Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-05-09
CORRESPONDENCE Of the Enquirer.


Spoiu dor:uok nuke prompt rpnr0ii0n i0r o"iraecS
uponus-, Starry IN Cnba-ItW Congress furnish
NEnns tD, 0ction
WAsHISGToS, MAY e, lSH.
The details of the news received here from Spain,
v the late arrival from Europe, hnvc not M yet trans
prcd. Sufficient, however, in known 10 warrant the
belief that the Spanish Government has been wanting
in promptncss 10 make satisfaction for the Bncls
Warrior outrage and others. Our demand for sr-
cury from future acts of injustice has not been me; i'll
tho proper manner by Spain. 1t is quite ccrnin That
England and France have advised the Spnin Govern
ment to the course which il To DC determined 10
pursue towards us in refusing 10 Yield to our.iua. lc
nRnls upon il. Ii is al-o quite that England and
France, although occupied fully with Russn, have
given to Spain Of their guarantee of the
island of Cuba. This backing OF the Allies gives
Spain every encouragement to assume her present at
titulc.
The demands which we have made upon the Spa.-
sl Government are reasonable and proper. The
whole civilized world cannot ail TO acknowledge TINT
our course i'll these Cuban difficulties has been marked
by spirit of Justice niId moderation. In the event.
which stems 10 be at hnnd that we cannot obtain the
redress for grievances which wc have nsltc what will
our course bel Shall w,-subInt talncy and give en-
couragcnent tn future nggrcssions or shall VIC pro.
much rak of "chivalry" and "ffty-four forty or
fight" and nll that sort of thing, and the time is
coming Tor action. We shall sec whether Congress
is disposed to put into the hands Of the Government
the proper means Tor tho protection Of the rights of
our citizens and tho honor of the country.
In the meantime the evidence of English, inter-
ference in the domestic affairs of Cuba cunulatcs.
decree ordering thnt tho slaves or the Island shall be
rcsstcrrd, has been promngcd by the Spanish Gov
crnncn, ut the suggestion of England. IL thla ,lc
cree have especial siifunceM III certainly isa ailagrant
violation of the doctrine, often and loudly pro-
claimed hv us, tlut would tolerate no European in
reference on this continent We have from the year
1926 until now, particularly asserted TINT the c0ni-
ton of Cuba, from its proximity, could fail to be
always of peculiar concern to and that we would
permit foreign interference in the affairs of the
island. Are to rCcant these cnunciatiUns Of
our policy when they have practical upplication7-
Are we to rc-dgcst the whole Monroe doctrnel Or
is there anything soormidabc:n the present attitude
of England and Frunce that IRE to be prevented
by fear from maintaining what the honor Of the coul-
try is pledged to and what its interests demand
Tho time is very near ut hand for vigorous and
prompt action in the inutcr of Cuba. The public
mind of the country is being prepared if it be not al
ready So for action. What will onr cgisluting states
men do? Some of them ar1too national TO be of
any practical service to the nation, us some arc too
southern" to be Of uny use to the South. Yet the
general self respect of the country, its scnce of
Justice and its interests, will certainly suf-
fcient consideration from Congress, as to make it
prompt to afford means to enable the government
TO take vigorous steps for the protection OF Ameri-
can rights. Q. Z. q.