The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-12-16

would be obviated, and long train of ne
gotiatiOn avoided, il the Captain General
were invested with authority to settle quss-
tious Of easy solution on the spot, where all
the facts are fresh and could be promptly
and satisfactorily ascertained. We have
hitherto in vain urged upon the Spanish
government to confer this power upon the
Captain General, and our NJ mister to Spain
will again be instructed to urge this subject
on their notice, In this respect, We occupy
. different position from the powers Of Eu.
rope, 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 our citizens are In habit OF
daily and extended personal intercourse with
every part Of the islaud. 1t is therefore q
great grievance that whenever any difficulty
occurs, no matter how important, which
might be readily settled at the moment, we
should be Obliged to resort to Madrid, espe-
cially when the very first step to DO taken
there is TO refer it back to Cuba.
CUBA.
The truth is that Cuba, in its existing
colonial condition, is q constant source of
injury and annoyance to the American peo
pie. 1t is the only spot in the civilized
world where the African slave trade is tole-
rated; and we are bound by treaty with
Great Britain to maintain naval force on
the coast of Africa, at much expense both
OF life and treasure, solely for the purpose Of
arrestlng slaves 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 af
forded market for slaves. As long as this
market shall remain open, there can be no
hope for the civilization Of benighted Afri
ca. Whilst the demand for slaves continues
in Cuba, wars will BE- waged among the
.pcssy ant. barJdfoGs chiefs in Africa, for
the purpose Of seizing subjects to supply
this trade. In such Q condition of affairs
it 10 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, endeavored TO
acquire Cuba from Spain by honorable ne
kVubIOu. IL tuiS WSiC uOtoLuPitchSn, tuC
African slave trade would instantly disap-
pear.
We would not, IL we could, acquire Cuba
in any other manner. This is due 10 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 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 de-
parture from it clearly justi6able, under the
imperative and overriding law OF sell preser-
walton.
The Island OF Cuba, from its geographical
position, commands the mouth Of the Mis-.
sissippi, and its immense and annually in
creAsing trade, foreign and coastwise, from
the valley OF that noble river, now embrac.
ing hall the sovereign States oil the Union.
With that island under the dominion Of a
foreign power, this trade, Of vital importance
to these States, is exposed 10 the danger Of
being destroyed in the time war, aud it has
hitherto been subjected to perpetual injury
and annoyance in time OF peace. Our rela-
tions with Spain, which ought TO be Of the
mostly friendly character, must always be
placed in jeopardy, whilst the existing col
onial government over the island shall re-
main 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 unlm-
portant. Such was the relative situation
Of the parties when the great Napoleon
transferred louisiana 10 the United States
Jealous, as he ever was, Of the national hon
or and interests of France, no person
throughout the world has impoted blame to
him, for accepting pecuniary equivalent
for this cession.
The publicity which has been given to our
former negotiations upon this subject, and
the large appropriation which may be re-
quired to effect the purpose, render it expe.
dent, before making another attempt to re-
new the negotiation, that ] should lay the
whole subject before Congress. This il CO
pecislly necessary, as it may become indis-
pensabie TO success that should be entrust-
ed with the means of making an advance 10
the Spanish government Immediately after
the signing OF the treaty. without awaiting
the ratification Of it by tho Senate. ! am
encouraged to make this suggestion by the
example Of Mr.. Jefferson previous 70 the
purchase Of Louisiana from France, and by
that Of Mr.. Polk 10 view OF the acquisition
OF territory from Mexico. refer the whole
subject TO Congress. and commend il 10 their
careful consideration.
I repeat the RECOMMENDATION made in my
message Of December last, in favor OF an sp-
preparation " to be paid TO the Spanish gos.
ernment for the purpose Of distribution
among the claiments 10 the Amistad case 4"
President Polk first made similar recon-
mendstion in December, l947. and il was re-
peAted by my immediate predecessor 10 De
cember, 1883. Ientertain no doubt that 10
demnity isfAirly due TO these claimants under
our treaty with Spain Of the 9th O-tober,
1875; and whist demanding justice We ought
TO do justice. An appropriation promptly
made for this purpose, could not fail TO exert
l. IA At