Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-05
RICHMOND WING.
FRIDAY MORNING. MAY s, 1854.
License 10 Fillibusters.

The resolution offered few days since in the Sem
ate by Mr.. Slidcl of Louis proposing to invest
the President with authority to suspend ncutrali
laws, during any future Of Congress, strikes
us AZ singularly l.advscd, reckless and dangerous
II is proposition Of immense and Overwhelming i'm
6port involving not only the peace of the country but
= its good faith, integrity and honor Viewed in any
possible light, it simply contempatcs giving full and
unrestricted license to the Fillbusers to undertake
pratcal expedition against Cuba with the open and
boldly expressed view Of forciby wrestling it from the
dominion Of SPIN, and annexing it to the United
States. Not anly are these buccaneers TO be thus
licensed, but they 10 be encouraged also by the
comforting assurance that our government will warm.
ly sanction their depredations and that all apprchcn
sions Of punishment on account Of their invasion,
robbery and spoiation of neghboring nation, may
be instantly and forever dismissed. This dastardly
permit, too, which is asked to be extended to the
freebooters of the country, is not merely to be re-
stricted in its operation to criminal trespass upon
the rights and territory of Spain but it is be
trey Unlimited applying equally to all nations, hold
ing out sufficient inducements to attract their thirst
Tor plumber and carnage Such is the bold magnf-
cent and thoroughly unprincipled programme which
leading Democratic statesman holds out to his
countrynien to entcc them from the WAYS of happ-
ness and honor, to engage in infamous career OF
pillage and murder.
We make no objection to the acquisition of Cuba
On the contrary, we unhestatingly favor such &C
QUESTION, whenever can be accomplished by fair and
honorable means without violation of national
engagements, and without sacrifice Of national mo-
rality justice and responsibility But should be
recreant to sense of right and honor not to OPP
pose any proposition which contcmplates without
adequate provocaton, its forcble seizure either by
the government or by individuals acting under it,
permission, and with its connvance. If we are unable
to induce Spain to part with this portion Of her pos
sessi ons for just and valuable consideration there
can certainly ue no propriey Justification either
morally, or as a matter Of policy, in forcing her to
relinqush it against her WILL and at the point of the
bayonet 1t is our duty, under such circumstances,
to preserve "mas,ery inactivity" and pruiently
await the natural progress of events which will in
due time, certainly transfer Cuba to our longing
embrace, as that the will rise on the morrow
But to license the buccaneering spirit Of popua
ton to undertake its acquisition in defiance OF right
and the faith of treaties, would not only corrupt ndi
vdual morals and interrupt the social welfare, but
would afiix to our national character dark and en-
during stigma
Besides, if we are bent upon having Cuba at all
hazards, right or wrong, let us boldly proclaim our
intentions, aad openly declare war against Spain in
order to obtain it. That is the course our Govern
ment should adopt, if it is not actuated by a
mean purpose to reap an advantage, while it basey
declines assuming the responsibility Of obtaining it.
That IS It's course, unless 1t intends to grab it. ro
openly and in daylight, but under 4 miserable and
cowardly pretext If we desire Cuba, and are fully
determined to have it any how let us take possession
of it with the army and navy of the government and
not encourage the execution of the work to our hands
by individual pirates and outlaws Don't let us in
our national capacity, initiate the example of a mid
night thief and make way with our booty while the
owner of the stolen property is wrapped in sleep
We should consult dignity even in the perpetra.
ton OF crime. II we mean to sacrifice honor and
honesty, let us not turn coward also and seek IN
evade the responsibility that attaches to our conduct
In other words, if mean to take Cuba let ma take
1t boldly and in the face of the whole world. Do
that and the boldness aud grandeur of the achieve
ment may possibly disguise the iniquity of the Act
and convert the worll upon the theft into
admiration of our audacity