalf of the
repudator of its obligations to English holders of its
bonds
My eye has this moment fallen upon paragraph
in the n. Y. Sun, stating that Mr. Marcy has in
structed Mr.. Soulc Minister at Madrid, to make
the demand for indemnity and apology in the most
perenptory manner, and should the Spanish Govern
ment hesitate put off its reply, under preence of
waiting for information from Havana, Mr.. Soue is
to lose time in communicating the fact to Wash
ington, when our Government will proceed instanter
to blockade every Cuban port" blockade of the
ports of Cuba would be the first step towards taking
possession of the Island, and would assuredly lead
to that result
The -5raska- Kansas bill from the Senate was
taken up in regular of business in the House
of Representatives on Wednesday last, and referred
to the committee of the Whole This is the usual
direct ion given to- all bills of any importance. Its
real friends however desired final action at early
day, and for this reason opposed the motion of Mr.
Cutting, one of the New York Hards and protested
friend of the bill. It's reference cannot be regarded
indicating its final defeat Discussion will give
it strength and for this reason do not regard the
action of the House as unfortunate. 1t viii come up
after awhile and receive final action all in good time
This preliminary action has served one good end
ito disclose the designs of Mr. Cutting and those dis
fcontented Democrats who act with him. Mr.. CUT
ting is shrewed cunning lawyer full of the tricks
and shortcuts of his profession, and his particpa
ton in the proceedings of the House has been marked
with these characteristics He is playing game
to undermine and weaken the administration, under
the mask of loud professions of Democratic artho-
doxy. Mr. Breckenridge on Thursday warned the
friends of the bill that to followthe lead of Mr. Cut
tirg was to promote the views of the enemies Of the
BILL and denounced his hypocrisy in severe but
Ineried terms. Mr.. Breckenridge, it viii be
sbercd, represents Mr. Clay's district; although
young he is already !. man of mari, and is one of