Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-08-06
Importance Of Cuba TO the United
States,
THos. F. TnaEsHrR, sec,y.

The subject Of the acquisition Of Cuba, as
measure which must inure to the stabili-
ty, the prosperity and the security of the
United States should always be kept before
the public mind. The President, when he
accepted the nomination, endorsed resolu-
tiou of the Cincinnati platform, which de-
clared that il would be expected that the
next Administration would use every effort
to insure our ascendency in the Gulf Of
Mexico, and protect the Commerce Of the
Mississippi Valley. This obligation the Adj
ministration has faithfully fulfilled, but thus
far have not met with the success desired
1t has been opposed by party who are fear
ful that the Inauguration of such measure
will increase the slave territory in the Union,
and give additional strength to their political
enemies
As far as the negro is concerned, the
possession of Cuba by the United States,
would be the greatest blessing which could
happen to that degraded race, for it would
put an efectual stop to the African slave
trade, as carried on by that island 1t is
clearly evident that the slave trade will con-
tinue as long as Cuba remains in possession
Of the Spanish government The British
government has demonstrated again and
again with Spain, against her long con.
tinued infraction of treaties, but the logged
obstinacy of the Spanish character has been
proof against remonstrance and menace.
No nation of Europe could hold possession
Of Cuba; and men of all parties in this
country would execrate an administration
which would allow her to be transferred can
European power. She is naturally Ameri-
can. Her position, at great distance from
Europe, but Immediately upon the confines
of our country, tells us we must have her in
self-defence. Any power possessing her
would gain complete sway over the waters
of the Gulf and could cut of the commerce
OF the Mississippi valley, and the southern
sea-board. Of such Importance is she to
us that our government could afford to paw
very great price for her if it were neces-
sAry.
So fertile soil ia not known to exist up
on any other portion of the globe With We.
ry little cultivati on, two and sometimes
three crops are produced in q year. But
notwithstanding the soil is thus prolific, SO
miserably is the government conducted, that
although the whole area of the island COM
prises 100000 acres not 100000 are
under cultivation. More than 10000 900
acres Of the richest land on the globe are
lying idle, which il put under cultivation
would produce an untold amount of wealth.
Cuba is also rich in mineral products,-I
Coal, copper, iron, and loadstone are found
in large quantities. The copper mines alone
yielded upwards of four millions of dollars
in le4l, but the exactions of the Govern,
ment were such that they greatly reduced
the yield Of the ore. The total annual amount
OF vegetable and animal productions is at
present at least sixty millions Under the
rule of the United States, they would in
crease FIVE fold, and all that vast flood of
wealth would be poured into our country
The enormous export and import duties
which are now drag upon her commerce
would be abolished, and ready marke.
would be opened for the products of the
Mississippi valley, and for the manufactured
goods of the Eastern States
When Cuba is annexed, tide of emigra-
ton from the States will pour into the is
land, the waste lands, will be reclaimed and
their hidden wealth disclosed a new system
OF agricultural economy will be introduced .
the woods of the island will furnish materil
al for splendid ships, towns and villages will
rise with magic celebrity and the whole sur
face OF the garden of the world" will bios.
som like the rose.