The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-23
Our Spanish Relations-The Cabinet and th.
Louisville Journai-What's to DO Dones


upon the Black Warrior case and the affair of
the Ell Dorado, is very interesting, and shows
that the administration is desperately inclined
to push these Cuban embarrassments to a focus.
On the other hand, from the Louisville Journal,
a paper which modestly assumes to be the oracle
of the opposition forces Of all the Mississippi
valley, we publish an article which recommends
the most ultra old fogy do-nothing policy. In
casting our judgment between the Louisville
philosopher and the Cabinet organ we are COM
PEELED to side with the latter, so far as it coun-
sells policy Of action; and in this view, from
every consideration Of policy, expediency, and
pity, we must give the administration helping
hand.
The Louisville editor admits that there are
only three ways by which permanent settle
ment of our troubles with Spain may be Sc.
cured, to witt
First. BY the purchase of Cuba.
Second. By repeal of our neutrality laws.
Third. By forcible seizure Of the island.
And while it is also conceded that Spain will
not sell, it is urged that the repeal of the neu.
trality laws and the policy of reprisals would
BILE seizure Of Cuba would be an outrageous act
Of robbery. The upshot Of this reasoning of
our Louisville contemporary is that we can do
very well without the island of Cuba, and that
it will be wisest to let things take their own
course, and trust to Providence
Such is the advice of the old fogy of the
Louisville Journal. 1t is perfectly absurd.
ha hiuh hrau do cf fho M
organ, saying nothing about it upon the point
of good taste, is much more reasonable, ra-
tiOnal and consistent with public opinion, in
its suggestions of positive and decided action.
There is no other course. Action is what we
want. The simple fact is, we must settle this
Cuban imbroglio for ourselves, or England and
France, as soon as they can get out Of the
clutches ofRussia, will settle it for US. We must
choose between Lord Clarendon's ''balance Of
power" and the Monroe doctrine-between an
established dictatorial European protectorate
over the Gulf Of Mexico and Caribbean Straits,
or the perpetual freedom of those seas.
But even If the surrender OF Cuba to the per.
manent protection ofEngland and France were
advisable for the sake of peace-if Spain will
reprisals and robbery to seize the island-what
are we to do? Our Louisville contemporary
strangely overlooks the important point that
the Spanish authorities of Cuba, for years past,
have been guilty of the grossest outrages upon
our citizens, our commerce and our fag-that
these Cuban authorities are not allowed to re-
dress these wrongs, and that the supreme gov
ernnopf Of Madrid hoe pors afo raf,,,al al
applications, either for Indemnity for the past
or security for the future |" What are we to
do? What other policy is left us than the Jack
sonian policy Of seprisals? None, at this crisis,
that we can perceive.
Our Washington correspondent informs us
that the Black Warrior affair is not settled, as
reported by the Cabinet organ; but that since
the return of Mr.. Soule information has been
received by the government that Spain is will
ing to negotiate upon that subject In other
words, she is willing, by diplomacy, to postpone
a settlement until France and England are re-
lieved of Russia. But in the meantime the af-
fair Of the Ell Dorado, and many other Cuban
transactions Of the last year or two, indicate
very strongly that Spain is systematically
as she seems to be, Of the protection of her pow
erful allies. In this view of the subject, we are
happy to hear that Gen. Concha is to be called
upon to settle the affair Of the Ell Dorado, and
that the demand is to be backed up by q pow
erful American squadron.
Let this movement be followed up lin the
event Of refusal on the part of Gen. Concha
to render instant satisfaction by the call Of an
extra session of Congress, and before December
we may secure q decisive settlement with
Spain Of all outstanding balances, and withal
the most positive security for the future. The
golden opportunity is here, and we should
take advantage Of the tide. Let there be peace
with Russia, and six months thereafter, through
the Vaccinations Of anti-slavery England and
the cooperation Of France, we may have the
Authorization of Cuba; and FIVE or ten years
hence a confederated free negro empire or re-
public, composed of the islands of Hayti, Cuba,
Porto Rico and Jamaica lording it over the
Gulf, under European balance of power"
With regard to the administration, action is
the only policy. 1t may yet save itself and
the democracy upon this question, and may
even secure us ultimately the island of Cuba
through bold and emphatic line of action
Our Louisville contemporary thinks that the
next Congress will promptly repudiate any
extreme measures for a settlement with
Spain. That question remains TO be
tried Let the executive call an extra
session Of Congress, and lay before them
bis explanations recommending the policy
OF reprisals; and he may rely upon it, that
the popular enthusiasm which such O message
would excite would carry Congress with IL most
triumphantly. When Mr.. Polk recommended
declaration of war against Mexico, Congress