The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-17

wells s to themselves, II they do not adopt such
measures as vii place fFe;ully OFT OF her
power again to vi" ate tie CONS .iiut on Obtain
ed by the Spanish peo l. at tn expense of SO
much anarchy and b oodsh,d Their minds are
no doubt already made up on this point; and
although fer the moment they have thought it
advisable to lii Ter anne with the cry of con-
stitutoDal lib y, as o measure of temporary
expectancy it seems to be the general impress
sion that when the Cortes meets they will be
fully prepared with project to meet the diff
Guilty. Whether in the meanwhile to conciliate
the genera supp, TT in favor Of the claims of
her infant daughter, the Queen will volun-
tarily sign her own aodicatioa, or whether
she will have sufficient confidence in the
foIgiviDg disposition evinced by the population
Of Madrid to abide an issue which will be
determined only by the stern calculations Of 20
litical necessity, remains to be SEEM In any case,
we look upon her tenure Of the Spanish throne
as precarious and short-lived. Admitting that
the good feeling and gallantry of her su 2jects
should conquer for time ali considerations Of
political prudence we have no faith in the
steadiness of those newborn sentiments Of pat
riotism and repentance which II required a
sanguinary revolution to evoke in her breast.
Before the new order Of things is fairly inaugu-
rated we should be again likely to hear of those
intrigues, both political and personal, which
brought her former government and influence
into such well merited contempt.
Whatever turn, however, affairs may now
take in Spain, it is clear that the polit cal
p aspects of this country can only be benefited
by it. Politicians in Europe arrive equally
with us at this conclusion; but, as usual in
their calculations Of our views and objects,
they err as to the precise nature Of the advan-
tages that we are likely to derive from change
of policy in that country. They think that
our desire to obtain Cuba was dictated solely
by that Unsuitable thirst Of aggrandisement
which they love to represent as the leading
element in the American character. In this in
stance, at least, they are mistaken. What
ever may be our passion for acquisition, al
though we could easily show that we are as
little liable to reproach in that respect as other
nations, our designs with regard to Cuba are
Influenced less by any intrinsic advantage
which the island holds out to US in territorial
and commercial point Of view, than by purely
defensive considerations suggested by the dan
ger of its falling into the possession of those
who, being hostile to our institutions, and the
growth of our influence, would be certain to use
it as foothold for their interference In the
political affairs Of the American continent, and
as the means Of opposing temporary barrier
to our progress.
So long as the policy Of Spain was guided
by miserable clique of profigate intriguers,
accessible to the vilest influences and wholly
under the control Of England and France,
Cuba was to us q source of apprehension aud
danger Directed by an honest and patriotic
government, swayed by just consideration Of
Its own interests, and looking to this country
as the only disinterested ally that, under new
and more liberal order Of things, it can hope to
secure, Cuba will cease to give us any anxiety.
The nearer Spain verges towards republicanism
or towards such q restricted form of monarchy
as will leave but difference in name, the more
will she be Withdrawn from the influence ,of
France, and as O consequence, Of the Anglo
French alliance. from that Of England also
To this country she will have to look for the
moral, and, perhaps, also for the material sup
port necessary to consolidate her institutions
1t is natural, therefore, that we should watch
with eager interest the progress of events that
may so soon bring us upon the theatre of
European ioitics.