The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-01-18

actioni She cannot Il is cleap, coutrol the destiny
Of slaies. She has been stript Of nearly all her pos
sessions his side Of the water aud wish the best
iutenhons omour part, in view Of the rapid growth
Of the American republic and The decline Of Spain
cannot see any reasonable ground upon which the
latter can base an idea of perpetual supremacy over
Cuba. In truth, Spain cannot hold Cuba for any
considerable period Of time and amongst
those who believe that TO propose its purchase at
reasonable rates, even now, is the performance
Of high act of friendship to the Madrid gov
eminent. We mean no disrespect to Spain in
saying this, nor do we intend TO express hostile
purpose on the part Of the United States with a
view of acquiring the island. The subject should
be treated as matter Of business. II is peace
question: question of interests and all that
is said about the wounded pride of the Span
iards is mere moonshine We have great re-
speot and admiration for the Spanish race. They
are a gallant hospiable, and highly accomplished
people They possess many aud very many--noble
qualities Of head aud heart but it is mere nonsense
to say that their dignity aud nationality demand Of
them against all advantages, the retention of the
island of Cuba II is said they have manifested great
indignation at the proposition Of the President to
purchase the island declaring it to be am insult and
the infection of serious wound upon the national
character OF course, there is nothing in all this.
The President also submitted distinct propositions
having reference to the future government of the
Mexican States. We are yet to encounter the man
who regards these propositions as either unjust or
Inappropriate,
Six weeks of the session have passed, and the
Presidents position aud recommendations remain
without condemnation assault from any one. Why
is this Where are the forces that opened such a
brilliant fire last yearY Who Is the leader Of the
opposition that dare commit his party to actual
sault upon the message, upon the Utah and Indian
wars, upon the adjustment of difficulties with Eng
land upon the conduct of the negotiations about
Central America, upon the recommendations for the
purchase Of Cuba, or even the naval expedition to
Paraguay? Where is the democrat this year whose
patriotism would not permit him to support the pol
icy of the party last
What has been accomplished, it must be remem-
bered. was the work of the government in the
midst of great pecuniary depression--in the midst
of complaints about the difficulty of obtaining en-
poyment and under the restricted operations OF com
MERGE The revenue was suddenly cut oh--inanu-
features were embarrassed, commerce was crippled
industry was paralyzed, the heaviest service was
thrown upon all the departments of the government
aud vet no deficiencies are recorded In the face Of
all this array Of deeds, the times being auspicous
for complaint the public ear opened to charges and
ready to Justify them, are without one single as
sailant of the administration in Congress. Why is
this? Was there ever before known so complete a
silence at the close Of the second year of an admins
tration2 q.