Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-12-11
are fresh, and could be promptly and salts

Spanish Government to confer this power
upon the Captain-General, and our Minister
to Spain will again be instructed tn urge this
subject on their notice. In this respect we
occupy diff rent position from the Powers
of Europe. Cuba is almost within sight of
our shores; our commerce with it is far
greater than that OF any other nation. iaelud-
ing Srain itself, and our citizens are in hab-
its of daily and extended personal intercourse
with every part of the Island. 1t is. there
FIRE. great grievance that, when any diff
entity occurs. no matter how uhimportant
which might be readily settled at the mo-
ment, we should be obliged to revert to Ma
drid, especially when the very frs; step to be
taken there is TO refer il back to Cuba,
The truth is that Cuba, in its existing colonial
condition. is a constant source of injury and an
noyance 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 to maintain a naval
force on the coast OF Africa, at much expense
both of life and treasure, solely for the purpose
of arresting slavers 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 afforded a market
for slaves.
As long as this market shall remain
open there can be no hope for the civiliza-
ton of benighted Africa. Whilst the de-
mand for slaves continues in Cuba wars
will be waged among the petty and bar
barous 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 kHOwn to the world by
my predecessors that the United States have
on several occasions ende vOred to acquire
Cuba from Spain by honorable negotiation.
II this were accomplished the last relic OF
the African Slave Traie would instantly
disappear. We would not, if we could. ac-
quire Cuba in any other manner. This is
due to orr national character.
All the territory which we have ac-
quired 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 a
departure from it clearly justifiable, under
the imperative and overriding law of self
preservation.
The island of Cuba, from its geographical
position, commands the mouth of the Missis-
ing trade, foreign and coastwiSe. from the
valley of that noble river. now embracing
haf the sovereign States of the Union
With that island under the dominion of a
distant foreign Power, this trade, of vital i'm
pOrtance to these States, is exposed to the
danger Of being DESTROYED in time OF war, and
it has hitherto been subjected to perpetual in
jury and annoyance in time of peace. Our
relations with Spain, which ought to be of the
4pIa u 81.
jeopardy whilst the existing colonial govern
ment over the Island shall remnin in its pres
ent condition.
Whilst the possession of the island would be OF va,
importance to the United States. rs value to Spain il
comparatively unimportant. Snch the relatv,
situation of the parties when the great Napoleon
fered Louisiana 81 the Untei StItes
Jealous as he ever was of the national honor an,
interests OF France no person throughot the rid ha
IMPUTED blame To him for accepting pecuniary equiv
lent for this accession.
The publicity which his been given to our f,rmc
negotiations upon this subject, a"d tie large appropri
alton which may be required To effect the purp rem
der it expedien, before making another ATTEMPT &
renew the negotiation, that | should lay the who'll
subject before Congress.
This is especially necessary may become indis
peusabe 10 success that should be entrusted will
th- means of making an advance to the Spanish Go
vernment Immediately after The signing Of the treaty
without awaiting the ratification of il by TIL Senate
am encouraged TO make this suggestion by the ex
+ ample Of Mr.. Jefferson previous u the purchase q
Louisiana frum France, and by that Of Mr.. Polk il
view Of the acquiSon of territory from Mexico. re
fer the whole subject 10 Congress. and commend L
their careful consideration.
/ repeat the recommendation made in my message q
December last in favor of appropriation tn pai
the Spanish Government for tine purpose Of dstrb
ution among the claimants IN the An~tad case Pres
dedt Polk first made similar racommcnaatso on in he
| cember, 1S47 and II repeated by my immcdiat
predecessor in Dec 1853. l entertain no doHbt tina
indemnity fairly due to those claimants under on
treaty with Spain of the 9th of Oct 1875 and willis
demanding justice we ought to 80 justice. An apPro
pration promptly made for this purpose could no
fail to exert favorable influence negotiation
with Spain.
