The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-04-13
The Cuban Question.

ing between THIS Government and that OF
Spain have been somewhat embarrassed,
and have afforded matter of daily discus
cussion by editors and politicians. There
is no doubt that the difficulties existing and
threatened all arise out of the apprehen-
sions of Spain in regard to our. designs up
on Cuba.
Spain undoubtedly has reason to believe
that we have the acquisition of Cuba in
view. Two or three successive Admnistra-
tions have had recourse to proclamations
and awakened vigilance to protect Cuba
from the invasion Of lawlcss advcnturers
from this country. The desire forits pos
session has not been concealed. We want
it and Spain is aware Of the fact. The
present Administration came into power a.
midst the general belief that it was Cuba
acquiring Administration. The leading az
ticle in Mr. SouLE's diplomatic card was the
acquisition Of Cuba. He attempted to car
ry it out ly proposing purchase. Spain
evinced no disposition to sell; and SorLr,
in conjunction with Mason and BCcuAH-
AN, said to the Cabinet at Washington that
there was no chance to gain the desired
end by purchase, and in,imatcd willing
ness to resort to force. The Administration
declined to accede to such a proposition, and
SoULE forthwith res igned.
1t is said that the Administration has
been vaccilatng in its policy with Spain on
this suLjcct-that it advanced SouLE and
then called him back. We deny II. The
Administration never intended, under cx-
isting circumstances, to present to Spain the
alternative Of selling or submitting to rob-
berry. 1t wished to purchase. 1t was its
desire to settle al differences with that Gov
ernment amicably, and then acquire Cuba
in peace and in honor But our Minister
was hasty. He wanted Cuba above all
things else, and was determined To settle no
differences until Cuba was given up to us.
lie advanced farther than the Admini,tra-
ton designed him to 50. He was therefore
the dcscrter, and not the deserted.
Hot haste almost always results in de-
lay. |; has 50 resulted in this instance.
The citcrvescence of tilibustcrism, aud th.
impetuosi'y Of SorLE diplomacy, have
aroused the apprchcnsions and distaste of
Spain towards us, and frightened her grasp
upon the Seem Of the Antilles" And
moreover, they have done much in provo
king the 'atrocious outrascs" so frequently
reported by the filibustcr press Of the coun-
try. Weakness, individual Or government
al, is ever sensitive and jealous. The Ill
hputian looks upon every movement of the
giant in his direction as Il threaten Of as
sault. Spain is weak, and this country is
strong No wonder then that, knowing as
she docs our desire for the acquisition of
Cuba, that her apprehensions should be
aroused and her suspicious active. No won
der she watches American vessels in the
region of Cuba. She perhaps Judges Of US
by what she knows she would be if possess
ed Of our might.
We would not be undcstood as cxcusinp
the conduct Of Spain or any other power
when it tramplcs wantonly upon our rights.
We should be the last one to advocate anv
submission on the part Of this Government
to wanton insult at the hands of another,
whether it be the weakest or the STRONGEST.
Our doctrine is to rcpcl insult with a
promptness in exact ratio with the strength
and respectability ofthe aggressor. Astrone
and powerful man can afford to exercise for
bearance towards a weak one. Indeed it
is honorable and magnanimous to do so.
Yet there is point where forbearance
ceases to be magnanimity, and at that point
we would counsel to arms.
If Cuba would be an acquisition indeed
to this country, and especially to our Sec
ton, we desire it most heartily. And we
do not doubt for moment that the posses
sion of it as slaveholding State would be
vast benefit to us. But let US take care
that our avarice and hot haste to satiate it
do not spoil the pie in the baking. If We
treat Spain as becomes powerful Govern
ment to treat a weak one, the time will
come when our money can acquire it, with
out loss Of our self-respect and an effu-
sion Of our blood.
The subject is becoming somewhat inter