Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-07-14
official Report of the Ostend Confer

cnCe.
WASHINGTON, Monday March 5, 1855.
The following is the official report made to
the Secretary of State, of the result of the cell
ebrated Ostend Convention:
AK LA CHAPELLE, Oct. IS, 1854.
To Hon. Wm L. Marcy, Secretary Of State
SIR:-The undersigned, in compliance with
the wish expressed by the President in the
several confidential dispatches you have ad-
dressed 10 Us respectively to that effect, have
met in Conference, first at Ostend, in Belgium,
on the 10th and llth inst, and at AK La
Chapelle, in Prussia, on the days next follow
ing up to the date hereof.
There has been a full and unreserved inter
change of views and senti ments between us,
which. we are most happy &c inform you, has
resulted in cordial coincidence of opinion on
ihe grave and important subjects submitted to
, ar consideration. We have arrived at the
onclusion and are thoroughly convinced, that
3 d immediate and earnest effort ought to be
made by the Government of the United States,
30 purchase Cuba from Spain at any price for
which it can be obtained, not exceeding the
am Of - dollars
The proposal should, in our opinion, be made
D such a manner as to be presented through
r re necessary diplomatic forms to the Supreme
constituent COrtes abount to be assembled
% this mOmentuOus question in which the
eoDle both of Spain aud the United States
re SO deeply interested, all of our proceed
lgs ought to be open, frank and public.
hey should be of such character as to chal-
.nge the appreciation Of the world.
We firmly believe that in the progress of
.uman events the time has arrived when the
ital interests of Spain are as seriously involv-
in the sale as those of the United States in
he purchase of the island; and that the trans
ction equally honorable to both nations.
Under these circumstances we cannot antici-
ate failure, unless possibly through the ma
On Influence of foreign powers who possess
0 right whatever to interfere in the matter.
We proceed to state some of the reasons
which have brought US to the conclusion; and
Tor the sake OF clearness we shall specify them
under two distinct heads.
FIySt-The United States ought, if practiA
able, % purchase Cuba with as little delay as
ossible.
Sec0nd.-The probability is great that the
Government and Cortes OF Spain will be will
" to sell it, because this would essentially
remote the highest and best interests of the
rpaRish people.
The FTrSt.-It must be clear to every reflect
ng mind, that from the popularity of its geo.
raphical position and the considerations at
sndant on it, Cuba is as necessary 10 the
Torth American Repubca as any of its present
MEMBERS, aud that 1t belongs naturally to that
.reat family Of States of which the Union is
he providential nursery.
From its locality it commands the mouth of
he Mississippi, and tue immense annually in
reasing trade which must seek this avenue
- the ocean On the numerous navigabe
,reams measuring an aggregate course Of some
0,00) miles, which dsembOgue themselves
trough this magnificent river into the Gulf OF
leXico, the increase OF the population within
ne last ten years amounts TO more than that
the entire Union at the time Louisiana was
,naeXed TO it.
The natural and main outlet to the products
this entire population, the highway of their
irect intercorse with the Atlantic and Pacific
tstes, can lever be secure but must ever be
ndangered while Cuba is a dependency of a
istinct power, in whose possession it has
roved 10 be a source of constant annoyance
nd embarrassment TO their interests.
Indeed the Union can never enjoy repose,
or possess reliable security as long as Cuba is
OF embraced within its boundaries.
It's immediate acquisition by orr Govern
lent is of paramount Importance, and we can
1t doubt but that IL is consummation de-
Jutly to be wished for by its inhabitants.
The intercourse which its proximity to our
Dasts begets aud encourages between the citi-
ms of the United States, has in the progress
time, so united their interests aud blended
leir fortunes, that they now look upon each
ther if they were one people and had but
ne destiny.
Considerations exist which render delay in
ie acquisition OF this island exceedingly dam
srous TO the United States
The system of immigration and labors lately
rganized within It's limits, aud the tyranny
nd expressions which characterize It's imme
ia'e rulers threaten an inSurreotiou at every
,olueur, which may result in direful conse-
iences % the American people.
Cuba has thus become to us an unceasing
anger aud permanent cause OF anxiety and
arm.
But We need not enlarge upon these topics.
can scarcely be apprehended that foreign
overs in violation of international law, would
,terp0se their influence with Spain 10 prevent
lr acquisition OF the island. It's Inhabitants
70 now suffering under the worst OF all poss
bic goyernments-that Of absolute despotsm
elegated by a distant power TO irresponsible
geuls, who are changed at short intervals,
al who are tempted 10 improve the brief OPP
ortuuity thus afforded OF accommodating for
ines by the basesI means.
As long as this system shall endure, humsni-
f; NAV 10 vain demand the SUPPRESSION OF the
,frican slave trade 10 the island. This Is rem
cred impossible while that infamous traffic
,lnains an irresistible temptation aud q
,urce of immense profit to needy and 40
vicious officials, who 10 attain their end,
ripple not To trample the most sacred priuci-
les under foot
The Spanish government at home may be
,sel disposed but experience has proved that
cannot control these remote depositoaies OF
powers.
Besides, the commercial nations of the
World cannot fail 10 perceive and appreciate
ne great advantages which would result 10
leiT people from the dissolution Of the forced |
nd unnatural connection between Spain aud
,uba, and the annexation OF the latter 70 the |
nited States The trade OF England and |
rance with Cuba, would 10 that event IS