, 1854-09-23
Cur Relations with Spain, &c


Adyiccs from Washington by the last
steamers confirmed the opinion which we
formerly expressed that Spain had no in
tentionS of entering into negotiations with
the United States for the sale of Caba,
and that if any such proposition was made,
it was only for the purpose of gaining time
till the plans for the defence of the Island
were completed According to an official
statement, the military force of the Island
at present consists of nineteen regiments
Of Infantry, two regiments Of Cavalry, one
regiment and two companies OF Artillery,
five batteries of mountain howitzers, and
one company of sappers and miners-total
is, 100, exclusive Of the police force, mill
tia and black recruits. This is formida-
BILE force. The extraordinary concessions
made the negro population since the acces-
sion to power of Pezuela, will of course
have the effect of attaching them strongly
to the present order of thing, and they are
besides taught that if the lSaad should
fall into the hands of the Americans, the
gay plumes and military trappings in which
the colored soldiers now strut through the
streets of Havana would have to be eX-
changed for chains and CALLING slavery
Upon the loyalty of the negro population,
the Spanish Government may reckon with
confidence, and in the event of an invasion,
a desperate resistance may be expected
from them.
The inserrection in Spain will no doubt
greatly influence the future destiny of Cuba,
and if successful, may be the means OF
placing it peaceably in our possession, on
more advantageous terms than We could
ever reasonably expect As matters stand
at present, our relations with Spain have
become exceedingly complicated, and eX-
listing difficulties can scarcely be reconclled
by the most skillful diplomacy. The de-
mahd made by the United States for re-
paration in the case of the Black warrior
outrage, produced nothing but justitlca-
ton of the acts Of the local authorities,
and these" as President Pierce remarks
in his message to Congress, transferred
the responsibility of their acts to the Span
ish Government itself" If rumor can be
credited, the American Minister at the
Court of Madrid demanded the recall Of
the Captain General-the comforting Of
diplomatic powers to treat quietly with the
United States in any cases~of dispute
which might arise upon all future Captain
Generals, and the payment Of $500, 900 as
an idemnity for the Black Warrior out
rage. 1t is now surmised that instructions
have been sent to Mr.. Soule to modify
considerably his original demand, and if
at this time he should meet with no better
success, war would seem to be inevitable
The President, in recent message to Con-
gress on the subject of our relations with
Spain, evidently holds the opinion that q
war may possibly result. He says:
In the message of the House Of Repre-
sentatives referred to, availed myself of
the occasion to present the following re-
Elections and suggestion In view of the
position Of the Island Of Cuba, its prox-
unity to our coast, the relations which it
must ever bear to our commercial and other
interests, it is in vain to expect that
series of unfriendly acts infringing our,
commercial rights, and the adoption Of
policy threatening the honor and security
of these States, can long exist with peace
full relations. In case the measure taken
for the amicable adjustment of our difficult
ties with Spain should unfortunately fail, /
shall not hesitate to use the authority and
means which Congress may grant to insure
the observance of our just rights, to OBJ
tain redress for injuries received, and to
vindicate the honor of our flag In antici-
patton of that contingency, which l earn
estly hope may not arise, suggest to Con-
gress the propriety Of adopting such pro-
visional measures as the exigency may
seem to demand
The insurrection, however, may change
altogether the present aspect Of affairs.
At last dates its effects were beginning to
be felt in Cuba. The birthday of the
the Queen Mother was not celebrated with
anything like the enthusiasm always mani
tested on such an occasion. The Captain
General and his household remained in Sc
clusion throughout the day and his policy
so far in this matter appears to be perfectly
non-committal. The purchasing Of bills Of
exchange to large amount on English
bankers, shortly after the receipt of the
news from Spain shows that he is of the
opinion that his tenure of office is exceed
ingly uncertain, and that he may be com
PEELED to vacate the viceregal palace upon
very short notice. Various reasons are as
signed for the present insurrecton. On
one side it is asserted that it is a British
juggle to helpa wedding with young Portu-
gala daughter of Britain the bride, and
the dover two kingdoms I; and in support
of this, it is alleged that 0'Donnel was
concealed in the residence of the British
minister for several months previous to the
breaking out of the rebellion, while the
officers were on his track. On the other
hand the cry of Russian gold 4" is raised.
The Due de MOnpensier, who it is known
exerts powerful influence at the Court of
Madrid, is pointed out as the agent and