The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-12-16


time is thus consumed in preliminary investi-
cations and correspondence between Madrid
and Cuba, before the Spanish government will
consent to proceed to negotiation. Many of
the difficulties between the two governments
would be obviated, and a long train of nego-
tiation avoided, If the Captain General were
invested with authority to settle questions OF
easy solution or the spot, where. all the facts
are fresh and could be promptly and satisfac.
torily ascertained. We have hitherto in vain
urged upon the Spanish government TO confer
this power upon the Captain General, and Cur
Minister to Spain will again be instructed to
urge this subject on their notice. In this res
pect we occupy different position from the
powers Of Europe. Cuba is almost within
sight Of eur shores our commerce with it is
far greater than that of any other nation, in
cluiing Spain ITSELF and our citizens are in
habits of daily and extended personal inter-
course with every part of the island. 1t is,
therefore, great grievance that, when any
difficulty occurs, no matter how unimport tant,
which might be readily settled at the moment,
we should be obliged to resort to Madrid, es-
pecially when the very first step to be taken
there is to refer it back to Cuba. ts.#t
The truth is, that Cuba, in its existing col
onial condition, is a constant source of injury
and annoyance to the American people. 1t
is the only spot in the civilized world where
the African slave trade is tolerated; and we
are bound by treaty with Great Britain 10
maintain naval force on the coast of Africa,
at much expense both Of life and treasure,
solely for the purpose of arresting sla7ers
bound to that island. The late serious diff
culties between the U. s. and Great Britain
respecting the right of search, now SO happi-
ly terminated. could never have arisen ii Gu
ba had not afforded market for slaves. AS
long as this market shall remain open, there
can be no hope for the civilization of benight-
ed Africa. Whilst the demand for slaves con-
tinues in Cuba, wars will be waget among
the petty and bsrbarous chiefs in Africa, for
the purpose of seizing 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.
1t has been made known TO the world by
my predecessors, that the U. 5. have, on sew
eral occasions, endeavored to acquire Cuba
from Spain by honorable negotiation. If this
were accomplished, the last relic of the Afri-
can slave trade would instantly disappear
We would not, if we could acquire Cuba in
any other way. All the territory which We
have acquired since the origin of the govern
ment, has been by fair purchase from France,
tary act of the independent State of Texas,
in blending her destiuies with our own. This
course we shall ever pursue, unless circum-
stances should occur, which we do not now
anticipate rendering a depar ure from 1t
clearly justihable, under the imperative over
ruling law Of self preservation.
The island of Cubs, from its geographical
position, commands the mouth of the Mississ-
ippi, and its immense and annually increas-
ing trade, foreign and coastwise, from the
valley of that noble river, now embracing
half the so sereign 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
being DESTROYED in time of war, and it has
hitherto been subjected to perpetual injury
and annoyance in time of peace. Oar rela-
tions with Spain, which ought to be OF the
most friendly charaetar, must always be pla-
ced 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, unimport-
ant. Such was the relative position OF par
ties, when the great Napoleon transferred
Louisiana to the u. s. Jealous, as he ever
was, of the national honor and interests of
France, no person throughout the world has
imputed blame to him for accepting peeuni-
ary equivalent for this cession.
The publicity which has been given to our
former negotiations upon this subject, and the
large appropriation which may be required to
effect the purpose, render it expedient, before
making another attempt to renew the negoti-
alton, thatI should lay the whole subject be-
fore Congress. This is especially necessary,
as il may become indispensable to success,
that | should be intrusted with the means Of
making an advance 10 the Spanish govern
mcnt Immediately after the signing of the
treaty without awaiting the ratification of it
by the senate. | am encouraged TO make this
suggestion, by example of Mr., Jefferson, pre-
vious to the purchase of Louisiana from
France, and by that of Mr., Polk in view OF
the acquisition of territory from Mexico. l
refer the whole subject to Congress, and COM
mend it to their careful consideration.
repeat the recommendations made in my
message of December last, in favor of an ap-
preparation ''to be paid to the Spanish gov
ernment for the purpose Of distribution among
the claimants in the Amistad case Presi-
dent Polk frst made similar recogumenda-
ton in December, ls47, and it was repeated
bv nv immediate predecessor in December,
1853. Ientertain no doubt that indemnity is
fairly due 10 those claimants under our trea-
~ with Spain of the 9th Oct, l795; and
whilst demanding justice we ought to do JUS
tice. An appropriation promptly made for
this purpose, could not fail to exert q favora-
BILE influence in our Negotiations with Spain.
;4Our position in relation to the independent
states south Of VS. on this continent, and espe-
cially those within the limits of North Amer
lea, ia Of a peculiar character. TIE northern
boundary Of Mexico is coincdent with our
southern boundary from ocean to ocean; aud
we must necessarily feel deep pinterest in all
that conc rms the wetl-beng aud the fate Of
10 near neighbor. Na have always cherish
the kindest wishes for the success OF that re-
public, and have INDUCED the hope that it
might at last, after alfits trials, enjoy peace
aud prosperity under afree and stable gov
ernmen,. We have never hitherto interfe red,
directly or indirectly, with its int 1rnai af-
fairs, and it is a duty which We owe to our
selves, to protect the integrity of It's terrific
ry against the hostile Interference of any
other power. Our geographical position, onr
direct interest," in all that concerns Mexico,
and our we'll settled policy in regard 10 the
North American continent, render this an IN
dispensible duty,
Mexico has been in state Of constant rev
oution almost ever since il achieved its in