Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-12-17

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 waged
among the petty and barbarous chiefs in
Africa, for the purpose of Selling sub
jects TO supply this trade. In such a
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, endea-
Yored to acquire Cuba from Spain by
honorable negotiation. If this were ac-
complished, 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 terrific
~ 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 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, rendering a depart
ure from it clearly justifable, under the
imperative and overriding law Of self
preservation.
The Island of Cuba, from its geogra-
phical position, commands the mouth of
the Mississippi and its immense and an
nually increasing trade, foreign and coast
wise, from the valley Of that noble river,
now embracing half the sovereign 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 be
ing destroyed in time Of war, and it ha:
hitherto been subjected to perpetual in
Jury and annoyance in time of peace
Our relations with Spain, which ough
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 pres
ent condition.
While the possession of the ISLAM
would be of vast importance to tn
United States, its value to Spain is, com
paratively, unimportant. Such was tn
relative situation of the parties, whe
the great Napoleon transferred Louisi
ana to the United States. Jealous, as h
ever was, of the national honor and in
terests of France, no person Throughout
the world has imputed blame to him 70
accepting pecuniary equivalent for thi
cession.
The publicity which has been given
our former negotiations upon this sui
ject, and the large. appropriation whic
may be required to effect the purpos'
render it expedient, before making anotl
er attempt to renew the negotiation, tn;
1 should lay the whole subject befor
Congress. This is especially necessar
sit may become indispensable to success
that should be instructed with IL
means of making an advance to Il
Spanish government Immediately aft
the signing of the treaty, without awai
ing the ratification of it by the Senat
am encouraged to make this suggestit
by example of Mr.. Jefferson previous
the purchase of Louisiana from Franc
and by that of Mr.. Polk in view of t
acquisition of territory from Mexico.
refer the whole subject to Congress, a
command it TO their careful considerable
Irepeat the recommendation made
my message of December last, in fax
of an appropriation "to be paid to t
Spanish government for the purpose
distribution among the claimants in
Amistad case" President Polk Fl
made similar recommendation in l
cember, lS47, and it was repeated by
immediate predecessor, in Decemb
1853. l entertain no doubt that indie
nifty is fairly due these claimants IN
our treaty with Spain of the 9th o.
Der, 1895; and whilst demanding just
we ought to do justice. An appropr
ton promptly made for this purp
could not fail TO exert a favorable in
ence on our negotiations with Spain.
Our position in relation to the indep
dent States South Of US on this contint
and especially those within the Limits
North America, is of a peculiar char
ter. The northern boundary Of Me-
is coincideut with our own south
boundary, from ocean to ocean; and
must necessarily feel deep interest
all that concerns the well-being and