Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-12-04

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two governments would be obvsted and long train OF
negotiation avoided if the captain general invested
with authority TO settle questions Of solution the
spot where all the facts fresh, and could lie promptly
and satisfactorily ascerained We have hitherto in vain
urged upon the Spanish government confer this power
upon the captain general and minister Spain will
again be instructed to urge this subject their notice
In this respect, We occupy different position from the
powers OF Europe Cuba is almost within sight Of
shores with il is far greater than that of
any other nation including Spain ITSELF and citizens
are in habits of daily and extended personal intercourse
with every part of the island 1t is therefore, great
grievance that. when any difficulty occurs, matter
how unimportant which might lie readily settled at the
moment we should be Obliged to resort to Madrid, espe
caly when the very first step TO he taken there 10
fer it back to Cubs
The truth is that Cuba in its existing colonial oond
son is constant of injury and annoyance the
American people 1t is the only spot in the civilized
world where the African slavetrade is tolerated and We
are bound by treaty with Great Britain naval
force on the coast OF Africa at much expense both
life and treasure solely for the purpose of arrestng
savers bound to that island The late serious difficult
ties between the United States and Great Britain respect
ing the right Of search happily terminated could
never have arisen if Cuha had not afforded market for
slaves. As long this market shall remain open
can be hope for the civilization of benighted Africa
Whilst the demand for slaves continues in Cuba wars
will lie waged among the petty and blrbarous chiefs in
Africa for the purpose of Selling subjects supply this
trade In such condition of affairs it is impossible that
the light of civilization and religion penetrate
these dark abodes.
1t has been made known to the world b. NV predeces
that the United States have on several occasions
endeavored to acquire Cuba from Spain by honorable
gotiation. If this accomplished tho last relic Of
the African slave trade would instantly disappear We
would not if could, acquire Cuba ia any other
manner. This is due to national character All the
territory which have acquired since the origin Of
government, has been IL fair purchase from France
Spain, and Mexico by the free and voluntary act of
the independent State of Texas in blending her desnies
with our This shall pursue unless
circumstances should occur, which do not now antic
pate rendering departure from it clearly ustiials
under the imperative and everything law Of self reserya
ton.
The Island of Cuba, from its geographical position
commands the mouth of the Mississippi and the immense
and annually increasing trade. foreign aud coastwise
from the valley of that noble river embracing half
the sovereign States of the Union With that Island I'M
der the dominion OF distant foreign power this trade
of vital importance to these States is exposed to the dan
of being destroy ed in time of war; and has hitherto
been subjected to perpetual injury and annoyance in time
OF peace Oar relations with Spain, which ought to be
OF tue 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 Island would be- of vast
Importance to the United States its value to Spain is
comparatively unimportant Such the relative stu
alton OF the parties when the great Napoleon transferred
Louisiana to tbs United States Jealous he ever was
OF the national honor and interests of France person
throughout the world, has imputed blame him for ac-
cepting pecunary equivalent for this cession.
Ths publicity which has been given to our former ne
gotiaons upon this subject and the large appropriation
which may Ire required to effect the purpose render il
expeent before making another attempt TO renew the
Congress Ths especially Necessary as il may becoe
indispensable to that should be intrusted with
the means of making advance Spanish govern
inent Immediately after the signing of the treaty without
awaiting the ratification of it by the Senate am en-
couaged to make this suggestion by the example of Mr.
Jefferson previous to the purchase of Louisiana from
France and by that Mr. in via of
ton of territory from Mexico refer the whole subject
TO Congress- and commend it to their careful consider
ton.
repeat the recommendation made in nv message of
December last Ia favor of appropriation Ito be paid to
the Spanish government for the purpose OF distribution
among the claimants in the Aaistad case" President
Polk first made u similar recommendation in December
1917, and it repeated 10y my immediate predecessor
IN December, 1883. L eatcrtsn doubt that inler-
nifty is fairly due to these claimants under our treaty with
Spain OF the 9th October, 1895 and whilst demanding
Justice we ought to do Justice An appropriation prompt
ly made for this purpose could fail exert favor
able influence on our negotiations with Spain.
Our position in relation to the independent States south
of US on this continent and especially those within the
limits OF North America is of peculiar character The
northern boundary of Mexico is coincilent with our own
southern boundary from ocean to aud We must
necessarily feel deep interest i'm all that concerns the
well being and the fate of a neighbor We have
always cherished the kndost wishes Tor the success of
that republic, and have INDUCED the hope that il might
der free and stable government. We have never hher-
to intertered directly Indirectly, with its internal af
fairs, and it i. duty which ourselves Ia pro
ec the integrity OF its territory, against the hostile in
reference of other power Our geographical posi-
ton, direct interest in all that concerns Mexico aud
our well settled policy in regard TO tho North American
continent, render this an Indispensable duty
Mexico has been in state of constant revolution al
most since it achieved its independence One mill
tary leader after another has uSurped the government in
rapid succession and the various constitutions from time
to time adopted have been Set at naght almost rs soon as
they were proclaimed The successive governments have
afforded no adequate protection either 10 Mexican c
zens foreign residents against lawess violence Here
toiore, seizure of the capal by military chcftan has
been generally followed by at least the nominal sulns
sion Of the country TO his rule for brief period but not
SO at the present crisis OF Mexican affairs civil war
has been raging for time throughout the republic
between the central government at the city of Mexico
which has endeayored to subvert the constitution last
framed by military power and those who maintsin the
authority of that constitution. The antagonist parties
each hold possession of different States of the repu
lie, and the fortunes of the constantly changing
Meanwhile the most repreheISble have been en-
noyed by both parties to extort money from foreigners
well natives, to carry this runous contest The
truth is, that this fine country, blessed with pro-
duetivc soil and benign climate has been reduced by
civil disscnsiOn to u condition of almost ho,a.i,ss
anarchy and imbecilty Ii would he vain for this gov
ernment to attempt TO enforce payment in Of the
Claims ut American citizens amounting more than