The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-05-03

world Dctofy. Ine PtcScHt EurOpcau imulOS-
Ito involves schedule of radical political events
and revolutions unprecedented in the annals
of mankind. England and France have boldly
proclaimed their programme, not only to COM
pass the distribution Of political authority in
TIE Old World, but the establishment of an ef-
sfcctive European balance of power in the New.
Hence the tripartite overtures to Mr.. Fillmores
administration, the significant correspondence
upon that subject, and the "happy accord
which Lord Aberdeen has declared to exist be-
tween England and France, not only upon
European, but upon American affairs There
can be little doubt that this selfcomplacent de-
claration covers secret understanding between
the two powers for the protection of Cuba
against what has been termed "the grasplng
ambition of the United States" The case,
we think, is Enthusiastically proved by the
plain, accurate, historical re-capitulation
of Mr.. Slidell, touching the diplomacy of Eng
land for the last year or two in reference to the
island of Cuba. The late insolent acts Of the
colonial authorities at Havana can only be &C
counted for upon the presumption that they are
in position in which they may defy the power
of the United States, and provoke US to rup-
ture
| In this view, our relations with Spain are OF
The highest moment. The existence of an An
| glo-French protectorate over Cuba, the object
Of which is permanently to cut off the acquisi-
4 ton of that island by the United States, though
| itmay be necessary to reduce it to the condi-
ton of Jamaica or of Hayti, we cannot, dare
not, regard with Indifference. 1t is matter of
vital interest to our national independence and
our dignity, to our commercial rights, our ma
ritime defences, and to our internal harmony
and safety. It is Of higher Importance than a
dozen Nebraska bills or forty Pacific railroads,
could they be called into existence, like Alad-
din's palace, by the rubbing Of lamp. Con-
trasted with the balance of power in the Gulfof
Mexico the Gadsden treaty upon which the
Senate have been expanding week after
week of earnest discussion, dwindles to
the contemplate proportions of en- adroit
conspiracy to plumber the treasury of a
few paltry millions of dollars. Mr.. Slidell
has presented the issue in its true light before
the American Senate. The counter-check which
| lie proposes against the nsidious policy Of the
European coalition is radical, may be hazard
Gus, but it is to the purpose. If, in order to
prevent the transformation of the sland of
Cuba into the central State of free negro con-
! federation, it may only be necessary to sus
pend for a season our neutrality laws the sim
pie question is shall we do it or decline to do
it The immediate provocation may have
passed by, but thousand contingencies may
happen during the next six months justifying
the expedient as the only remaining alternative
of selfprotection.
To meet these possible contingencies during
the recess of Congress, Mr.. Slidell proposes to
arm the President with the requisite discretion
airy authority. 1t is time these Spanish out
RACES upon our ctizans, our commerce and our
flag, at Havana and other ports OF Cuba, and
these shilly-shally explanations at Madrid, were
ended. Such trifing is culpable folly in view
of the happy accord" between England and
France. We are wasting time, while the Holy
Alliance are perfecting their schemes againstu us.
We have not much faith in, nor any great respect
for. the courage or decision of character upon
great issues like this, of the head of the present
administration at Washington. But feeble AMI
indecisive as he may be, the authority in the
ion is so clear upon this subject that even Gen
Pierce may be trusted as its exponent. His
official position in regard to our foreign rcla-
tions entities him to this discretion; and the
policy of timely warning to the allied pro-
tectorate over Cuba, requires some decisive
declaration from Congress.
1t is conceded on all hands that Europe is
upon the threshold of the mightiest events and
most radical changes, which, amid all her revo-
buttons from the remotest ages, she has ever I'M
dergone. 1t has been declared that the alliance
of the Western powers comprehends not only
the European, but the American, balance of
power. 1t is undeniable that this balance of
power hinges upon the island of Cuba. 1t is
manifest that deep laid scheme is on foot to
render Cuba forbidden fruit, and utterly re-
pulsive, to the United States 1t is evident
that the colonial authorities are possessed of
the secrets of their masters, and have been en-
deavoring to foment a rupture which would
compel England and France to hasten to the
rescue. All these facts taken together, show
that the role we shall be called upon to play
in the grand crisis which is upon us, will be of
the greatest magnitude, and involving the
mightest influences upon the future destinies
of our country and our Institutions Hence we
are happy at this timely and appropriate expo
sition of American policy from Mr.. Slidell. We
trust that the Senate Committee, the Senate
itself, and the House, will second the move
ment with that courage and decision which the
subject and the time demand The day has
come for positive and conclusive settlement
with Spain concerning the island of Cuba.
We may have it now, and avoid war; but if
we hesitate and postpone the work upon quib
bles and explanations with every recurring CO
lonial outrage, till the European war is over,
we may be driven, for our security and our
rights in the Gulf of Mexico, into collision
with England and France.