The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-02-06
THE. ACQUISITION OF CUBA.

THE ACQUISITION OF CUBA.
Since the reference made to this subject by the
President in his last annual message some OPPOSE
shown in different quarters. And since the matter has
attained somewhat tangible form, looking to some
thing like a practical result by the proposition TO
appropriate $4,000 900 towards eiiecting negotia-
tons for the acquisition of the island the objections
to the measure have somewhat increased in number
and warmth. These have not been entirely confined
to the opposition party, but have been in some
cases urged by journals and influences claim
ing to be democratic. But, while such have been
the sources from which the objections have come,
the friends Of the administration have in accordance
with the patriotic suggestions of the President been
united in their efforts TO effect object so desirable
to this country, and which, if accomplished, must
be greatly conducive to its interests, especially
at the present time, when the existence of ccr-
tain circumstances and relations with regard to for
eign nations renders the possession of Cuba so in
dspensably necessary to us nation. 1t may no
be amss at this time to notice some of these objec-
tons Two of them we shall here consequently adj
vert to.
The one opposes all further acquisition Of terri
tory by this country; the other alleges unwilling
ness on the part of the inhabitants of Cuba itself and
of the Spanish government to allow lis to acquire
the island by any means. ts alleged that they deem
it national insult and wonnding to their national
pride that the President should intimate the idea of
an offer to purchase it in his message.
Such objections are much more plausible than
raaI R,t ir ind,ad thov ,yere moro solid and en-.
rious than in reality they are, still the reasons in
favor Of the Presidents views would greatly pre-
ponderate and should lead to all fair and honorable
efforts of which that by purchase doubtless stands
forcmost to acquire tho possession of the island at
the earliest practicable period
From the establishment of this government there
have ever been those who have opposed the further
acquisition of territory This opposition for
merly confined to the opponents of the democratic
party, which on this subject may heretofore have
been said to bea unit Every acquisition of territory
which has been made to the country has been effect
ed by the democratic party under democratic adj
mnistrations, and opposition to it, if it existed at
all among its members, was of too feeble character
to merit regard or consideration.
But neither this objection to the further acquisi-
ton of territory the alleged reasons upon which
it has been rested have any material weight in
the present case. The bearing which they have
upon it is too slight to be considered worthy Of any
particular attention.
The whole island for illustration, is but specl,
in point of territory, compared to our possessions.
So small, indeed is it in this respect that like the
gnat which in the fable is represented as being APP
prehensve that it might press down by its weight
the neck of the sturdy OK whose horn it had set
ted neither its acquisition nor loss would be per-
ceptible by an ordinary glance at map of the whole
country. Nor, indeed, would it be scarcely per
ceptible in strict mathematical calculation of the
area of the whole. The whole island is less than a
single State of the Union of average size. But it's
acquisition is not urged on the ground that want
more territory, for the purpose of giving us a
larger area. Not at all. II is too insignificant in
territorial extent make its acquisition an object of
any importance in this respect But il is for other
and far more important purposes to us as nation
that we need Cuba and that the friends of the meas
urc urge its acquisition great national necessity
and advantage. The OPPONENTS therefore, Of terri
toria extension, whether claiming allegiance with
democracy or with its opponents, will, upon a
calm consideration of the matter, readily perceive
that ON this ground there is nothing on which
to rest any reasonable objection to the acquisition of
Cuba. For the mere extension of territory thus
made will be too small to effect either good or evil.
But il is said the inhabitants of the island and
Spain opposed TO the measure The facts of
the case are as we have them from reliable
lists in the island, who are found only among
The cmigrant Spaniards, those alone who are
opposed. Nothing else could, in the nature of
things, be looked for These, as the members
Of the royalist parties in all monarchical gov
ernmonts personally interested in being opposed