Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1858-12-16

b'tNyut " tHtNtHs. It> ffbffTNfur OF
has yet received no communicated
specifying the manner in which IA,
British Government would propose Z,
carry out their suggestion: ] am IN
clincd to bclicvc tina; no plan which
can be devised. Will be free from grave
em5arrassments. Still. / shall form,
no decided opinion on the subject.
until ! have carefully, and in the l,est
spirit. examined any proposals which
they may think proper TO make.
o'SA MIST BE ACQUIRED AZ onDER To
TIT A sTOP TO THE SLAVE TRADE.
The truth is that Cuba, in its ex-
iSting colonial condition, Is a constant
source of injury and annoyance to the
American people. II is the onls
spot on the civilized world where the
african slave trade is tolerated. ami
we are bound by treaty with Great
britain to maintain a naval force on
the coast Of Africa, at much expense
both os life and treasure. solely FOR
the purpose OF arIcsting slaverS bounl
ia that island. The late serious diff
cul;ies between the United States and
Great Britain respecting the right of
search, now 50 happily terminated.
could never have arisen If Cuba hal
not afforded market for slave. As
long rs this market shall remain omen.
there can be no hope for the civiliza-
ton Of bcnighted Africa. Whilst the
demand for slaves continues in CuLa.
wars will he waged fmong the petty
and barharious chiefs in Africa. for
the purpose of seizing subjects to sap
ply this trade. In such condition of
affairs, it is impossible that the light
Of civilization and religion can ever
penetrate these dark abodes. asf
1t has been made known to the
world by my predecessors, that the
United States have, on several oeca-
sions, cn,eavorcd to acorire Cuba
from Spain by honorable negotiations.
Ii tins were accomplished, the last rel
K oi the African slave trade would in
Siantly disappear. We would not. If
we could, acquire Cuba in any other
This is due TO our national
character. All the territory which we
have acquired since the origin of the
government. has been by fair purchase
from France, spain aud Mexico, or by
The free and voluntary act of the indie
pendent State Of Texas, in blending
her destinics with our own. This
course we shall ever pursue. unless cir
cumsiances s':ould occur. which we do
not now anticipate. rendering .le-
parturc from it clearly iusiiiaLlc. .un-
Ter the imperative and oycrruling law
Of sell preservation. .nSrt.
In the island of Cuba, from its ge-
position, commands the
mouth Of the Mississippi, and the i'm
ncnsc anil annually Increasing trade.
foreign and coaStwisc, from the valley
,t that noble river. now embracing
lalf the sovereign States Of the Union.
With that Island under the dominion
'i distant foreign power, this Trade.
)f vital importance 10 these States i
exposed to the danger of being ,l,.s-
roycd in time Of war, and il has hitl,-
'rto been subjected to perpetual injury
MI annoyance IN time of peace. Our
citations with Spain. which ought to
&c OF the most friendly character. must
.'ways he placed in jeopardy. whilst
he existing Colonial Government over
he Island shall remain in its presen.
ondiiion.
Whilst the possession OF the Island
would bc of vast importance TO the
nlied States. its value 10 Spain is
comparatively unimportanf Such
vas the relative situation Of the par
les, when the great Napoleon trans
erred Louisiana TO the Uuited States.
Jealous, as he ever was, of the nation
j honor and interests Of France. no
'erson Throughout the world has i'm
'nte'l blame to him for accepting
pc-uh;ary equivalent for this cess
ON.
The publicity which has been given
o our former negotiations upon this
inject, and The large appropriation
shich may be required 10 effect this
'urposc, render it expelicnt, before
making another attempt TO renew the
that | should Law the
Whole subject before Congress. This
: especially necessary, as it may be-
ONE Indispensable to success. tina, /
hould he iitrusted with the means OF
making an advance TO fhs Spanish
government Immediately after the
lgnIng OF the treaty. without await
nS the ratification OF il by the Senate.
am encougaged TO make this sugces-
ion by the example Of Mr. Jefferson
'revious to the purchase of Louisiana
rom france. and that of Mr.. Polk in
lew OF the acquisition Of territory from
lexico. refer the whole subject 10
'ongresS, and commend it to their
alcful consideration.
repeat the reccommenlation made
b my message of December last, in
'vor Of an appropriation '.tc lie pail
the Spanish government for tine pur-
osc OF distribution among the claim
nts IN The Arnii~taa case." l'resi-
ent Folk first male similar recon-
lendation in December, 1917. and IL
as repeated by my Immediate predc-
eSsor in December. 1883. entertain
0 doubt that indemnity j. fairly duo
, these claimants under our treaty
18th Spain Of the 9th October. 1875.
al whilst demanding instige. We
nShtto DO justice. I'm appropriation
romptly made for ihis parposc, could
OF fail TO exert a favorable influence