The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-09-16
THE osrEND MANIFESTO.
in .faror Of acquiring CUBA.
AK LA CHAPELLE,

! several confidential dispatches you have
addressed to US, respectively, to that effect
have met in conference, first at Ostend, in
Belgium, on the 9th, 10th and 18th instant.
and then at AK la Chapelle, in Prussia, on
the days next following, up to the date
hereof.
There has been full and unreserved in
terchange of views and sentiments between
US, which we are most happy to inform you
has resulted in cordial coincidence of opin-
ion on the grave and important subjects
submitted to our consideration.
! We have arrived at the conclusion, and
are thoroughly convinced that an Immediate
and earnest effort ought to be made by the
government of the United States to pur-
chase Cuba from Spain at any price for
which it can be obtained, not exceeding the
sum of s..
The proposal should, in our opinion, be
made in such manner as to be presented
through the necessary diplomatic forms TO
the Supreme Constituent Cortes about to
assemble. On this momentous question, in
which the people both of Spain and the U.
States are so deeply interested, all our pro-
ceedings ought to be open, frank and pub
lie. They shoald be of such character
as to challenge the appreciation 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
involved in the sale as those of the United
| States in the purchase of the Island and
that the transaction will prove equally hon
orable to both nations.
| Under these circumstances we cannot an
ticipate a 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 this conclusion,
and, for the sake of clearness, we shall spe-
| city them under two distinct heads:
1. The United States ought, if practical
| BILE, to purchase Cuba with as little delay
| as possible.
2. The probability is great that the gov
ernment and Cortes of Spain will prove will
ing to sell it, because this would essentially
promote the highest and best interests of
the Spanish people.
Then, /. 1t must be clear to every re-
| fecting mind that from the popularity of
| its geographical position, and the consider
ations attendant on it, Cuba is as necessary
| to the North American Republic as any of
its present members, and that it belongs ma
turaIly to that great family of States of
which the Union is the providential nursery.
From it's locality it commands the mouth
of the Mississippi and the immense and an
nually increasing trade which must seek
| this avenue to the ocean.
On the numerous navigable streams,
measuring an aggregate course of some 3d.,
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 10 moro
than that of the entire Union at the time
Louisiana was annexed to it.
The natural and main outlet to the pro-
ducts 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 whilst Cuba
| is dependency of distant Power in whose
| possession it has proved to be source of
| constant annoyance and embarrassment to
| their interests.
Indeed, the Union can never enjoy repose.
nor possess reliable security, as long as Gu
|
| ba is not embraced within its boundaries.
It's immediate acquisition by our govern
ment is of paramount Importance, and We
cannot doubt but that it is a consummation
devoutly wished for by its inhabitants.
The intercourse which its proximity to
our coasts begets and encourages between
them and the citizens of the United States
has, in the progress of time, so united their
interests and blended their fortunes, that
thew now look upon each other as if they
were one people and had out one destiny.
Considerations exist which render delay
in the acquisition of this island exceedingly
dangerous to the United States.
The system of migration and labor lately
| organized within its limits, and the tyranny
and oppression winch cntTacIcr1Ze It's I'M
| mediate rulers, threaten an insurrection
at every moment which may result in dire
full consequences to the American people.
Cuba has thus become to Us an unceasing
danger, and a permanent cause of anxiety
| and alarm.
| But we need not enlarge on these topics.
1t can scarcely be apprehended that foreign
Powers, in violation of international law,
would interpose their influence with Spain to
prevent our acq' sisition of the island. It's in
habithants are now suffering under the
worst of all possible governments, that of
, absolute despotism, delegated by distant
Power to irresponsible agents, who are
changed at short intervals, and who are
tempted to improve the brief opportunity
thus affordedto to accumulate fortunes by the
| basest means.
] AS long as this system shall endure, hu-