The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1858-09-30
CONSERVATIVES. Views ON the Ex-
tension Of Territory.

The following views of the New York
Times are certainly as sensible as they are
conservative, presenting the feeling in Eu-
rope, as we'll as in this country, in point
Of view nything but obnoxious: ~.
"Mr. Mason, United States Minister to
France, made remark at Mr.. George Pea
body's recent dinner, to the effect that our
several territorial acquisitions-Louisiana,
Florida, Texas and California--are not only
valuable to ourselves, but vastly more BEN
efficial to the entire commercial world than
they were or could ever become in the own.
ership OF their former masters. In the
opinion of Mr.. Mason, other nations have
enjoyed common advantage from the ex-
tension of our dominion.
"Undoubtedly the view taken by him is
correct. By the annexation of the districts
in question, we have acted not for ourselves
alone; but for the world at large. We have
made populous and productive regions that
were blanks in the chart of the worlds bust.
ness, and which, but for our interference,
would have SO continued.
"The temper Of European governments
in respect to our territorial extension has
undergone remarkable change. Instead Of
denouncihg American annexation they now
regard it with tacit or express approval
England no longer objects to our PURCHASE
of Cuba, and openly urges us to assume pro-
lection of Mexico. At the same time there
is reason to believe that neither France nor
any continental country would interpose
even a remonstrance against any acquisi-
tion Of territory we might choose to make
in America. The reason of this new dispo-
sition it is difficult to divine: We trace it
to the prevalent power Of commerce, sup
plunting the old spirit of conquest among
civilized nations. The time has happily
passed by when the people OF any enlight-
ened country could permit the government
to conquer or purchase territory for the
mere purpose Of increasing its power
There must bo better motive, one in which
the people at large have an interest. The
transfer must be manifestly for the advan-
tage OF the weaker as we'll as for that Of the
; stronger. 1t must increase the prosperity.
: the security and happiness Of the masses.
"Without such result in manifest pros.
pect, the American people neither desire nor
will permit annexation. But when it is un-
questionable that, as in the case of Cuba or
, Mexico, our dominion would be the COM
mencement of public happiness to countries.
and that it would immensely increase their
value to the whole commercial world, the
only remaining question is one OF ofexpediency
which concerns ourselves alone. We have
q only to ask whether, in view of the coast
y and trouble of the operation, it is worth our
) while to purchase Cuba, assume the control
. OF Mexico or establish otr authority in Cen
y tral America. Ifin any Of these cases we
. decide affirmatvely, 1t is not to be anticipat-
: ed that the objection can come from beyond
8 the Atlantic. On the contrary the Euro
, pean nations will see in the spread of our do.
: main and the prevalence of our enterprise, a
t sure guarantee Of augmented trade, and a
t bright promise Of commerce increased aad
. rendered profitable by OUR occupancy"