Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1859-01-27
ttlarsball County 1rmotrat
ACQUISITION of Cuba.

FOR the past lew weeks, the princlpa
subject before Congress has been the ac
QUESTION of the Spanish possessions known
as the Island of Cuba. The Democratic
members Of the Senate held caucus Oh
the 10Th inst, to take into consideration
that portion of the Presidents Message
relating to the purchase of Cuba. The
caucus was well attended, and considera-
be interest was manifested in the debates
which ensued. All appeared to be Of the
opinion that it was the best policy to obtain
possession of the island, by some means,
but in relation to the nature of the means
to be employed. great diversity Of opin-
ion existed. Douglas, Mason, Hunter,
and some others, were in favor of acqui
sition, bat thought the prospects were very
dscouraging, at the present. as 1t is un-
derstood, though not officially, that Spain
positively refuses to enter into negotiations
having in view cessien of her right t.
Cuba to the United States.
The unprecedented growth Of the Uni
ted States during the past eighty years. has
caused the European powers 10 become
Jealous of our increasing wealth and well
deserved prosperity. 1t is now the settled
policy of France and England to throw
every possible obstruction in the way ot
our progress. They are watching the
course of the filhbusters. and every move
ment of the American government towards
them. Esg'and has expressed great love
for the Costa Ricans and Nicaraguans, and
has freely pro!iered them her assistance in
expelling all invaders, and especially the
American fllibusters.
England, joined by France, has come
10 the conclusion that the acquisition o.
Cuba by the American government is one
Of the evils that should not be tolerated
and declares. through the newspaper p;ess
that if Spain does consent to the demand:
Of the United States, that she will step II
and prevent, by force, if necessary, .hc
consummation of an agreement at variance
with her public policy. and detrimental tc
her interests, pecuniary and political. So
if Cuba is acquired now, it will be done ii
defiance of opposition within and without
There are many advantages arising from
annexation. If the Island were under oul
control, we would have the advantage Of i;
more extensive trade in tropical fuits ant
other productions. the duty on which al
most prevents their importation. But th'
greatest benefit among the many that have
been enumerated. is the pecuniary consid
Grafton involved. 1t has been estimated
that the United States pay about thre,
millions of dollars annually for the protec
ton of few Southern planters. who Arr
engaged in the manufacture Of sugar. This
is considerable item, and in very few
years, with the increase of trade. woult
amount to a sum which would be stronj
argument in favor of acquisition. Indi
ana pays, Of the above sum, about on,
hundred and fifty thousand dollars annu
ally, which is indirectly poured into til,
Golfers of the Sou;herners. many of whom
have no particular love for us, and VIII,
would not exert their nerves to their ut
most tension, to put an equal amount int
the pockets Of our citizens.
We are decidedly in favor Of acquisilio,
when the proper time comes; but are seri
ously of the opinion that the action that i
now being taken in regard to it is prema
ture, and will result disastrously to til,
prospect of concluding an arrangement
satisfactory to the parties interested.
We think the policy advocated by Sen
a,or Douglas in the caucus above alluded
to is the nearest correct of any yet pro
posed that is to wait until another BlacI
Warrior case arises. sieze the Island, ant
/ ne sotiate afterwards.
If no more feasible plan is presented
the present intention Of the Uemocrali
members is to pass Shields bill, whicl
gives into the hands of the Presiden
$50 100000 for the purpose of negoti.
ting with Spain.