Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1858-12-15
and religion can ever penetrate these dark abodes.
THE ACQUISITION OF cup.

and religion can ever penetrate these dark abodes
THE ACQUISITION OF CUBA.
1t has been made known to the world by nv pre-
decessors, that the United States have, on several
occasions, endeavored to acquire Cuba. from Spain
by honorable negotiation ffthis were accomplish
cd the last relic of the African slavetrade would in
stantly disappear. We would not, if we could ac-
quire Cuba in any other manner. This is due 10
our national character. All the territory which we
have acquired since the origin of the government
has been by fair purchase from France Spain and
Mexico or by the free and voluntary act of the in
dependent State of Texas in blending her destnies
with our own. This course We shall ever pursue,
unless circumstances should occur which we do not
now anticipate rendering departure from it clear
y Iustifiable, under the imperative and overrulinc
law of selfpreScrvation
The island of Cuba, from its geographical position
commands the mouth of the Mississippi, and the i'm
mensc and annually increasing trade, foreign and
coastwisc, from the valley of that noble river now
embracing half the sovereign States Of the Union
With that Island under the dominion of a distant
foreign power this trade of vital importance to these
States Is exposed to the danger Of being DESTROYED
IN time OF war; and it has hitherto been subjected to
perpetual injury and annoyance in time of peace
Our relations 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
Whilst the possession Of the Island would be of
vast Importance 10 the United States its value to
Spain Is, comparatively, unmportant. Such was
the relative situation of the parties when the great
Napoleon transferred Louisiana Ia the United States
Jealous, as he WAS, of the national honor and
interests of France, no person throughout the world
has imputed blame to him. for accepting a pecunia-
ry equivalent for this ccssion.
The publicity which has been given to our former
negotiations upon this subject and the large appro-
pration which be required to effect the purpose
render it expcdient before making another attempt
TO renew the negotiation, that should lay the whole
subject before Congress. This is especially ncccs-
Sry as 1t may become indispensable TO success that
should he intruSted with the means of making an
advance to the Spanish government Immediately af
ter the signing OF the treaty, without awaiting the
ratification of it by the Senate ] encouragedto to
make this suggestion, by the example Of Mr. Jefer-
son previous 10 the purchase of Louisiana from
France, and 10y that OF Mr. Polk in view OF the ac-
QUESTION of territory from Mexico. ! refer the
whole subject TO Congress and commend il to their
careful consideration.
ANISTAD CASE.
repeat the recommendation made i'm nv message
of December last, in favor of appropriation Ito
be pail 10 the Spanish government for tic purpose
OF distribution among the claimants in the Amistad
case. President Polk first made similar recon-
mcndation iii December, lSi7 and it was repeated
by my immediate predecessor in December 1855:
entertain doubt that Indemnity is fairly due TO
these claimants under treaty with Spain of The
! 9th October. 1885; and whilst demanding Justice
We ongh; To do justice. An appropriation promptly
made for this purpose, could not fail TO IA
yorablc influence on our negotiations with Spain.
MEXICAN AFFAIHs
Our position in relation TO the independent States
south of this continent and especially those
within the limits of North America is of a peculiar
character. The northern boundary of Mexico is CO.
incident with own southern boundary from ocean
to ocean; and must necessarily feel deep interest
III all that concerns the wclbcing and the fate of
ncar neighbor. We have always cherished the
kindeSt wishes for the Of that republic and
have inulged the hope that it mi Sht at last after
and stable government. We have never hitherto in
tcrfcrc directly indirectly with IFS internal af
fairs, and it is duty which owe 10 ourselves to
protect the integrity of its territory against the hos
tile interference of any other power. Our gcograpI-
icl position direct interests in all that concerns
Mexico, and or wescttlcd policy in regard to the
! North American continent, render this ndiSpen-
sable dnty.
Mexico has been in state of constant revolution
almost since il achieved its independence One
military leader after another "a usurped the gov
ernment in rapid succession and the various consti-
tutions from time to time adopted have been set at
naught almost soon as they proclaimed
The successive governments have afforded no ade-
quatc protection. either to Mexican citizens for
eign residents. against lawlcss violence Heretofore
seizure of t:ic capital by military cieftain has
been generally followed by at least the nominal sub
mission of the country TO his rule for brief period,
but not AT the present crisis of Mexican affairs
y civil war has been raging for time through
out the republic, between the central government al
the city OF Mexico which has cndeavored TO sbvcrt
the constitution last framed by military power and
those who maintain the authority Of that constitu-
ton. The antagonist parties each hold possession
of different States Of the republic and the fortunes
of the war arc constantly changing. Meanwhile, the
most rcprchCnSble means have been employed 10y
both parties 10 eNtor money from foreigners, as well
natives TO carry on this runons contest The truth
is, that this fine country, blessed with productive
soil and benign climate has been reduced y civil
dsscnsion condition of almost hopeless anarchy
! and imbccility. 1t would be vain for this govern
mcnt to attempt to enforce payment in money Of the
! claims Of American citizens, amounting &c
more than ten million dollars, against Mexico, be
cause she is destitute OF all pecuniary sat
isfy these demands.
Our late minister furnished with ample pow
ers ard instructions for the adjustment of ali pend
ing questions with the central government of McXi
CO.. and he performed his duty with zeal and ability
The claims of our citizens some of them arising
out of the violation of express provision of tht
treaty of Guadalupe H:dal go and others from gross
injuries 10 persons we'll property have remain
, ed unredressed and even unnoticcd Refnonstrancc
against these grievances. have been addressed with
out effect to that government Meantime. in yari
parts of the republic instances have been M
merouS of the murder, Imprisonment, and plunde
t of citizens by different parties claiming am
exercising local jurisdiction; but the central gov
| ernment although repeatedly urged thereto, hav
made no effort either TO punish the authors Of thes
, outrages or to prevent their recurrence No Amer
lean citizen now visit Mexico On lawful business
without imminent danger TO his person and proper
ty. There is adequate protection to either an
in this respect treaty with that republic is al
, ! most a dead letter.
This state affairs brought crisis in May last
by the PRONUNCIATION Of a decree L. ing cUniribuiO
pro pnn NIL the capital in the Ibc between
tain specified amounts whether held L. Iexicans or foreign
Mr. Forsyth regarding this der in The light of
"fced loan, formally protested az It IFS application
his countrymcn, and advised them pay ie c'n'rbI
tion, but suffer il 10 be forcby cied Acting upo
this advice American citizen reu i pay the
bunn and his property seized L., armed men to sati