Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-02-25
THE ACQUISITION OF CUBA.
SPEECH OF non. HOMER Z. ROYCE.

SPEECH OF non. HOMER L. ROYCE.
Mr.. Chairman. the President, in his late
annual message has called the attention of
Congress to the relations of this Government
with Spain and has recommended a course
of policy to be pursued with reference to that
Government which is remarkable in its char
acter, and momentous iniits consequences upon
the interests of this country. The policy
which the President recommends looks to the
acquisition of Cuba, a dependency of Spain,
and of which she has been in almost uninter-
rupted possession since its discovery by Co
lumbus. The acquisition of Cuba has been
regarded as desirable and important by very
many of the public men of the country. Its
commercial importance and its geographical
position are snch that its acquisition under
certain circumstances would, no doubt, be
desirable. But while admit this, | deny
that the facts and reasons set forth in the
message Of the President, warrant the con-
clusions to which he has arrived, or will
Justify Congress in adopting the extraor-
dinary course which he has recommended. in
making an appropriation in money to be
used by him in the negotiation with Spain
| for purchase Of Cuba, in advance of any
| action on the part of the Senate, in whom
the Constitution has wisely vested the power
| to ratily and confirm all treaties which may
be made by the President.
The terms upon which the President pro-
poses to acquire Cuba, are by honorable ne
| rotiatlon and he is careful 10 say that we
would not, if we could, acquire it in any
other manner with the important qualitca-
ton. however, added, that circumstances may
| occur which will justify its acquisition in
some other manncr--undcr the imperative and
oyerruling law of seli-prcseryaton. The
terms of honorable negotiation, by which the
President proposes to acquire Cuba, forbid
the supposition that the causes OF complaint
against the Spanish Government, which he
has made SO prominent in his message, are
designed to influence the question, except to
illustrate the Importance of its acquisition to
the peace and prosperity of the country.
The first complaint made is, that Spanish
officials, under the direct control of the Cap
tain General of Cuba, have insulted our ma
tional flag, and, in repeated instances, have,
from time to time, inflicted injuries on the
persons and property of our citizens. This is
a grave charge, and if true, it seems to me
that the President would better discharge his
duty TO the country, after the failure of all
honorable attempts to obtain satisfaction, to
Law the whole subject before Congress, with
snch facts and evidence as would aid intelli-
cent action, and ask for such legislation as a
Troper regard for the national honor, and the
protection of our citizens, may demand.
Mr.. Chairman, have no justification to
offer for Spain on account of these charges.
believe, sir, would go as far as any man
in defense of our national honor, and the
protection of our citizens. But, sir. when
we remember that, within the past few years
expeditions have been set on foot in this
country, in violation of our treaty obliga-
tions with Spain, in violation of internation'
al law, and in violation of our own laws, to
subjugate and conquer Cuba, justice, to our,
selves and to the enlightened sentiments OF
the civilized world, requires that these char
gcs be freely and fairly investigated, before
> any legislation is predicated upon them, in
! yolving the country in pecuniary obligations
| or in War. In speaking of our claims agains
t Spain, the President says that one class, thu
l Cuban claims, have been admitted, but no
q paid and it would seem that there are 9th
ers but the President has not given any in