Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-12-22

ths purpose, in a friendly spirit, when cor dially reciprocated. Their proposal was, to withdraw these questions from direct negotla- tion between the two governments; but to ac- complish the same object, by negotiation be- tween the British government and each of the Central American republics ~whose territorial interests are immediately involved. The set clement was to be made in accordance with the general tenor of the interpretation placed upon the Clayton and Buiwer treaty by the United States, with certain notifications As negota- tions are still pending upon this basis it would not be proper for me now to communicate their present condition A final settlement of these questions IS greatly to be desired, as this would wipe out the last remaining subject of dispute between the two countries
 Our relations with the great empires of France and Russia, as we'll as with all other go- vernments on the continent of Europe, except that of Snain, continue to be of the most Friendly character.
 Wltn Spain our relations remain in an unsa- tisfactery condition. In my message of De- ce1nber last, informed you that our envoy ex- traordinary and minister penipotentiary to Ma drid had asked for his recall; and it was my purpose to send outa new minister to that court, with special instructions on all questions pend- l1lS DtLWctu lflo tWo so'CiDthcHtS, duu Wibu Il determination to have them speedily and ami cably adjusted, if that were possible. This pnrnose has been hitherto defeated by causes which 1 need not enumerate.
 The mission to Spain has been entrusted to distinguished citizen of Kentucky, who will proceed to Madrid without delay, and make another and final attempt to obtain justice from that government.
 off.,o al, thn 1nf the captain general of Cuba, have insulted our national flag, and, in repeated instances, have from time to time inflicted injuries on the per-, sons and property of our citizens. These have given birth to numerous claims against the Spanish government the merits of which have been ably discussed for a series of years, by our successive diplomatic representatives. Not withstanding this we have not arrived at prac tical result in any single instance, unless we may except the case of the Black Warrior under the late administration; and that presented an outrage of such character as would have jus tifed an immediate resort to war. All our at tempts to obtain redress have been baffled and defeated. The frequent and oft-recurring changes in the Spanish ministry, have been em- ployed as reasons for delay. We have been compelled to wait. again and again, until the new minister shall have had time to investigate the justice of our demands
 Even what have been denominated q the Gu ban claims" in which more than hundred of our citizens are directly interested, have fur nished no exception. These claims were for refunding of duties unjustly exacted from Amc- rican vessels at different custom houses in Cuba. so long ago as the year 1S44 The principles upon which they rest are so manifestly equita- hla and iuSt fh hat aftav porioI of fop in 1854, they were recognised by the Spanish go- vernment. Proceedings were afterwards insti- tuted to ascertain the amount, and this was finally fixed according to their own statement (with which we were satisfed) at the sum of one hundred and twenty eight thous and, six hundred and thirty dollars and ffty-f four cents. Just at the moment, after delay of fourteen years, when we had reason to expect that this sum would be repaid with interest we have re- ceived proposal offering to refund ono third of that amount, (forty-two thousand, eight hun dred and seventy eight dollars and forty two cents,) but without interest, if we would accept this in full satisfaction. The offer is also ac- companed by declaration that this indemni- ficatiou is not founded on any reason of strict justice; but is made as a special favor.
 One alleged cause for procrastination in the
  arises from an obstacle which it is the duty of the Spanish government to remove Whilst the Captain General of Cuba is invested with general despotc authority in the government of that island the. power is withheld from him to examine and redress wrongs committed by officials under his control, on citizens of the United States. Instead of making our com- plaints directly to him at Havana we are obliged to present them through our minister at Ma drid. These then are referred back to the Cap tain General for information; and much time is thus consumed in preliminary investigations and correspondence between Madrid and Cuba, be- fore the Spanish government will consent to proceed to negotiation.
 Many of the difficulties between the two go- vernments would be obviated, and long train of negotiation avoided. if the Captain General were invested with authority to settle questions of easy solution on the spot, where all the facts are fresh, and could be promptly and satisfac- torily ascertaned. We have hitherto in vain urged upon the Spanish government, to confer this power upon the Captain General, and our minister to Spain will again be instructed to urge this subject on their nc tce. In this respect we occupy different position from the powers of Europe. Cuba is almost within sight of our shores; our commerce with 1t is far greater than that of any other nation, including Spain itself and our citizens are in habits of daily and ex. tended personal intercourse with every part of the island. It is therefore a great grievance that, when any difficulty occurs, no matter how unimportant, which might be readily settled at the moment, we should be obliged to resort to Madrid, especially when the very first step to be taken there is to refer it back to Cuba.
 The truth is that Cuba, in its existing colonial condition, IS constant source of injury and an- noyance to the American people, It is the only spot in the civilized world where the African slave trade is tolerated.; and we are bound by treaty with Great Britain, to maintain a naval force on the coast of Africa, at much expense both of life and treasure, solely for the purpose of arresting slavers bound to that island The late serious 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 market shall remain open, there can be no hope for the civilization of benighted Africa. Whilst the demand for slaves continues in Cuba, wars will be wagcd among the petty and barbarous 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.
 It has been made known to the world by my predecessors, that the United States have, on several occasions, endeavored to acquire Cuba from Spain by honorable negotiation. If this were accomplished, 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 the national cha racter. All the territory which we have ac. quired since the origin of the government, has been by fair purchase from France, Span aud Mexico 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 anticipate, rende ing a departure from it clearly justifable, under the imperative and overruling law of self -preserva- ton.
 The island of Cuba from its geographic position, commands the mouth of the Msss- sippi, and the immense and annualy increasing trade, foreign and coast-wise, from he valley of that noble river now embracing half the so- yereign States of the Union. With that island under the dominion 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 has hitherto been subjected to perpetual injury and annoyance in times of peace. Our relations with Spain, which ought