Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-12-08


mtted by officials under his control, on citizens OF
the U. States. Instead Of making our complaints
directly to him at Havana, we are obliged to pre-
sent through our minister at Madrid. These are
then referred back to the Captain General for nfOr
nation and much time is thus consumed in prelim-
mary investigations and correspondence between
Madrid and Cuba, before the Spanish government
W i'll consent TO proceed to negotiation. Many OF
the difficulties between the two governments would
be ObYiated, and long train of negotiation avoided
if the Captain-General were invested with au-
thOrity TO settle questions Of easy solution on
the spot, where all the facts fresh, and could
be promptly and satisfactorily ascertained. We
have hitherto in vain urged upon the Spanish gov
eminent TO confer this power upon the Captain
General and minister to Spain viii again be in
structed to urge this subject on their notice. In
this respect We occupy different position from the
powers of Europe. Cuba is almost within sight of
our Shores our commerce with it is far greater than
that of any other nation including Spain itself; and
citizens are in habits of daily and extended in-
tercOurse with every part Of the island. 1t is there
fore, great grievance that Whenever any difficult
ty 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 colo
NAL condition, is a constant source of in Jury
and annoyance to the American people. 1t Is
the only spot in tle civilized world where the
African slave trade is tolerated and we are
bound by treaty with Great Britain to MAINTAIN
a navel force on the coast of Africa, at much e1-
pense both to life and treasure, solely for the
purpose of arresting slavers bound to that IS
land 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
market for slaves. As long as this market
shall remain open, there can be no hope Tor the
civilization of benighted Africa. Whilst the de-
mand for slaves continues in Cuba, wars will be
waged between the petty chiefs of Africa for
the purpose of seizing subjects to supply that
trade. In such condition of affairs, 1t is I'M
possible that the light of civilization and relig-
ion can ever penetrate those dark abodes
1t 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 our national
character All the territory which we have ae'
quired since the origin of the government, has
been by fair purchase from France, Spain, ans
| Mexico, or by the free and voluntary act of the
| iudependent State of Texas, in blending her des
| TIMES with our own. This course we shall evel
pursue, unless circumstances should occur
which we do not now anticipate, rendering
departure from it clearly justifable, under th'
/ imperative and over-ruhng law of seli-preserva
ton.
The Island of Cuba, from its geographical pO
sition commands the mouth of the Mississippi, ant
its immense and annually increasing trade, toreigI
and coastwise from the valley Of that noble river
now embracing half the sovereign States OF IN
Union. With that Island under the dominion Of
distant foreign power, this trade, of vital impor
tance TO these States, is exposed to the danger
being destroyed in time of war and 1t has hithert
been subjected TO perpetual injury aud annoyanc
in time Of peace. Our relations with Spain, Whlcl
ought to be OF the most friendly character, mus
always be placed in jeopardy, whilst the existing
colonial government over the island shall remain il
its present condition.
/ Whilst the possession of the island would be O
vast Importance to the United States, its value t
Spain is, comparatively, unimportlnt. Such wa
the relative situation of the parties when the grea
Napoleon transferred Louisiana to the United State
Jealous as he ever was, of the national honor AM
interests Of FEaqffi ffie ee i9Sin % i, f5r iaccepfng
| w1yFiiHa1lIry w1FiHa nv Gddiyalent for this cessiOn.
| The publicity which has been given to our fol
tmer negotiations upon this subject, and the larg
appropriation which may be required TO effect tn
purpose, render it expedient, before making anoth
er attempt to renew the negotiation, that shoul
lay the whole subject before Congress. This
especially necessary, as it may become indispensa
bic to snccess, that should be intrusted with tn
means of making an advance to the Spanish gov
ernment Immediately after signing the treaty, will
out waiting the ratification of it by the Senate.
am en- outraged TO make this suggestion, by exam
pie of Mr.. Jefferson previous to the purchase
louisiana from France and by that OF Mr.. Polk !
view Of the acquisition of territory from Mexico
I refer the whole subject TO Congress, and con
mend it to their careful consideration.
Irepeat the recommendation made in my mes
age of December last, in favor of an approprato
.tto be paid TO the Spanish government for Ii
purpOse of distribution among the claimants IN u
: Auistad case" President Polk first made a sinila
, recommendation in December, 1877, and it ".
, repeated by my immediate predecessor in Decen
ber, 1858. l entertain no doubt that indemnity
fairly due to these claimants under our treaty wit
Spain of the 9th October, 1886; and whilst d
! mandug justice we ought to do justice. An appr,
! pratiOn promptly made for this purpose, cou
not fail to exert favorable influence on our Il
gOtiatiOns with Spain.
: Our position in relation to the independel
) States south of us on this continent and especial
: those within the limits of North America, is of
peculiar character. The northern boundary
Mexico is concident with cur own southern bOu
! dary from ocean to ocean; and we must necessaI
y feel deep interest in all that concerns the We
: being and the fate Of SO near neighbor. v
L have always cherished the kindest wishes for Il
success of that republic, and have INDUCED Il
hope that it might at last, after all its tras, enl'
peace and prosperity 1under a free and stab
: government. We have never hitherto interfere
directly or indirectly, with its internal affairs, al
o it is duty which we owe to ourselves, to-prote
the integrity of its territory, against the hostile
It reference Of any other power. Our geographic
4 positon, our direct interest in all that concer
/ Mexico, and our well settled policy in regard
the North American continent, render this an
dispensable duty.
|, Mexico has been in q state of constant revol
- ton, almost ever since it achieved its indepe
denee. One military leader after another b
= usurped the government in rapid succession, al
the various constitutions from time to time adoI
!, ed have been set at naught almost as soon as tn
were proclaimed. The successive governmeI
70 have afforded no adequate protection, either
4 Mexican citizens or foreign residents again
N lawless violence. Heretofore a seizure Of t
d capital by a military chieftain has been general
Ii followed by at least the nominal submission
the country to his rule for a brief period, but
d so at the present crisis of Mexican affairs.
ic civil war has been raging for some time throug
-e out the republic, between the central goVernme
D. at the city Of Mexico, which has endeavored
* subvert the constitution last framed by militia
ai power, and those who maintain the authority
ID that constitution. The antagonist parties ca
hold possession of different States Of the repub
~ and the fortunes of war are constantly changiI
= Meanwhile, the most reprehensible means ha
- beea employed by both parties to extort mon
N from foreigners, as well natives, to carry
q this ruinous contest. The truth is, that this e
country, blessed with productive soil and
IN nign climate has been reduced by civil dissensi
Il to condition e almost hopeless anarchy a
< imbecility. It wou,8 be vain for this governmt
of to attempt to enforce payment in money Of
at claims Of American citizens, now amounting
as more than ten millions dollars, against Mexi
ey because she is destitute of all pecuniary means
er satisfy such demands.
e Our late minister was furnished with am
d. powers and means for the adjustment Of all pei
III ing questions with the central government
to Mexico, and he performed his duty with zeal q
IS ability The claims of cur citizens, some of th
ht arising out of the violation of an express prov