The true Democrat., 1855-05-08
Our Relations with Spain warlike.

We learn by telegrahic report in the Pica- yune of the 29th ult., that the Washington Union of the day before contains long article on the affairs of Spain in which it is affirmed that "the President regards the recent bringing to and examination of onr vessels in the Gulf of Mexico as violations of international law, in- dignities offered to our flag, and aggressions upon our rights, which will not be tolerated" Com McCauley," the Union says, " is in- structed not to argue with the Spanish cruisers as to their right to search our vessels or to im- pose any restrictions whatever on their move ments; but IS to say, you cannot claim the right of search, or visitation, or examination, of any vessel rightfully bearing our flag upon the high seas, under any guise or pretext whatever, in my presence or within my reach. If you attempt to do so, the act will be committed at your peril'
 "The Spanish authorities have, therefore, the question of peace or war in their own hands. If they persist in the aggressions which they have been making war, will be inevitable"
 We cannot bring ourself to the belief that there is even probability of war with Spain. Though Spain has misconstrued and taken ad- vantage of the forbearance of the government of the United States towards her heretofore she will do so no more. Such is our belief All that was necessary, and all that has ever been necessary, to obtain and secure justice from the Spanish authorities, is the showing of deter mination to exact it. She has only tyrannized over our commerce upon the high seas, because she thought it could be done with impunity.- The step now taken by the President will not only secure our vessels from future molestation, but will cause ample reparation for all past offences to be made. Spain in the midst of all of her folly and arrogance, knows too we'll her lnterlority to the United States, and the conse- quent result that would attend collision. Her authority in Cuba, even now, hangs upon a thread that is liable to be snapped at any mo- ment. A war with the United States would dispossess her of that portion of her empire as certain as it is commenced and nothing would fill our people with more joy and satisfaction that the declaration of such war.
 The President has acted wisely in the step he has taken. Dealing with power so much at our mercy as Spain evidently is, becomes matter of great delcacy The part our govern ment has played is proud and noble one.- Desiring and needing the possession of the Is- land of Cuba as much as we do, and possessing the power at any moment to take it, our forbea- rance presents spectacle never before witness ed in the history of nations
 But we have forborne long enough. We have suffered the Spaniard to offer his indigni- ties until he has grown intolerable He must, and from the spirit which seems to actuate the President, we judge, he will be very suddenly checked up. Of the result of the present move of our government we do not entertain doubt. The question of peace or war, being directly and boldly presented to the Spanish go- vernment, will end in a speedy and satisfactory settlement of every difficulty pending between the two governments Such has been the hs- tory of our past intercourse with Spain, and we doubt not will be the history of the future Spain will go far to avoid an open rupture with the United States. With all of her proud reck- less boastings, she has policy enough to eyade direct trial of strength