Washington sentinel., 1855-03-09

from it, whatever may be its condition, all the
observances imposed by good neighborhood.
IL must be to the United States no cause of an.
noyance in ITSELF nor must it be used by others
as an instrument Of annoyance.
Great Britain, which has so many reasons
for maintaining amicable. relations with this
country, should be unwilling to hazard the in
terruption of them by contenancing or con-
curing in any measure in regard to Cuba which
in its consequences would be adverse to the
welfare or tranquility of this Union.
You are Instructed to ascertain as fully as
possible the views of the British government in
regard to Cuba, and what arrangements fany,
she has entered into or contemplates with Spain,
either by herself or conformity with France re.
latiye to that island
We should very much regret that the gem
eral condition of things in Cuba, or any parti.
eular occurrences there should be such as to
act SO powerfully upon the feelings of individu-
ais among us as to impel them to any irregular
action, and to embark, as some have done, in
unlawful enterprises against that island but
if. unhappily, that should be the case, the gov
ernment of the United States will do its whole
duty to Spain, and use all the repressive means
authorized by law, or required by honor, to re-
strain our citizens within the limits of duty.
In this respect Spain will have no good cause
] to complain, or any other nation a fair occa-
sion to intervene.
If Cuba was more favored in her condition
as the dependent of foreign power; if she
enjoyed the political rights which have wisely
been granted 10 Canada and other favored pro-
| vinces; if restrictions upon her foreign trade
| were relaxed, our government would be much
less embarrassed in maintaining our neutral
relations with Spain; and speculations upon
the future destiny of Cuba, either as an indepen-
| dent State, or in her present or any new asso-
ciation, would cease to be a matter of deep in
| terest, both on this and the other side Of the
| Atlantic.
While other nations owe duties to Spain, she
owes reciprocal duties to them. At the earliest
practicable period after our Federal Union was
| formed this Government interdicted the slave
| trade. In all sections Of our country it is re-
garded as an odious and wicked traffic. The
| act Of Congress prohibiting it has been most
| faithfully observed in every part of the Union
| but Spain, though under the most solemn OBJ
| legations to abstain from it, has, as there are
abundant reasons to believe, connived inces.
sanity at the infracton of these obligations, and
| tolerated the introduction of many thousands
Of African slaves annually into Cuba What
we view with sentiments of adherence, and
have rigidly interdicted we do not like to see
practised at our own doors. In spite of all
that has been promised by Spain, and all that
has been done by other powers, to suppress
the slave trade, the possession of Cuba by
Spain favors its continuance, and is favor.
able obstacle to its suppression.
| The strong desire to have this evil remedied
and the belief that it will co.exist with the
Spanish rule over that island, have contributed
in no inconsiderable degree to strengthen the
opinion here entertained by many individuals,
that policy and humanity alike favor its sepa
ration from country which abuses the con.
nection. If you should ascertain that Great
Britain has entered into such engagements
with Spain to uphold this connexon with Cuba
under any modification Of it which is likely TO
be injurious to the United States, or to the
well-being Of the governments on this cont
nent, you will have recourse TO such arguments
and persuasions as, in your Judgment will in
duce her to abandon them.
| am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. l.. MARCY.
JAMES BUCHANAN, ESQ.,, &c., &C., DC.