Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-03-17

Inc proposal should, III our OplnlOn, be made
in such manner, as to be presented through
the necessary diplomatic form TO the Supreme
| Constitutional Courts to be assembled. On
this momentous question, in which the people
both of Spain and the United States are so
deeply interested, all our proceedings ought to
be open, frank and public They should he Of
such character as to challenge the approba-
! ton OF the world
We firmly believe that in the progress Of
! human events the time has arrived when the
vital interests Of Spain are as. seriously inyolv-
ed in the sale us those Of theTnited States in
the purchase Of the island, and that the trans
action will prove equally honorable to both
nations.
Under these circumstances, we cannot antici-
pate failure, unless possibly through the
malign influence of foreign powers who possess
no right whatever to interfere in the matter.
| We proceed to state some Of the reasons
which have brought US to the conclusion; and,
| for the sake Of ccarness, we shall specify them
under two distinct heads
FirSt. The United States ought if practi-
| cable, to purchase Cuba with as little delay as
! possible.
Second. The probability is great that the
! Government and Cortcs OF Spain will prove
! promote the highest and best interests Of the
Spanish people
| The .frSt-it must be clear to every reflect
ing mind that from the popularity of its
geographical position and the considerations
attendant on it, Cuba is as necessary TO the
| North American Republic as any ofits present
members, and that it belongs naturally to that
| great family Of States Of which the Union is
the proyidential nursery ... a
| From its locality it commands the mouth OF
the Mississippi, and the immense annually in
creasing trade which must seek this avenue to
the Ocean. On the numerous nayigable
streams measuring an aggregate course of some
! 80, 900 miles, which disembogue themselves
| through this magnificent river into the Gulf Of
/ Mexico, the increase Of the population within
! the last ten years amounts to more than that
Of the entire Union, at the time Louisiana was
annexed to it.
| The natural and main outlet to the products
of this entire population the highway Of their
direct intercourse with the Atlantic and the
Pacific States can never be secure, but must
ever be endangered while Cuba is dependency
Of a distinct power, in whose possession it has
| proved to be a source Of constant annoyance
and embarrassment to their interests.
! Indeed the Union can never enjoy rcpose
nor possess reliable security, as long as Cuba is
not embraced within its boundaries.
| It's immediate acquisition by our government
is Of paramount Importance, and We cannot
doubt but that it is u consummation deroutiy
| wished for by It's inhabitants.
! The intercourse which its proximity to our
| coasts begets and encourages between the
citizens of the United States has in the pro-
| gress of time so united their interests and
blended their fortunes, that they now look upon
each other as if they were one people and had
| but one destiny.
Considerations exist which renders delay in
! the acquisition Of this Island exceedingly dan
! gerous to the United States.
/ The system Of immigration and labor lately
! organized within its limits, and the tyranny and
! oppression which characterize its immediate
rulers threaten an insurrection at every moment,
which may result in direful consequences to the
! American people.
Cuba mas thus become to US an unceasing
danger and q permanent cause Of anxiety and
alarm.
But we need not enlarge Oh these topics
1t can scarcely be apprchcnded that foreign
! powers, in violation ofintcrnationaI law, would
interposc their influence with Spain to prevent
our acquisition Of the Island. It's Inhabitants
arc now suffering under the worst OF all possible
/ go7eTamcnts-that Of absolute Gcapotism,
| delegated by distant power to irresponsible
agents who arc changed at short intervals, and
| who are tempted to improve the brief opportu-
nity thus offorded to accumulate fortunes by
! the basest means.
As long as this system shall endure human
! ity may in vain demand the suppression OF the
African slave trade in the Island This is
rendered impossible while that Infamous traffic
remain an irresistible temptation aud source
of immense profit to needy and ayaricious
officials who, to attain their end, scruple not
to trample the most sacred principles under
foot.
The Spanish government at home may be
we'll disposed, but experience has proved that
| it cannot control these remote repositories of
its power
Besides, the commercial nations of the world
cannot fail to perceive and appreciate the great
advantages which would result to their people
from dissolution Of the forced and unnatural
connection between Spain and Cuba, and the
annexation Of the latter to the United States.
The trade OF England and France with Cuba
would, in that event assume at once an import
ant and profitable character, and rapidly
extend with the increasing population and
prosperity of the island.
Buff the Uuted States and every commercial
nation be benefited by this transfer the ere It's
of Spain would also be greatly and essentially
promoted She cannot but see what such q
sum of money as we are willing to pay for the
island would effect iu the development Of her
vast natural resources.
Two-thirds of this sum, if employed in the
construction Of a system of railroads, would
ultimately prove source of greater wealth to
the Spanish people than that opened to their
vision by Cortcs. Their prosperity would date
from the ratification Of The treaty of cession.-
France has already constructed continuous lines