The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-17


The ban to Purchase Cub.--what tho Qaes-
tion 10, and Hts solution.
The action taken by the caucus Of democratic
Senators, and in the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs at Washington, at the close Of last week,
is one of the most important movements tna' mas
been made in our political arena for long tue
1t has been determined to bring before each
branch of Congress bill authorising the fresi-
dent to open negotiations for the purchase OF
Cuba whenever it may be opportune to 90 3d.
and to place at his command the sum OF thirty
millions of dollars to be applied to that purpose
The adoption OF such course as this by Con-
aress will completely change the position of the
question of the acquisition of Cuba Hitherto
that question has been entirely in the hands of
the fire-eating fiibusters on one side, and windy
politicians on the other 1t has been staple
commodity for the special use of enterprising
adventures in the field and in the forum. For
this reason ii has been looked upon with distrust
in Europe, and instead of commanding the
slightest degree of respect, has been considered
opprobrious to us as nation. The very fact
that private individuals alone agitated the
question rendered it impossible for Spain
to entertain it even for moment. She has
been threatened with its severance from her
crown by private expeditions; ambitious politi-
| cal aspirauts have used it as the theme for
empty harangues; mercenary spectators have
made ii an element in their golden calculations !;
| but the national will has never been expressed
| through the only legitimate channel Of such ex-
| preston. Under such circumstances, Spain could
| never look upon its presentation to her in any
other light than that Of an insult. The question
| is now presented to Congress and to the country
in another and the only legitimate form. We
have to discuss and decide, not how we shall ac-
quire Cuba, but the question that naturally pre-
cedes that of mode, which u.s. do we want Cuba +?
The discussion of such q question can be car
red on only on the highest grounds Of national
polity If it were simply mercenary question
| of whether we could purchase or sell given
article of merchandise, it would be unworthy the
| consideration of American statesmen and could
| never be entertained by those of Spain. In
! order to decide this question properly, we have
| to consider the bearing its acquisition will
! have upon our own material and social deve-
| lopement, what will be the effect Of its per-
manence in stau quo upon us, and what
! political or social combinations in its
future may affect our progress hereafter. These
| questions are all within the province and the
duty of Coner S. and their discussion is neither
an insult to Spain nor can it be a cause of i'll
feeling in the Cabinets of Europe. Should the
question of its acquisition be settled affirmative
ly, on these high grounds, their subsequent pre-
sentation to the Court of Spain, in a manner con-
sonant with her dignity and honor, cannot be
an insult to her, even though she might not ac
ouiesce in them. Such course, therefore, as that
which is to be presented to Congress is the ouly
proper preliminary to negotiation, and should
| precede it. ANY other argument-such for in
| stance, as that Spain owes us money, and as she
| cannot pay us should cede us territery--is un-
| tenable.
! We trust, therefore, that Congress will remove
its discussion from the arena Of mercenary con.
siderations, and consider it only on the highest
national grounds. In doing this we must take
| into view not alone what we are to-day. but
| -,h~s W. stall Uecune In the pr0ximate future
| The policy we are now to initiate may not fruc-
tify for years to come, though if it be made q
part of our national developement it certainly
will fructfy, under the stimulus of our increasing
industrial and moral influence It should be
discussed, not on sectional grounds only, but in
its relation to every national interest. What
ever is the good of the greatest number is the
good of all; for so intimately connected are the
~ iufo fbo tb,t
that which affects benefcially the greater mum.
Der contributes to the welfare Of every one.
The relations Of Cuba to this country are OF
the most complex and interesting kind. They
involve questions Of an industrial, commercial
| political, social and military character Their
determination will have an effect, not only on
the form, but also on the ratio of our future
progress. Her industry forms the complement
Of that Of nearly every part of this country; for
in exchange for her natural productions OF
sugar, coffee and tobacco, she takes the pro-
ducts ofevery section. Her geographical posi-
ton brings her in direct contact with all that
| portion Of our domestic trade passing between
| the Gulf States and those on the Atlantic, and
| between our Atlantic and Pacific empires. Her
| own Development, too, assimilates with ours.
Her proximity leads her to greater intercourse
with US than even with the mother country, and
| we are at the came time her best customer and
the friend whose social and political lead she
| desires TO follow.
These facts involve in the discussion of the
Cuba question another principle of a new and
interesting character. The world now dis
claims the idea that colonies are created and
should be governed for the benefit of the mother
country. All experience demonstrates that they
must and will fall off from the parent stem
whenever distance or difference of interest rem
ders il impossible for them 10 become An inteoral