The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-01-30

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Governed ls laws la the making of which they have no
voice ami The local administration Of which is in the
hands Of a class having no sympathy with them they
would become an equal la a coniedericy OF States gov
erning Themselves In all local irs and through their
and Representatives in Congtess participating
the conduct Of the federal unon whilst enjoying its pro
lection aud sharing in is gIories Under the liberal CON
neTcia system which prevails in our Union and which
has wonderfully developed the industry wealth Of
the nation citizens of Cuba might reasonably expect
TO attain 10 degree Of wealth civilization aud power
which has never been reached by any people living under
a political despotlsln
10 suppose them insensble to these advantages d TO
attribute 10 them obtnseness most variant from all the
accounts have OF them aud 10 suppose that being
sensible OF them they would not eagerly embrace op
portunity 10 become State OF the Union, would be 70
deny the existence in them OF the motives and aspirations
which have been found TO mpel other branches Of the
human family NNiA1FtA4
Our object in pointing out the material advantages that
woald result 70 citizens from the acquisition OF
Cuba has not been 10 excite their eupidity to
courage unlawful enterprises for its seizure As such
prize could only be paid for out of the treasury
50 must its acquisition whether by purchase or force be
by the constituted authorities acting in obedience TO law
Our purpose is to show that whilst political advantages
and national security the objects at which aim,
the pecunary gains would be such that afford 10
pay TO Spain liberal price lor its transfer Though it
has been object of soicitude to government and
people for many years II IS believed that distinct offer
has ever been made to the Spanish government for its
purchase In the opinion OF the committee the time
terms may TO the President who is charged by
the constitution with the duty OF negotiating treaties
best calculated 10 anest the serious attention Of the span
ish government
The committee are aware that some who admit the
force Of all that Is said in favor of the acquisition and
who would not prposely throw obstacles in the way of
ts attainment doubt the propriey OF any action at this
time because they allege the attempt TO procure the
assent of Spain will be futile,
The committee cannot recognise the force Of this obec
ton.
The President in his annual message to Congress- said
a" The publicity which has been given to our former
gotiatons upon this subject and the large appropriation
which may be required TO effect the purpose render it
expediet before making another attempt TO the
negotiations that should lay the whole subject before
Congress This is especially necessary, it may become
Indispensable to that should be intrusted with
the of making advance to the Spanish govern
nent Immediately after the signing Of the treaty without
awaiting the ratification of it by the Senate.
In his special message of January 81 he again calls
the atention Of Congress the subject and declares that
he deems it highly important if not Indispensable, 70
the of any negotiation which hel might insti
tue for tho purpose that the should receive the
previous sanction Of Cong->ss.
He alone has means of obtaining official information
to the disposition OF the Spanish government and il is
not to be presumed that this recommendation is made
and reiterated to Congress without sufficient motive.
failure the part Of the national legislature to respond
to the Executive recommendation will be attributed by
SPAIN however improperly to opposition indifference
to the object and will tend much to render futile any at
tempt at negotiation. Since the subject has been so
mnently presented BY the President omission to
would be regarded by her as little less expressive than
positive dissent from his views, .- 'a...
The committees hope that circumstances may never oc-
cur rendering it incumbent the United States
der the imperative and overriding law of self preseva
ton To take possession Of the island without tile CON
sent of SPAIN but il they should summary measures
could DO much easily justified if we areprepared
show that have exhausted honorable negotiation in
attempts 20 avert 'he necessity, ana hao oheea 10 SPAN
an eIaisa'on. ~ uAols oi ~ hs "i az, oi'i iiBu'
nant hereafter wa o,,ubt m NJ he rroo n,in,
by any supposed on the mart Of spain 10
accent ii or even 4, entertain il IN an anicabe shirt
Approying the Recommendation of the President and
entertaning the belief that Nv failure To act Congress-
,vond taLe upnn ;tae .or,y responsibility, the com
ntt herewith renor bach tbe bili referred 10 IL Nv the
House a bill annronriainp money 10 enable The
President 10 settl nnadinstea differences with the gov
ernment of Spain and for other PURPOSES with an
amendment to strike out some wherever IL occurs and
insert othirty " and recommend its massage
The bill is in effect similar to the act entitled Ap
act making further proysou for the expenses attending
the intercourse between the United States and foreign ma
tions paseti 2gtb of February 1903 10 enable Mr.
Jefferson to negotiate treaty for louisiana and TO An
act making further to bring the existing
war with Mexco 10 a spey and honorable conclusion
nassed March, h l847 ,sf
THE sum named In The b;lI is nronosed 10 he onnro
prate for no secret or disguised purpose but to enable
the President to make a payment TO the sianisb govern
waiting ior It's ratification by the senate Of the United
States and The appropriation Of the money by Congress
III bupposeu u contingency arise IN