The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-03-07
JAMES BUCHANAN,
]. Y. MASON,
PIERRE SOUIE

-
Mr.. Marcy to M. Soalt.
mo 81. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, November la 1854.
SIN: The communication of the 18th ultimo imbodying
the views of yourself Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Mason upon
embarrassing relations with Spain has been received
and submitted the President He has given that doc
umen the deliberate consideration due alike the import
Of the subject therein discussed and the experience
wisdom and ability Of those whose opinions and sugges
tons it contains When he first entered upon the duties
his present station he found intercourse with Spain
much disturbed by the conduct of the Spanish authorities
Cuba II has been his xous desire and the object OF
his strenuous efforts to preserve peace and cordial
good will between that country and the United States
The source of past difficulties with Spain and Of
apprehensons OF future danger clearly disclosed in
report of yourself and associates The therein
presened-the purchase of Cuba-s probably the only
one which would with certainty place the relations Of the
countries the basis of enduring friendship.
While the island Of Cuba remains dependency of Spain
and the character of her rule it is not changed land
change for the better hardly be antcipated annoy
to trade and difficulties between citizens and
the local authorities will be of frequent occurrence and it
scarcely reasonable to expect that thus rendered
prccarous VIII remain long unbroken Conceivng that
the transfer Of Cuba the United States on the
conditions you have been instructed offer would be as
important to her to them it hoped that you would
find her Catholic Ma)esys disposed receive
and discuss proposition for that purpose The President
desires you TO keep this important object of your mission
in view, and to enter upon negotiations in relation
whenever a favorable opportunity occurs.
1t is no longer, believe In Spain that the Un,-
ted States wish to obtain the cession and that Won
authority TO treat on the subject The knowledge
facts win be likely 10 elicit opinions in regard to that
ure only from the ministers of her Catholic Majestvs
government but from other influential individuals Of the
nation. The Cortes will assemble and that subject
win undoubtedly be discussed by the members Of tina,
body in their social circles IL it does become subject
Of public deberaton. Ivy free and friendly intercourse
among official and influential you win be enabled to
determine the proper 10 be pursued in regard 10
opening negotiation for the acquisition OF Cuba
Should you find persons of position influence disposed
to the subject the considerations in favor of
m0 md so hose W. no can hf
brought listen would very likely become to the
measure But should you have 10 believe that the
men in power entertaining such PROPOSE
tonthat the offer of 1t would be offensive TO the national
PRIDE OF Spain and that would find favor in any
siderable class Of the peopethen il viii be but too evil
Gent nst the time for opening attempting to open such
negotiation has not arrived II appears the President
hat nothing could be gained and something might be lost
by an attempt TO push negotiation against such
general resistance This view the case ia taken on the
supposon that you shall become convinced that propo
son for the ceson of Cuba would certainly be rejected
The language Of part of the report might perhsps
be construed to sustain the inference that Won and
your associates In the conference opinion that the
proposition should be made though there should be no