Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-12-11

hftyfour cents. Just at the moment, nfter q de-
lay of fourteen years, when we had reason to ex-
pect that this sum would be repaid with interest,
we have received proposal Offering to refund one
third of that amount, (orty.two thousand eight
hundred and seventy eight dollars and forty.one
cents,) but without interest," II we would accept
this In full satisfaction. The offer u.s. also, accom-
panied by declaration that this naturalization
Is not founded on any reason Of strict JUSTICE but
Is made as special favor.
One alleged cause for procrastinatlon in the ex- |
animation and adjustment of our claims arises |
from obstacle which 1t Is the duty of the Span
ish government to remove. Whilst the captain
general of Cuba Is invested with general despotc !
authority In the government Of that island, the !
power Is withheld from him to examine and re- |
dress wrongs committed by officials under his |
control, on citizens of the United States. Instead
OF making our complaints directly to him at Ha-
vana we arc obliged TO 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 investiga-
tons and correspondence between Madrid and
Cuba, before the Spanish government will con-
sent 10 proceed TO negotiation. Many of the diff
cuties between the two governments would be
obviaed, and long train Of negotiation avoid
ed, If the captain-general were invested with au-
thorty to settle questions OF easy solution on the
spot where oil the facts are fresh and could be
promptly and satisfactorily ascertained. We have
hitherto in vain urged upon the Spanish govern
ment TO confer this power upon the captain gen
eral, and our minister to Spain will 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 II Is far
greater than that OF any other nation, including
Spain itself, and our citizens in habits of daily
and extended personal intercourse with every
part of the island. II is, therefore, great griev
ance that, when any difficulty 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 II back TO Cuba.
The truth Is, that Cuba, in its existing colonial
condition, is n constant source of injury and an
noyance TO the American people. Ii is the only
spot In the civilized world where the African
slave trade Is tolerated; and we arc bound by
treaty with Great Britain 10 maintain a naval
force the coast of Africa, at much expense both
OF life and treasure, solely Tor the purpose Of
resting slavers bound to that island The late Sc
rious difficulties between the United States and
Great Britain respecting the right of search, now
so happily terminated, could never have arisen II
Cuba had not afforded 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
Cnba, wars Will be waged among the petty and
barbarous chiefs In Africa for the purpose of seiz-
ing subjects 10 supply til trade. In such con-
dition of affairs 1t is impossible that the light of
civilization and religion can ever penetrate these
dark aboces.
Ii has been made known TO the world by my
predecessors, that the United States have, sew
eral occasions, endeayored 10 acquire Cuba from
Spain by honorable negotiation. II this were ac-
compshed the last relic OF the African slave
trade would instantly disappear. We would not,
IL we could, acquire 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 independent state OF
Texas in blending her destinies with our own.
| This course we shall ever pursue, unless crcum
stances should occur, which we do not now antic
pate, rendering departure from 1t clearly justf
| able, under the imperative and overrulng law oil
| self.preservatioB. The island of Cuba from its
geographical position, commands the NOUN OF
the Mississippi and its immense and annually in
| creasing trade, foreign and coastwise, from the
valley OF that noble river now embracing half the
| sovereign states OF the Union. With that island
| under the dominion of distant foreign power
this trade of vital importance TO these states,
| exposed to the danger of being destroyed in time
OF war, and 1t has hitherto been subjected 10 per
| petual injury and annoyance in time OF peace
Our relations with Spain, which ought 10 be o.
the most friendly character, must always bt
placed in jeonaIdy, whilst the existing coonia
| government over the island shall remain in IL
| present condition.
| Whilst the possession OF the island would he O
vast importance to the United States its value 4
Spain is, comparatively, unimporant Such wa
the relative situation of the parties, when thu
| great Napoleon transferred Louisiana TO th,
| United States. jealous, as he ever was, of III,
national honor and interests OF France, no person
throughout the world has imputed blame 10 him
for accepting pecuniary equivalent for this ces
| sion. The publicity which has been given TO GU
| former negotiations upon this subject, and tn,
| large Appropriation which may lie required Il
| effect the purpose, render II eXpcdient, befOr,
making another attempt to renew the negotia
| ton, that | should lay the whole subject befor,
| Congress. This is especially necessary, as IL may
| become indispensable 10 success, that should b,
| intrusied with the means of making an advanc,
TO the Spanish government Immediately afte
the signing of the treaty. without awaiting III,
ratification of il by the Senate. am encouraged
10 make this suggestion, by example OF Mr. JEFF
ferson previous 10 the purchase of Louisiana from
| France, and by that of Mr. Polk in view of the &C
QUESTION of territory from Mexico. | refer the
| whole subject 10 Congress, and commend II &c
| their careful consideration.
repeat the recommendation made in my mes
sage of December last, in favor of an appropria
ton ITO be paid TO the Spanish government fo
| the purpose of distribution among the claimant
| in the Amistad CASE President Polk first mad,
n similar recommendation in December, 1877, ant
| il was repeated by my immediate predecessor il
December. 1853. ] entertain no doubt thar in
| demnity is fairly due TO these claimants under
our treaty with Spain of the 9th October, l795
and whilst demanding justice we ought TO de
| Justice. An appropriation promptly made TO
this purpose, could not fail to exert favorabl,
| influence our negotiations with Spain.
Our position In relation TO the Independent
states south of us on this continent, and especial
| ly those within the limits of North America is o
n peculiar character The northern boundary o
Mexico is coincident with our own southern
boundary from ocean 10 ocean; and we must nee
essarlly feel deep interest IN all that concerns
the wcll.beng and the fate of So near a neighbor
We have always cherished the kindest wishes fo
the success of that republic, and have INDUCED
the hope that 1t might Mt last after all Its trials
enjoy peace and prosperity under free and sta
BILE government. We have never hitherto inter
fercd, directly or indirectly with its internal af
fairs, and IL is duty which we owe to ourselves
10 protect the integrity of its territory, against the
| hesue interference OF any other power. Our re
ographica position, our direct interest in all tina
concerns Mexico, and our well settled policy In
regard to the North American continent, render
| this an indispensable duty.
| Mexico has been in u state of constant revolu-
| ton, almost ever since IL achieved Its indcpend
ence.' One military leader after another has
| usurped the government in rapid succession, and
the various constitutions from time 10 time adopt
ed have been set at naught almost soon as they
were proclaimed. The successive governments