Washington sentinel., 1855-02-03
sPAIN-CUBA-THE UNITED STATES.


sPAIN-CUBA-THE UNITED STATES.
We do not look with any degree of pleasure
at the present aspect Of the Cuba question 1t
was understood, universally understood when
the Democratic party came into power, after
the slow Wing administration that continued
up to 1852, that it was to be a progressive
party. When we use this language, we do not
mean that it was to be rash, extravagant, and
sanguinary party. We mean simply that it
was to keep up with the ideas of the age. Ruin
from dilapidation is just as bad as ruin from
combustion. But while we would have our
country to avoid the first we would also have
her to avoid the last. Cuba was an impor
tant element in the last election, but for some
reason or other Cuba seems to be fading from
the memory of the Adm;n;si-~s:s.. We 40 not
uesign to discuss the many phases of that
question now. We have so often expressed
our views on it that we feel there is no neces-
sty for doing so at present. Yet we have
few words to say, to which we ask the attention
of our readers.
We are aware that the Democratic party
during the last Presidential contest was charged
with being Fillibustering party The reason
Of this was that it manifested symptoms Of
vitality, and marked proclvity to progress
1t is not a Filibustering party; nor are we
imbued with Filhbustering sympathies But
we want Cuba, let who will be shocked by the
"a do OF fp L.,
nnjustly, but justly. When the present Admin
istration came into power, it was universally
understood that we were TO have Cuba. When
the President appointed, and the Senate con
hrmed, Mr.. Soule as minister to Spain, that
opinion assumed the form of fixed convic-
ton. Indeed, the appointment of Mr.. Soule,
with all his antecedents, led the whole country
to believe that full license had been given to
the Filibusters. Wing presses all over the
Union rang the changes on it. We were afraid
that nee should be called on to defend the Ad-
ministration from this charge-but, as the
Inagicians say "presto change we're the words,
and in a brief space of time, what was called
in derision Young America, was called in
scorn "old Fogydom." Why this change, We
will not undertake to say. 1t is fit that others
should account for it, who are better informed
than ourselves.
To show the process of transformation, we
make few extracts from the messages of the
President at different periods in the last year.
The first extract is from the message Of the
18th of March, 1854, as follows:
"In compliance with the resolution Of the
House of Representatives of the 10th instant,
herewith transmit a report Of the Secretary Of
State, containing all the information received
at the department in relation to the seizure of
the Black Warrior, at Havana, on the 2sth
ultimo.
"There have been, in the course Of a few
years past, many other instances of aggression
upon our commerce, violations Of the rights Of
American citizens, and insults to the national
flag by the Spanish authorities in Cuba and
all attempts 10 obtain redress have led to pro.
tracted and, as yet, fruitless negotiations.
"The documents in these cases are volumi.
nous, and when prepared will be sent to Con.
gress.
aThose now transmitted relate exclusively
TO the seizure Of the Black Warrior, and present
so clear case Of wrong, that il would be reas-
enable to expect full indemnity therefor, as soon
as this uniustihable and offensive conduct shall
be made known TO her Catholic Majesty's Gov
ernment; but similar expectations in other
cases, have not been realized.
"The offending party is at our doors, with
large powers for aggression, but none, it il
alleged, for reparation. The source Of redress
is in another hemisphere, and the answers TO
our Just complaints made TO the home govern.
ment are but the repetition Of excuses, rendered
by the inferior officials 10 their superiors, in
reply to representations Of misconduct The
peculiar situation Of the parties has undoubt.
edly much aggravated the annoyances and in
iuries which our citizens have suffered from the
Cuban authorities, and Spain does not seem to
appreciate 10 its full extent her responsibility
for the conduct Of these authorities. In giving
very extraordinary powers TO them she owes il
to Justice, and TO her friendly relations with
this government, 10 guard with great vigilance
against the exorbitant exercise Of these powers
and in case Of injuries to provide for prompt
redress.
81 have already taken measures to present
10 the government Of Spain the wanton injury
Of the Cuban authorities in the detention and
seizure Of the Black Warrior, and to demand
immediate indemnity for the injury which has
thereby resulted 10 our citizens
In view Of the position Of the Island oi
Cuba, its proximity to our coast, the relations
which il must ever bear 10 our commercial and
other interests, il is vain to expect that series
Of unfriendly acts infringing our commercial
rights, and the adoption Of policy threatening
the honor and security ofthese States, can long
consist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures taken for amicable
adjustment Of our difficulties 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, 10 obtain redress for injuries received
and TO yindicate the honor Of our flag.
ain anticipation Of that contingency which
] earnestly hope may not arrive, | suggest "a
Congress the proprety Of adopting such pro
usional measures as the exgency may seem tc
demand"
The second is from the Message Of the Isl
Of August, 1854, as follows:
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