The true Democrat., 1854-05-30
From the Washington Union, May II. Our Relations with Snain


 From the Washington Union May H.
 Our Relations with Spain.
 If the rumors which were current at Madrid at our latest dates be reliable, the Spanish cabi- net had declined to afford prompt reparation Tor the wrongs committed against the flag of the united States Tn the instance of the Black War ror The intelligence, from the belief that it IS true, IS justly producing mighty sensation throughout the Union. The period for diplo- matizing at distance of four thousand miles TOT redress tor unprovoked, fragrant insults and in]unes sustained by our country at the hands ol the lnsolent and, so far as we are concerned irresponsible authorities at Havana, has atlength passed by. Duty to ourselves requires that we should prepare for settling, upon the spot where they are perpetrated, the offenses to our honor and rights. We are quite free to state and in terms so emphatic and unequivocal as to admit of no msinterpretation-t if ample satisfaction is not allowed for the piratica sci zure of the Black Warrior, we shall advocate an immediate blockade of the island. That justice which we temperately appealed for to the home government of her Catholic Majesty It IS imperative upon us now to exact Out rage upon this nation affecting even its honor are ot lncessant accumulation in Cuba. and it is palpaoly, distinct that there is but solitary manner left to us for remedying them. That manner IS the energetic and judicious employ ment ot such resources as happily are at our disposal The situation has become too crave to longer admit of temporizng negotiation Our complaining voice has been heard sufficient ly long; we must now make its expression felt
 That American continental system which we are endeavorng, and which we resolved with the blessing of God, to build up precludes the propriety of our tolerating, much less favorng. the marauders who have been proving upon our very portals. Whatever may occur in the other hemisphere, in this there must be no legalized piracy. We owe it to ourselves, to civilization. to oblterate that wicked rule which has been an lncessant mockery of justice and of inter- national law on this continent To remove nulsances IS the natural right of those againts whom they operate. The principle is recog- nlzed by the most eminent law writers. With out taking time to search for the various authori- ties on the subject, we will merely make short quotation from Alison's History of Europe It IS therein stated:
 The principle of interference with the domestic concerns of other States, perfectly just III the general case is necessarily subject to some exceptions No answer has ever been made to the observation of Mir. Burke, ''that il my neighbours house is in flames, and the fire IS likely to spread to my own, lam justified III interfering to avert disaster which promises to be eaqually fatal to both.''
 Upon this principle, as alleged, Cracow was struck down and incorporated in the empire of Austria-if not with the tacit assent at least without any hostile demonstration by any of the great powers of Europe. Its integrity was guarantied by the treaty of Vienna, yet its an- initiation cOnnived at by most of the par ties contractant, and resisted by none from the circumstance of its being too free for the secu- rity of its stneghbor. Great Britain alone, if we mistake not, protested against the deed, but in an informal and reluctant manner. In this connection, we are permitted to make the following extract of a letter written to his friend by one of our most enlightened, expe- rienced and distinguished northern statesmen- person who has served his country in a num- Der of high positions as faithfully as ever did a patriot in any land:
 As to Cuba again: 1 am not inclined to the equivocai step of repeating laws that are in themselves just and of general application, to repress maraudng and free-booting, like our statutes, to preserve neutrality. But 1 am in- clined to a much higher and more ostensible at titude. 1 would say to Spain, "You have no longer an American continental interest; to stand sentry over Cuba is of no importance to your European independence and well being; it is not half as valuable to your treasury as 1t has been. It is made by France and England mere tool for annoyance. To the United States, in the interests of peace, commerce, and domestic tran guilty, it is really indispensable. Come! who will give its full value. There is the money. Take it or not, as you please; but we take the island openly, if needs be, in defiance of all Europe''
 The vehement language of Pezuela, the Captain General of Cuba, as contained in the official Gazette against the executive of the United States, because of the sentiment eX- pressed in the message to Congress concerning the E lack Warrior affair." renders the establish ment of good relations with Spain and friendly intercourse with her possessions almost impos- sibe while that functionary is retained. Eve " true hearted American considers it exceed ingly insulting to the republic, and would re- sent it as indignantly if an occasion offered as did our acting consul and Commodore Newton. The most ordinary regard for international ci- vilities requires that such impertnence should be punished by the Queen with deprivation of office.