The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-05-24
The Cuban Question.


that they display more eagerness in the pun
suit Of an imaginary than of practical adj
vantage, and that they often lose the sub
stance in grasping at the shadow. Without
asserting to the justice of this. imputation, we
cannot deny that the South has at times ex-
hibited an apathy in respect to measures of
vast and Immediate importance, which
strangely contrast with the interest and ener-
gy it displays in contending for some princi-
pie Of doubtful or contingent benefit. An
excessive and morbid acuteness Of feeling in
one part of the system, is accompanied often
by insensibility in another; and the South, 80
susceptible Of impression in one quarter, is
sometimes Indifferent to the approach Of
danger from another direction.
BY no other explanation can we account
for the comparative unconcern which South
ern politicians manifest in regard to the con-
dition and destiny Of the island of Cuba.
The proposition of Mr.. Slidell contemplates
a measure of the utmost consequence to the
interests Of the South; yet, strangely enough,
it is misrepresented and opposed by portion
of the Southern press It is not at all singu-
lar that the New York Tribune and the Ma
tional Era, governed by the combined impul-
ses Of party spirit and free soil fanaticism,
should discountenance proposition to arm a
Democratic President with power to forbid
the abolition of slavery in Cuba; but it ar
CUES either gross misconception or treacher-
GUS Indifference in a southern journal to re-
sist measure of such moment to the welfare
of the South.
The resolution of Mr.. Slidell does not sug-
gest an immediate and absolute suspension
of the neutrality laws. Convinced that Eng
land and France are conspiring the abolition
of slavery in Cuba, and that crisis vitally
affecting the interests of the South will soon
occpr in the internal condition of the island,
Mr.. Slidell simply proposes to invest the
President with authority to adopt such meas
ures as may be necessary to protect this coun-
try against any disastrous consequences. The
President is not instructed to suspend the
neutrality laws, but only empowered to sus-
pend them upon an emergency affecting the
interests of the United States. The resolu-
ton proposes a transfer of power to the Ex-
ecutive, that adequate provision may exist
a-ee;nst an imminent, but uncertain, contin-
osnov Tns discretion is left with the Presi-
dent to determine the urgency OF the occa-
sion as well as the manner in which II shall
be met. We are willing to invest the Presi-
dent with this authority, confident that he
will not abuse it, and that he will employ it
only when necessary for the protection of
the interests of the country.
Unless the people of the South choose to
consent to the establishment of an African
empire on their frontier, which will serve the
double purpose of refuge for fugitive slaves,
and fortress whence abolitionism may Sc
curely direct their assaults against our insti-
tutions; unless, too, they are willing to re-
sign the splendid advantages which the ac-
QUESTION of Cuba would bring to the South
they must indicate, by some adequate de
of public sentiment that they
appreciate the crisis and are ready to meet
its demands. We do not complain Of divis-
ion of opinion but of apathy Of feeling. The
notion prevails throughout the South that
the acquisition of Cuba is essential to the in
terests of slavery, but there is no correspond
ing manifestation of popular sentiment to
impart the fire and the energy of enthusiasm
to the passive conviction of the Judgment
We want some popular movement in favor
of the acquisition Of Cuba, ike that which
resulted in the annexation of Texas. No
time is to be lost if the thing be done at
all, it must be done quickly. Centuries may
elapse before SO favorable conjuncture of
may again invite us to9the
of our desire. It will be long
before England and France will again be
prevented by continental war from attempt
ing to thwart our policy. There may never
be another Administration SO earnestly anx-
ious for the acquisition of Cuba. The South,
then, should strike at this moment, and with
an energy and ardor which will insure sue
cess. Delay is defeat. This last opportuni-
ty may slip while we discuss nice diatinc-
tons, and are perplexed by imaginary scru-
Dles.-Richmond Enquirer.
TELEGRAPH AcRoss THE ATLANTIc.-A
charter has been obtained and company
4noaoed IN New FoundIand. for the purpose