The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-03-07

Under no probabe circumstances Cuba yield to
Spain one Der cent the large amount which the United
States are willing to pay for Us acquisition
But Spain Is Ia Imminent danger OF losing ouoa Mihout
remuneration
titles any people in endeayoring 70 relieve themselves from
the yoke their oppressor The suengs which the cor
rup arbitrary and unreenng local administration neces-
sary entails upon the inhabitants Of Cuba cannot fail 70
stimulate and keep alive that spirit Of resistance and reyo-
luton against Spain which has OF late been 50 often
manifested In this condition Of affairs II IS vain to ex-
pect that the sympathes OF the people Of the United States
will not be warmly enlisted in favor Of their oppressed
neghbors
We know that the President justly nfexibe in his de-
termination the neutrality laws but should the
Cubsns themselves rise in revolt against the oppression
which they suffer no human power could prevent citizens
Of the United States and libera-minded men OF other
countries, from rushing to their assistance
Besides the present Is age Of adventure 10 when
restless and daring spirits abound in every portion OF the
world
not improbable therefore that Cuba may be wrest-
ed from Spain by successful revolution and IN that event
she win lose both the island and the price which we are
willing TO pay for ita price far beyond what was
paid by people 10 another for any province
also be remark that the settlement OF this vexed
question by the cession Of Cuba TO the United States
would forever prevent the dangerous complications between
nations 10 which il may otherwise give birth.
IL is certain that should the Cubans themselves organ
iEe instruction against the Spanish government and
should other independent nations to the aid Of Spain
in the contest human power could IN our opinion pre-
vent the people and government of the United States from
taking part in such civil In support OF their neigh
bors and friends
But If Spain deaf the voice of her interest and
actuated BY stubborn pride and false OF honor
should refuse sell Cuba the United States then the
question will what ought to be the course of the
American government under such circumstances
Selfpreservaton is the first law of nature with States
we'll with individuals All nations have ut different
periods acted upon this maxim. Although il has been
made the pretext for committing fragrant injustice the
partition OF Poland aud other similar which history
records yet the principle itself though often abused has
always been recognised.
The United States have acquired foot OF territory
except by fair purchase in the OF Texas upon
the free and voluntary application OF the people OF that
independent State who desired to blend their destines
with our
Even our acquisitions from Mexico exception to
this rule because although might have claimed them by
the right of conquest in just yet purchased them
for what then considered by both parties full and
ample equivalent.
Our past history forbids that should acquire the
island of Cuba without the consent OF SPAIN unless ust
fed by the great law of sefpreservation We must in
any event preserve conscious recttuds and
own selfrespect
the of the world which have been often
and SO unjustly exposed.
After shall have offered Spain price for Cuba far
beyond its present value and this shall have been refused
it will then be time to consider the question: does Cuba in
the possession of Spain seriously endange internal
peace and the existence of our cherished Union2
Should this question be answered in the affirmative, then
by every law human and divine shall be justified in
Wrestling it from Spain if possess the power-and this
upon the very tnat lndlVu-
ua in tearing down the burning house of his neghbor
there other of preventing the flames from
destroying his own home.
Under such circumstances ought neither to the
cost regard the odds which Spain might enlist against
We forbear to enter into the question whether the
present condition of the island would justify such
We should, however be recreant to duty, be
worthy Of gallant foreiahers and commit base treason
against posterity, should permit Cuba to be
Atricanized and become second St Domingo with all
its attendants horrors to the white race and suffer the
flames to extend to neighborng shores seriously
to endanger, actually to consume the fair fabric OF our
Union.
We fear that the and of rapidly
tending towards such catastrophe We however, hope
for the best though ought certainly to be prepared for
the worst
We also forbear investigate the present condition
the questions issue between the United States and Spain
long series of injuries to people have been committed
in Cuba by Spanish officials and unredressed but
Gently most fragrant outrage the rights of American
citizens, and the flag of the United States perpera
ted in the habor of Havana under circumstances which
without immediate redress would have justified resort to
measures of war; in vndication of national honor That
outrage is only unatoned but the Spanish
has deliberately sanctioned the of its subordnaes and
assumed the responsibility attaching them.
Nothing could more impressivey teach the danger to
which those peaceful relations it has been the policy
Of the United States to cherish with foreign nations
constantly exposed than the circumstances Of that
Situated Spain and the United States are the latte,
have forbornc to resort to extreme measures.
But this course cannot with due regard to their
dignity independent nation, continue and
concentrations submitted dictated by the firm be
lief that the cession of Cuba the United States with
stpulatons beneficial to Spain those suggested, II
the only effective mode Of settling all past differences ant
Of securing the two countries against future collisions
We have already witnessed the happy results for botl
countries which followed similar arrangement in regart
to Florida.
JAMES BUCHANAN,
J. Y. MASON,
c,nrYrrr