Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-02-12

later the attempts to gain her independence familiar
to ali. In July, 1887, few patriots declared her
Independence in proclamation, which Mr. Ben
jamin read and which set forth intoleTable griey-
ances
The fidelity of Cuba to Spain was only main
tanned by $4,000 bayonets and the ieetsthat watch
her coast. The comparison between the oppress-
ed unarmed Cubans and the armed three millions
of our fathers is allacous all that the Cubans can
do, they have done. This being the case, why
should not Congress make an expression towards
purchasing it? He need not reply to the state
ment that the offer to purchase Cuba, will be an
offence against Spanish dignity. Everything that
| Spain held on this continent had been torn from
her except Louisiana and Florida, both Of which
were bought. HGreat Britain and France object,
that alone is controlling consideration for persist
ing. Great Britain offered to buy Cuba in 1923,
and in 1926 was at the bottom of plot to take it
under her protectorate, and both falling she now
proposes q tripartite treaty between England
France and the United States, to guarantee that
nobody but Spain shall have it. As to France
what right has she to object to our purchase of
Cuba What Interpolation in the law of nations
prevents the requirement Of territory by purchased
Napoleons uncle bought Louisiana. As to Eng
land, if she raises her voice, Mr. Benjamin trusted
our reply will be demand that she account for her
title to the Bay Islands, and when Lord Clarendon
pleads spontaneous settlement, that we shall claim
the spontaneous settlement of Cuba. There is no
need to invoke the musty bibles ~ ofinternaton-
al law to show that she belongs to Spain. We
seek no subjects; for the fundamental basis Of
American policy, is the right of the people to in
stitute their own forms of government Cuba be-
longs to the people, and it is for them to say
whatform of government they willlive under.
We propose to purchase Cuba from Spain, but if
Spain's dignity is offended, let US invite her to
grant Independence to her Cuban subjects and we
will indemnify her for the outlay trusting q re
compense ourselves in the friendly relations that
sre sure to spring up. "a Ssssg
II she refuses to cede and relax her despotic
grasp let the United States in the face of the world
tell her that on the first occasion that offers we
will extend to the CHbans the same aid which Great
Britain gave the other Spanish colonies in their re-
volt, the same aid that France gave US in the dark
est days of the revolution. If the Cubans prefer
independence we will protect their Independence,
and if they prefer annexation we will receive them
with welcome.
Mr. Dooittle said that the American policy rests
on the triple foundation. First That, under no cir
cumsances canCuba be transferred to any other Eu.
ropean power; Second, That so long as it belongs
to Spain we will not seek to Wrest it from her;
and Third, That whenever we can acquire Cuba
by the.eonsent of Spain and Of the people of the
Island, by purchase and cession, we are ready to
accept it.
He expressed himself free to believe that in
the progression of time Cuba will be incorpora-
ted into the Union, but he did not consider that
time had yet come. In support of these views
he quoted from letters and speeches by Clay,
Buchanan, Fillmore, and Marcy. The Repub-
icans, he said, would resist the transfer of Gu
ba to any other Power, but for the purpose ex-
pressed recently by the Senator from Georgia,
to make the Gulf mare clausum where no flag
could float without our permission. What !
what the United States make mare cLausun
Of any sea! when our whole policy has been
for the freedom of the seas.
For that we fought the war of 1912; for that
we opened up the Mediterranean by war on the
Algeiines; for that we made the "Sound Dues
treaty. The very purpose of acquiring the
Gulf, is to prevent it from being closed sea.
Adjourned.