The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-12-15

life and treasure, solely for the purpose of
arressing slavers bound to that Island
The late seri GUS difficulties between the
United States and Great Britain respect
ing the right of search, now so happily
terminated, could never have arisen if
Cuba had not afforded market for slaves.
AS long as this market shall remain
open, there can be no hope for the civil
lization of benighted Africa. While the
demand for slaves continues in Cuba, wars
will be waged among the petty and bar
baroas chiefs in Africa, for the purpose of
seizing subjects to supply this trade. In
such condition of affairs. it is impossible
that the light of civilization and religion
can ever penetrate these dark abodes.
1t has been made known to the world
by my predecessors, that the United
States have, on several occasions, endeav-
ored to acquire Cuba from Spain by hon
orable negotiation. If this were accom-
plished, the last relic of the African slave
trade would instantly disappear. We
would not, if we could, acquire Cuba in
any other manner. This is due to our
national character. All the territory
which we have acquired since the origin
of the government, has been by fair pur-
chase from France, Spain and Mexico, or
by the free and voluntary act of the inde-
pendent State Of Texas, in blending her
destinies with our own. This course we
shall ever pursue, unless circumstances
should occur. which we do not now anti
cipate, rendering departure from it clear
ly justifable, under the imperative and
overruling law of self-prsservation. ...t-
The island of Cuba, from its geograph-
ical position, commands the mouth of the
Mississippi, and .be immense and annu-
ally-increasing trade, foreign and coast
wise, from the valley of that noble river,
how embracing half the sovereign States
of the Union. With that island under
the dominion of distant. foreign power,
the trade, of vital Importance to these
States, is exposed to the danger of being
destroyed in time Of war, and it has hith-
erto been exposed to perpetual injury and
annoyance in time of peace. Our rela-
tions with Spain, which ought to be of
the most friendly character, must always
be placed in jeopardy, whilst the existing
colonial government over the Island shall
remain in its present condition.
While the possession of the Island
would be of vast importance to the Unit
ed States, the value to Spain is, compar-
atively, unimportant Such was the rel
ative position of the parties when the
great Napoleon transferred Louisiana to
the United States. Jealous, as he ever
was, of the national honor and interests
of France, no person throughout the
world has imputed blame to him for &C.
cepting q pecuniary equivalent for the
same. .'#
The publicity which has been given to
our former negotiations upon this subject,
and the large appropriation Which may
be required to effect the purpose, render
it expedient. before making another at.
tempt to renew the negotiation, that
should lay the whole subject before Con.
gress. This is especially necessary, as il
may become indispensable to success that
l should be intrusted with the means O
making an advance to the Spanish Gov
ernment Immediately after the signing O
the treaty, without awaiting ratification
of it by the Senate. I am encouraged tt
make this suggestion by the example o
Mr., Jefferson previous to the purcha Sc o
louisiana from France, and by that o
Mr.. Polk in view of the acquisition o
territory from Mexico. I refer the Who'll,
subject to Congress, and commend it t,
their careful consideration.
l repeat the -ecoE mendation made il
my message of December last, in favor o
on appropriation "to he paid to tn
Spanish Government for the purpose %
distribution among the claimants in tn
Armisted case" President Polk frs
made similar recommendation in De
cember, 1s47, and it was repeated by m,
immediate predecessor in December
1858. entertain no doubt that indem
nifty is fairly due to these claimants unde
our treaty with Spain of the 9th Octo
Der, 1875; and while demanding justic
we ought to do justice. An appropria
tiou promptly made for this purpos
could not fail to exert a favorable ihHu
ence on our negotiations with Spain.
Our position in relation to the inde
pendent States south of us on this cont
nent, and especially those within the lin
its of North America, is of peculia
character. The northern boundary G
Mexico is coincident with our own south
ern boundary from ocean to ocean; an
we must necessarily feel deep interes
in all that concerns the well-being an
the fate of Sc near a neighbor. We hav
always cherished the kindest wishes 70
the success of that Republic, ard have in
dulged the hope that it might at last, afte
all its trials, enjoy peace and prosperit
under q free and stable government.
We have pever hitherto interfered, di
rcctly or indirectly, with its internal al