Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-06-20
.I,r CnvNISs,oX To MADRID.

Tho orcui,itiun of Cuba is the only measure OF po'
Icy in regard TO which the people Of the South feel
cny spccial and prcscnt. interest. The traditional dis
,utcs Of party arc either settled or in suspension; III
any event they urc utterly incapable Of awukcningt the
leas, manifestation of popular enthusiasm. But the
question of the annexation of eubn is Ii living and
active issue, appealing directly und powerfully 10 the
impulses Of ;he masses and TO the understanding Oh
the statesman, and affecting the interests OF the South
vitality and by necessary operation. POLITICIANS may
sometimes raise a false clauor and excite III uf'ihciai
interest in respect to measures OF no reai consequences
but tho people are not easily misled INTO a wrong al
rection, nor into IN exaggerated and fictitious cnthu-
siasm. When they move, it is towards some praetl-
cable and palpable result; when they become excited,
il is in consequence Of some appropriate and suiti'
Gent cause. The profound and pcrvading interest
which the discussion Of the "Cuban question has
awakened among the MASSES III the Southern people,
besides being n fact Of considerable moment III ltseli'
is significant of the Importance and urgency ot Inc
issuc.
II il irrational to expect the government I" Keep
even pucc with the movement of popular feeling, and
no candid person will censurc Mr.. Pierce for his effort
10 restrain the impetuous impulses of ihlibustcrism.-
iiS 'hut w
committing the Administration to u policy adverse to
the acquisition of Cuba, and may chill the ardor
and embarrass the action of the Creolcs, who are
looking TO American sympathy for aid in their s'rug-
gle with Spanish tyranny. But, however unfortunate
the effect of the manifesto against tilibusterlSli, we
lnust considerthat the Executive had no alternative but
10 perform its duty without regard t" consequences
No man sympathises more sincerely with the nsrira-
ticns Of the Cuaan people, Or more earnestly desires
the acquisition Of the island than Mr.. Pierce, but he
could not, consistently with the obligations OF honor
and duty, cunnirc at unlawful expeditions against IL
Power with whom the country liz ut peace. Ii Is by
such considerations that the less thoughtless and In
temperate friends Of the Cuban movement reconcile
the action of the administration with its professions
and promises.
For the appointment of Il Commission to Madrid,
there will be no such apology, and the South will SUBJ
init to the measure with reluctance and dissatistac-
ion. People may be told that the design of the Com
mission is to facilitate the acquisition of Cuba, bu,
tho assurance will only provoke an iucreduluus dis
sent, and n distrust either of the good faith or the
good sense of the Administration Perhaps the Span
isb Court, or IFS representative i'll Washington, has
suggested the idea OF n Commission; but docs any
body believe that they really wish the negotiation to
terminate in amy practical result! Their object is sim
ply delay; and IN Mr.. Soulc hus forced them 10 an is-
sue which they cannot cvade, they would like very
much 10 begin the negotiation de nocO with as many
iuterlocutors IA possible. The case is perfectly plain:
In obedience to instructions from his government, our
Minister at Madrid undertook the adjustment of all
disputes with the Spanish Court. 1t is very well
known that he is prosecuting the negotiation with an
energy and dircctnoss of purpose which will speedily
result eitherin a rupture or in Il satisfactory settlement.
Why then interrupt his efforts or interfere with his
policy! 1t il not probable that the Administration
would disturb him if his conduct were fully approved;
and if ii be not approved, it is ccrtainly not because
OF its inciicicncy. Would not the Spanish government
regard the appointment of a Commission "'a virtual
dissent from the policy of Mr.. Soult, and u conccs-
to its own obstinate resistance Ii it be the pur-
pose nj the Administration :" push our disputes with
but to let Dir. Soulc alone: il they wish t" lt"''"S
him with Il Commission of ignorant and disputatious
politicians.
The country has been led to anticipate a bold and
energetic mcs.agc from the President on the Cuban
question. The publicexpcc.ation would csadiy drcrir-
ed bv on application to Congress for an appropriation for
the eypcnse of q Commission to mediate between
our energetic Minister and the obstinate and sllut1ing
Court Of Spain.