Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1858-12-16


is, therefore, great grievance that, when
any difficulty occurs, no matter how unim-
portant, which nigh, be readily settled al
the moment, we should be obliged to resort
TO Madrid, especially when the very first
step 10 be taken there is to refer it back 10
Cuba.
The truth is tina, Cuba. in its existing COL
onial condition, is a constant source OF in.
jury and annoyance to the American people.
II is the only one spot in the civilized world
where the African slave trade is tolerated;
and we are bound BY treaty with Grea, Brit
ain 10 MAINTAIN naval force on the coast of
Africa, al much expense both Of life and
treasure, solely for the purpose Of arresting
slavers bound 10 that island. The late Sc
rious difficulties between the United States
and Great Britain respecting the right Of
search, now SO happily terminated, could
never have arisen if Cuba had not afforded
a market for slaves. As long as this mar
ket shall remain open, there can be no hope
for the civilization Of benighted Africa
Whilst the demands for slaves continues in
Cuba, wars will be wnged among the petit
and barbsrous chiefs in Africa, for The pur-
pose of seizing subjects to supply this trade.
In such a condition of affairs, it is impossi-
ble that the light OF civilization and religion
can ever penetrate these dark abodes.
II has been made known TO the world by
my predecessors, that the United States
have, on several occasions, endeavored 10
acquire Cuba from Spain by honorable ne
gotiaiion. II this were accomplished, the
last relic Of the African slave-irade would
instantly disappear. We would not if we
could, acquire 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 Mex
leo, or by the free and voluntary act Of the
independent 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 antici-
pate, rendering departure from it clearly
iustifiable, under the imperative and over
ruling law Of self preservation.
The Island Of Cuba, from its geographic
cal position, commands the mouth of the
Mississippi, and the immense and annually
increasing trade, foreign and coastwise,
from the valley Of that noble river, now en-
bracing half the sovereign States of the
Union. With that Island under the domin-
ion Of 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 hat hitherto been subjected 70
perpetual injury and annoyance in time OF
peace. Our relations with Spain, which
ought to be If 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 Islacd would
be Of vast importance 10 the United States,
its value to Spain is comparatively unippor.
tant. Such was the relative situation Of the
parties when the great Napoleon transfer.
red Louisiana to the United States. Jeal-
Gus as he ever was, of the national honor
and interests Of France, no person through
out the world has imputed blame to him for
accepting pecuniary equivalent for this
session.
The publicity which has been given to
our former negotiations upon this subject,
and the large appropriation which may be
required to effect this purpose, render it
expedient, before making another attempt to
renew the negotiation, that should lay the
whole subject before Congress. This is es-
pecially necessary, as it may become indis-
pensible 10 success that should be intrust-
ed with the means Of making an advance 10
the Spanish Government Immediately after
the signing Of the treaty, without awaiting
the ratification Of i. by the Senate. l am
encouraged 10 make this suggestion by the
exomple OF Mr.. Jefferson previous 10 the
purchase Of Louisiana from France, and by
that of Mr.. Polk in view of the acquisition
Of Territory from Mexico. l refer the
whole subject 10 Congress, and commend it
10 their careful consideration.
! repeat the recommendation made in my
message Of December last, in favor Of an
"to be paid TO the Spanish
government for the purpose Of distribution
among the claimants in the Armistad case"
President Polk first made similar recon-
in December, l847, and it was
repeated BY me immediate predecessor in
1853. entertain no doub. that
is fairly due 10 those claimants
under our treaty with Spain Of the 9th Of
D stober, 1875; ard whilst demanding JUS
lice, we ought 10 do justice. An appropri.
alton promptly made for this purpose, could
not fail TO exert favorable influence on our
negotiations with Spain.
Onr position and relation TO the indepen-
lent States South Of us on the continent,
md especially those within the limits Of
North America, is Of a peculiar character.
The northern boundary Of Mexico is coin
.ident with our own southern boundary from |
'cean to ocean. and we must necessarily
eel deep interest in all that concerns the
veil being and the fate of so near q neigh
'or. We have always cherished the kind
st wishes for the success of that Repub-
ic, and have INDUCED the hope that j. might
( last, after all its trials, enjoy peace and
under free and stable govern
nent. We have never hitherto interfered
irectlY or indirectly, with its internal af-
IL =. I..t., a