The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-06
The Ostend Highwaymens Manifesto-Btu
chanan versus Marcy.

To refresh the memories Of our readers Of all
parties, from the happy family at Tammany Hall
down to the melancholy remains of the Know
Nothing lodges, we republish this morning the
celebrated Ostend hghwaymns manifesto of
Messrs. Buchanan, Mason and Seole together
with the important letter of Mr.. Soule, enclosing
this precious legacy to the government at Wash
ington, and the reply of Secretary Marcy.
To these three remarkable State papers we call
the especial attention of all honest men. Mr..
Soule in transmitting the results Of the delibera-
tons Of himself and associates, first at Ostend,
and then at Aix-la- Chapelle, says that il was
with deep sense of solemn responsibility that
we entered upon the duties which bad been as
signed TO u.s. They were three Of our first class
Ministers in Europe, accredited respectively TO
the courts Of London, Paris and Madrid They
met in Belgium, at an important crisis in Euro
pean affairs, at an important crisis in reference to
the destiny Of Cuba, and they knew what they
were about. Mr.. soules letter, therefore NAV
be taken as the authentic Interpretation and con-
firmation Of the manifesto itself; and be makes
secret of the fact that the policy of the three
Ostend 6libusters was to compel Spain to sell the
island Of Cuba or to wrest II from her while yet
England and France were absorbed in their
mighty struggle with the colossal power Of Rus
sia. He says, IL we delay, we will certainly
repent that We let escape the faircst opportunity
that could ever be furnished end that II the po-
Icy Of this manifesto Is 10 hing upon us war.
now is the time. This was in October. Is54-a
month after the landing Of the allies in the Cri-
nsea-a golden opportunity.
1lr. SonIe was the official ia erpreter Of the
manifesto, and properly 30. from his position a.
Minister to Spain. lie left New y Drk en- route for
Madrid with the honors Of reglLar iilibustering
procession, including banners. transparencies and
speeches which would have warmed the hearts Of
buccanser expeditions. A French refugee Of the
Jaeobin type. Dir. Soule was the very impersona-
ton Of the spirit and policy Of the red republi-
can and TIE Cuban Junta. He was appointed by
Mr.. Pierce for the express purpose Of bullying
Spain into surrender or into n fight for Cuba
Under Jefferson we had acquired Louisiana. IN
der Monroe We had acquired Florida under Polk
we hal acquired Texas and the territories ac-
cruing 70 us from the MexicaH war-aQ ho-
norable acquisitions, and honestly paid for but
Mr.. Pierce set o1t upon bis administration with
the fixed resolution Of eclipsing all bic predeces-
sors IN the enforcement o. the Monroe doctrine.
and in the acquisition Of Cuba. by purchase. by
terrorism, or by robbery. Hence the appointment
Df Soule TO Epain--s most offensive threat in
tself 10 the spaniA gorernment-beDee the
covert instructions Of Mr. Pierce 70 bis favorite-
renee the 0stend Conference. and the servile ard
degrading compliance Of Buchanan and Mason to
The programme Of Forney Cushing, Pierce and
Soule. Read the selscomplacent letter Of the
last named gentleman, and doubt, If you can
that he was writing to Marcy by authority.
The manifesto however, though materially
strengthened by Mr.. SouIe's letter OF introduc-
ton, Is 70 very clear and explicit in IL recon-
mendations as to require no better explanation
than its own words. After beating about tho
bush some time, like polite highway robbor OF
The Dick Turpin school, DESTROYS Of doing the
hing in genteel way, these three distinguished
American diplomats plumply come to the point
md say. In the event OF refusal 10 soil Tho
sland Of Cuba, that "hen. ~ srery la,r. human
nd d'gine, 1ce sIaR b J0sifed n ,crcsing f,o,,
pain, II re possess hs Iorv." That's cool
hats clear. u il az cool and clear as tho claim
4 William. the Land Pirate 10 The throne Of Eng
and, and the way in which be made II good.
The whole programme, therefore. deliberately
igesied and adopted In tho face Of the whole |
'orld, by Mcsrs Buchanan. Mason and soule as |
be true policy Of the United States, was frs, to
Ter to purchase Cuba at liberal price. with |
'e distinct understanding on the part Of Spain