Our position in relation to the independent States
south of as on this continent, and especially thos,
within the limits of North America, is of a peculia
character The northeIn boundary of Mexico is coiu
cdcnt with our southern boundary from ocear
to ocean; and necessarily feel deep intere
in ali that concerns the well being and the flte OF
near a neighbor;
We have always cherished the kindest wishes fol-
the success of that Republic. and have INDUCED tn
hope that it might at lat after all its trials enjoy
peace and prosperity under a free and stable Gov
eminent. We have never hitherto interferred. iii
rectly indirectly, with its internal affairs, and Il
is a duty which we owe to ourselves to protect the
integrity OF its terri tory against the hostile inter
ference of an other power. Our geographical pc
stion, direct interest in all that concerns Mex
ico, and we'll settled policy in reg Ird to tn,
North American continent, render this an indispen
sable duty.
Mexico has been in st1te of constant revolution
almost ever since il achieve its Independence on
military leader after another has u>urped the gov
in rapid succession; and the various cunstitu
naught almost as soon as hey We're proclaimed. T
sdccessive governments have Afforded adequRt
protection, either 10 Mexican ctZsns or foreign
dents, against wless violence. Heretofore the seiz
ure OF the capital by military chiertn, has been
generally followed by at least the nomin Al submission
Of the country to his rule for brief period bat no
50 al the present crisis of Mexican affairs
civil war has bee raging for some time through
ont the Re 'ubc, between the central governm
the city OF Mexico, which has enieavored subvrr
the consttuti last framed by military power an,
those maintain the authority Of tia, constitution Tn
aarfia hold
states OF the Republic, and The fortunes Of war ar
constt thy changing Meanwhile the most reprehen
sibie means have been employed by both parties 4
ext'rt money from foreigners as well as natives Il
carry ON this ruiI1us contest
The truth is that this fine country, blessed with
productive soil and being climate. has been re
duced by civil dissension a condition OF almps
hopeless anarchy aud imbecty. II would be vaiI
for this Government u attempt force payment IA
money OF the claims OF Am .rican c.tiz n, now
amount IL t. more than ten million dollars against
Mexico because she Is destitute of ali pecunary sans
10 satisfy these demands.
Our late Minister furnished xth ample powers
and instructions for the ,justmeit of all pending
questions with the Central Government of Mexico and
he performed his duty with zell ana ability. Ths
claims Of our citizens snme OF them arising Of
violation of an express provision OF the treaty Oi
eau alupe Hidago, and others from gross inuri l.
persons well property have remained unreress
al and unno'iced RemonSttnces az tinst these
grievances have been addressed without effect 20 tha
Government
Melntime in various parts Of the Republic, instance.
have besn numerous Of the murder imP-Is n
ing anf exercising a Iocal jurisdiction but ths
Central Government. although repeatedly urged there
q, have made effort either "a punish the authors 81
these outrages or To prevent their recurrence NJ
American citizen now visit Mexico lawful busi
nes without imminent danger 10 his person and prop
erty- There is adequate protection - either ans
Ia this respect our treaty with that Rspubc Is aim 81
a dead letter.
This state Of Affairs vas brought to a = isis in
Nav last, by the pTomul gAton of decree leYying
contribution pro rata upon all the capital in ths
Republic, be,seen certain specified amounts. whe
Their held By Aexscans or foreign Mr.. Forsyth
regarding this deeree IN the light OF forced loan.
formally protested agains its application to his
countrymen. aud advised them not TO pay the con
tribution, but to suffer { TO be forcbly exacted
Acting upon this advice, American citizen re
fused TO pay thr contr BUTTON and his property
seized by armed men to satisfy the amount
Not clntcat with tbs, the government proceeded
sim further and ssIed decree ba'iishng him from
the country. our Minister Immediately IA usied then
that tits decree sh0ul1 be carried into execution b,
would feel TO be his dnty % adopt "te decides
that beoag h the power and obligations a
the representative 0fice." Notwithstanding tan
warning, the baalShment Mas enforced AMI Mr. For