Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-01-10
FRENCH AND ENGLISH INTERFERENCE on THIS
CONTINENT


Tie special Washington correspondent of the
Richmond Enquirer writes as follows on the sub
iect of British interference in Cuba and French in
reference in St Domingo. His statements and
views are highly interesting:
The news Of the interference Of France. in the
affairs Of St Domingo, eXcites some interest here.
1t was not totally unexpected; for that an under
standing had been had between England and
France for joint action in the West Indies was
known here But it was believed that any oyertact
would have been delayed until after the present
European complications had been disposed of 1t
is suspected that the English and French alliance
as evInced in the proposed tri-parte treaty, which
was known to be of cordial character will result
in an attempt the part of these nations to parti
zion the prominent West lEdia Islands under their
nfnence If English Influences prevail in Cuba,
and if the French succeed in their designs in St
Domingo the result will be effective blow at us.
Napoleon once said that the Mediterranean Sea
should be French lake. This remark was rather
the boast of imperial pride than the declaration of
a necessary policy. The Mediterranean bears no
such relation to France, the Gulf Mexico does
to US. Five of our States border upon it. and
from peculiar circumstances the domestic institu-
tons of fifteen States depend upon the non-inter-
ference Of European powers there, in things they
are The way Of access of transit Of treasure there
from and our whole Southern cost, require that we
shonld be alone in the control Of its waters. The
Gulf of Mexico and the caribbean Sea should be an
american lake Their sole possession is necessary
10 us.
This was long ago seen by the sagacity Of states
manship As early as 1876 and again in 1925 formal
declarations ntimating it, were officially made
They have since been often repeated by all Admin
istrations, and they are familiar to other nations
England knows full well the effect of blow at
us there Alone, she would not dare to risk the at
I,t la obs aDc,,
Taking advantage of the late European circum-
stances she has enlisted the alliance of France to-
wards this continent by tempting her cupidity and
ambition Probably Sardinia and Spain are with
Them making quadruple alliance. Thus backed
England either sure Of the peace Of Europe or too
eager to restrain herself is found meddng il Cuba
and now France makes her demonstration upon St.
Domingo This action is the result of 4 fixed I'M
Outstanding.
These event are of such character that we can
not be indifferent to them. Their tendencies and
progress are evident Their aims can be thwarted
in but two ways. So long as England and France
the great naval powers of the world are allied there
is danger to US. The great problem Of our dplo-
macy IS TO sever that alliance. The bond of close
friendship between them is unnatural and carries in
1.-THE seeds of rupture, which favoring crcumstan-
ces would soon Tpen. We must take advantage of
them.
The other means Tor the protection of our policy
and interests Is large increase Of the Navy. A
respectable naval force with advantages of DO
stion, would command respect and make European
nations feel that war with would leopard the
peace of Europe In case of war if we can prevent
immediate defeat public opinion in France would
to our aid and it would be felt in causing her
withdrawal from any alliance against us Ii the
feelings Of France be aroused. the peace of Europe
WILDE ieoparded. which event no monarch would !
winglyrisk. European revolution would be the |
consequence Of a general war, and there are none |
of their governments which would hazard it |
Hence the peace Of Europe Is still preserved, afte
all the threats ofthe Poowers against Russia.
Transporting events are bringing these matters Of
really American interest, in form which cannot |
fail to penetrate 10 the mind OF the country Pub |
lie opinion is full Of intelligence upon the subject, /
and there is nothing which is more worthy to'awak-
ell national pride than the determinations to per-
NIT the interference Of European nations u2on this |
continent FAIRFAX.