Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-09-02
THE PACIFIC RAILROAD AND CUBA.
FOR THE NATIONAL IsrrIIraEScEn.

/ The PACltlC kAlLhOAD AMI CUDh.
FOR THE NATIONAL IYTELLIGENcER.
There is subject which agitates country at this
moment important in its political and financial conse
| quences the great Pacific Railfoad-in its political
consequences would bind the most distant parts Of
country together by bringing these parts within con-
venent access and of ready and efficient in time Of
need in its financial consequences it would enable the
United States command the entire China trade 1t
to be demonstrated that with present steam con-
venences, the time occupied in the transportation Of
merchandise by means Of this road from China (say
Shangha to Liverpool would be less than half Of the
time occupied This alone and its consequences
viii adequately prove that with the aid of this road the
United States must command the China trade of the
whole world.
The road is therefore repete with blessings to our
Union and the consequent preservation of liberty and
with prosperity to people, and is truly national in all
its aspects.
We think it of far national Importance than the
acquisition of the Island Of Cuba by the way of this
last have only the hurra argument in its favor
We should like we-informed person to take this
matter up (he acquisition of Cuba) and to handle it
dispassionately:
lst In reference its influence upon political well
fare, union and our liberty.
ID In reference it's influence upon Southern labor.
3D. In reference to its influence upon Southern pro-
ducts sugar and cotton keeping in mind that Anne
rican Sate the present protective duties sugar and
cotton would cease.
4th. In reference to its influence upon income from
duties, keeping in mind that American State its
present export duties would cease also its import duties
except from foreign States.
5h. The expenses of its domestic government of the
military force acquired to keep quiet and of the naval
force necessary watch its shores and inles
and harbors 1t should not be forgotten that being
island distant in the sen ali supplies be by marine
transports
9Th The influence upon its destinies as an American
acquisition from the large free English island Of jamaica
so near to it.
7th The wars foreign and serve, in which, Ame-
rcan acquisition should probably be involved in pro-
tectng it.
| 9th. It's military Importance keeping in mind that o
canal railroad from Tampa Bay Florida to the head
ofthe St. Johns would reduce if annhate its
boosted military advantages.
The Island of Cuba is eminently sugar and cotton
country Relieve these products Of that island from the
present duties those articles and what would become
Of similar products from present Southern Statess
II Southern sugar cultivation cannot compete with
this product from Cuba under the present protective duty
how would it compete successfully if that duty
removed?
But it has been said that African labor is very cheap
in Cuba. Cuba is well supplied with that labor; the
island is abundantly stocked with it. Would that labor
be destroyed by the acquisition? Would it not remain
great now and would not its relative advantages be
as great?
1t has also been said that sugar plantations and the
requisite labor can be had much cheaper in the
Island of Cuba than in Louisiana Admitted for the pre-
sent. But how long would this be the case were that
Island an American acquisition?
Cuba cannot become manufacturing State for sup
plies Of this kind 1t must depend upon other parts Of
the world As an American acquisition supplies of this
kind would enter from States free of duty There
fore American manufacturing interests would be seriously
benefited by the acquisition These interests could well
afford to hundred millions Of dollars for the
QUESTION But what Southern interest would be benefited
by the acquson Men Of broken fortunes, anxious for
any experiment by which they might profit Of
bid sensibtes anxious for any adventure that would
give momentary ecat; men Of desperate character,
anxious for relief from any source appear to to
stute the class of Cuba acquisition advocates There
fore desire the subject handled dspassonatey
and reasonably Our judgment is open to conviction it
will yield to truth and reason. MONROE.