The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-13
The Ostend Conspiracy.

On the 9th day of October, in the year Of our
Lord 1854, three gentlemen, bearing honorable
commissions from the United States and
entrusted with important diplomatic functions,
left their official places Of residence, hun
dreds of miles apart, and, proprio motu, as
they say at the Vatican, met together at small
fortified town in West Flanders, known as Os-
tend. There they held a trinmviral congress-
in imitation of those SO frequently held on the
Continent by allied conspirators against the
rights Of European nations. The city stands
upon fiat shore, easily accessible by muddy
canals, and famous for its inveterate hatred Of
of rendezvous by this congress in petto, for il
was fat piece Of business they were engaged
in; it wac easily accessible to those used to dirty
water, secure from any coup de MAN, and most
admirable position for making an onslaught
against the Spaniards After three days incu-
baton the party proceeded to Aix-la-Chapelle,
celebrated for its baths its treaties, and parti-
culary for its manufactures of Spanish wool.
There the egg was Matched out, and the mani
festo strutted forth full grown shanghai, long
legged, and with very loud and dangerous
crow.
The result is before the public. There was
Soule, who was able to carry Louisiana;
Mason, to soporize Virginia, and Buchanan,
who was to put the Keystone into the arch.
How was it possible but that Mr. Pierce, with
such manifesto, would secure a denomination to
the Presidency, when such men held his
cards, and Cuba was the trump? But, alas! how
uncertain are all human calculations. The trick
was not taken. Soule threw up his hand Mason
left the game and Buchanan shuflled the cards
into his own pocket. So much for that part OF
tie business.
But there is another view of this affair, and
not so pleasant q one. 1t is this :-What
ought the American people to say to such an ex-
traordnary, nncalled for transaction, and what
confidence can they justly place in the men who
were engaged in this attempt to coerce the
Spanish government into sale of Cuba by an
insnuation of force, or the actually of force, il
the insinuaiion was not sufficient? When before
foreign country for any such purpose, and what
opinion is to be entertained Of any man who adj
vocated such dangerous policy? Yet so it is.
We are now entreated to support as candidate
for the Presidency, the chief of these very
consphators
Nor must we forget the reasons which were
assigned for this undiplomatic conduct. The
principal and only ground of the procedure
was that Cuba might become Africanized,'
and thus endanger the safety Of the Southern
Statesl But how could this be 80 endangered
Are We not told by the South every day that
they are fully adequate 10 their own protection.
not only against the negroes in they midst but
the whole united force OF the Northern niger
worshlppers! Although they have three millions
Of slaves to look after, they ask no favors from
the general government Indeed, the colored peo-
pie the most ahectionate and loyal of dependents,
would take up arms for their mastcrs As we are
very willing to believe this docs it not iNfow that
Mr.. Buchanan and his associates grossly dbbcd
when they intimated TO the contrary and predicted
indeed, that The destruction Of the Union but for
their Ostend policy, was close at hand?
We come 10 the conclusion, then, that the mani
festo was precious piece OF humbug all round
got up by arrangement, and on the face Of II to
help Mr. Pierce with the Glibusters Of the North
and South. and TO secure the support Of the slave
States In the Convention q. Cincinnati. II was
signal miscalcuation. however. On the contra
~. II Yves daring bid over Mr.. Pierces head on
the part Of Mr.. Buchanan and he has reapcd, 50
far, the benefit Of the plot But this success in no
way vindicatcs his conduct and of that we have to
express our most unqualified disapprobation j. II
consistent with the principles or practice Of our
government TO permit the voluntary assembling
Of our foreign Ministers in foreign countries to
project plans Of spoliaton against those nations
with whom we are at peace? If they can do II
to involve US with Spain, they may do II TO in
volye US with France and England. The very
existence OF such intentions casts stain upon
our diplomacy, and Is rcpugnant to the frank,
manly and honorable feelings which have hithcr-
to been so conspicuously manifested in our
foreign intercourse. The bare assumption OF
such authority Of recommendation Is contrary to
our notions OF propricty and official duty. II
would I've the easiest thing In the world for few
captions and unprncipled Ministers to embroil
US in the bloodest Of wars, costing us thousands
OF lives and millions OF treasure. Yet the man
who has shown himself most conspicuous in this
folly and indscretion-who would risk the wei.
fare Of bis country from such motives, with a
double treachery in the acts now placed before
us the paragon Of statesmen and the most con
sentative Of politicians We wait to see the
judgment Of his countrymen. We pause to learn
whether so much completely in public life is to
he recommendation TO an Office where his half |
concocted mischief may yet he perfected to tho
shame and injury Of the republic, and the demo. |
ralization Of our national principles
TUE FRENCH TONNAGE DurrEs-GovrRxwrx
SUBSIDIES TO MAIL SrEANERs-We publish in
another column. an interesting letter from q |
Havre correspondent on the unfair advantage |
given TO English over American shipping by the |