Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1858-12-11

amicably adjusted if that were possible. This pur-
pose has been hitherto deieated By causes Wnlcn
need not enumerate.
The mission to Spain has been entrusted 70 a dis
tingaished citizen Of Kentucky, who viii proceed 70
Madrid without delay and make another and mai
attempt to obtsin justice fsom that Government.
Spanish officials under the direct control Of the
Captain General Of Cuba, have insnlied our nationsi
haQ, and IL Fepested instances hsRs nom TINE 10
time inflicted injuries he persons 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 series Of
years by successive diplomatic representative
Notwithstanding this We have not arrived at prae-
tcal result in any single instance unless We may
except the Of the Black Warrior under the late
Administration; and that presented an outrage OF
such character as would have jusihed an lmme-
diate resort war. All attempts to obtain re-
dress have been ba6ied and defeated. The frequent
and Oft-recurring changes in the Spanish Ministry
have been employed as reasons for delay We have
been compelled to wait again and again until the new
Minister shall have had time to investigate the JUS
tiee Of cur demands.
Even what have been denominated 81 the Cuban
claims" in which more than hundred of.our eti-
zens are directly interested have furnished no ex-
ception. These claims we're for the refunding of
duties unjustly exacted from American vessels at
different custom-houses in Cuba so long ago as the
/ year 1874 The principles upon which they rest
are so manifestly equitable and just that after
period of nearly ten years, in 1854 they we're re-
| cognized BY the Spanish Government Proceed
ings were afterw instituted 10 ascertain their
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 thousand six
hundred and thirty-fve dollars and hityfour cents.
just at the moment after delay of fourteen years,
when we had reason to expect tina; this sum would
be repaid With interest," we have received ProPo-
sal Offering to refund one-third of that amount,
tfortytwo thousand eight hundred and seyentyeight
dollars and oryone eents but without interest, If
we would aeeeptstbis in full satisfaction. The offer
is also accompanied by declaration that this
decentralization is not founded on any reason Of
strict Justice, bat is made as a special favor.
One alleged cauFe for procFastination IN the ex-
animation and adjustment Of claims arises from
an obstacle which it is the duty Of the Spanish
Government to remove. Whilst the GaptainSGen-
ersl Of Cuba is invested with general despOde su-
thoriiy in the Government Of thatisland the power
is withheld from him TO examine and redress wrongs
committed by officials under his control on citizens
| of the United States. I0stead of making our COM
plants directly 10 him at Havana, obliged 10
present them through our Minister at Madrid.
These are then referred back to the Captain General
for information; and much time Is thus consumed
in preliminary investigations and correspondence
between Madrid and Cuba, before The Spanish Gov
eminent will consent TO proceed 10 negotiation
Many Of the difficulties between the two Govern
ments would be ObViated, aud long train Of nego-
tiations avoided. if the Captain~General we're in
vested with authority to settle questions Of easy So
luton on the spot, where sll the facts are fresh,
could be promptly and satisfactorily ascertained.
We have hitherto in vain urged upon the Spanish
Government 70 confer this power upon the Captain
General aud our Minister 70 Spain will again be
instructed 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
With IL il far greater
than that Of any other nation including Spain it.
self and our citizens ere in habits Of daily and ex
tended personal intercourse With every part of the
island II is, therefore, great grievance that,
when any difficulty occurs, no matter how unlm-
portant which might be readily settled at the mo-
ment we should be obliged to resort TO Madrid,
pecslly 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 q constant course of injury and annoy
ance 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 q naval force on the coast Of
Africa, at much expense both Of life and treasure,
solely for the purpose Of arresng slavers bound to
that island. The late serious difficulties between
the United States and Great Britain respecting the
right OF search, so happily terminated, could
never have arisen if Cuba had not afforded mar
ket for slaves As long as this market shall remain
open there can be no hope for the civilization Of
! benlghteQ africa NhllSt the uSnhhu 4of eitfFs
continues in Cuba, wars will be Waged among the
petty aud barbarOus chiefs in Africa for the purpose
Of sezing 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
Il has been made known to the world by my pre-
decessors that the United States have on several
occasions, endeaYOred to acquire Cuba from Spain
bv honorable negotiation. If this were accomplish
ed the last relic of the African slave trade would
instantly disappear. We would not if we could, &C
uure Cuba IN any other manner. This is due to
our national character. All the territory 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 in
dependent State of Texas in blending her destInies
with our own. This course shall ever pursue,
unless circumstances should occur, which we do not
now anticipate rendering departure from 1t clearly
ustifable, under the imperative and overrulmg law
of selfpreseryation.
The island of Cuba from its geographical position
commands the mouth Of the Mississippi and the i'm
mense and annually increasing trade foreign and
coastwise from the valley Of that noble river, now
embracing half the sovereign States Of the tniOn-
With that island under the dominion of distant for
eign 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 tune Of peace
r relations with Spain which ought to be Of the most
friendly character, must always De placeu III JeoP
ardy, whilst the existing colonial government over
the Island shall remain in its present condition.
Whilst the possession island would be Of vast impor
lance to the its value TO Spain comparatively
nnportant Such the relative situation Of the parties
when the great Napoleon transferred Louisiana u the United
he Of the national honor and int
France person throughout the world has imputed
blame him for accepting Peeuniary equivalent Tor TINS ce
! sion.
The publicity which has been given to our form
er negotiations upon this subject, and the large ap
preparation which may berequired to effect the pur-
! pose render it expedient, before making another
attempt TO renew the negotiation, that should lay
the whole subject before Congress. This is espeoi-
| ally necessary as it may become indispensable to
success that should be entrusted with the means Of
! making an advance TO the Spanish Government i'm
mediately after the signing of the treay, without
| awaiting the ratification Of it by the Senate. am
encouraged to make this suggestion by the example
Of Mr. Jefferson previous IN the purchase Of LOUIS
lana from France, and by that of Mr. Polk in view
Of thsacquisition Of territory from Mexico. re-
fer the whole subject to Congress, aud commend ii
| to their careful consideration.
| repeat the Recommendation made in my message
| Of December last in favor Of sn appropriation 'to
De paid to the Spanish Government for the purpose
of distribution among the claimants in the Amistad
| case" President Polk first made similar recon-
mendation in December, lS47, and it was repeated
| by my immediate predecessor in December, 1905. l
entertain no doubt that indemnify is fairly due to
these claimants under treaty with Spain OF the
| 9th October, 1895; and whilst demanding Jr5tice
| we ought to do Justice. An appropriation promptly
made for this purpose could not fail to exert IA
vorable influence negotiations with Spain.