Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-02-06

Spanish Pride and British DepIOmaey,
The undue sensiLiveness exhibited BY the Spanish
government, at the proposition Of the President to
purchase Cuba, is not attributable alone TO the
fear of national disgrace and dishonor The
pride Of Castilian princes, exaggerated and inn
practicable as it is, has been known to stocp
to considerations Of pecuniary advantage Spain,
though always arrogant, has hot alWays been
indifferent to gain regardless of her interest
Her rulers have sometimes been wise enough TO re-
slise profit from The sale of her distant rossess-
ions, before losing them by conquest or revolution
Il Is not reasonable 70 suppose that nation, which
in days of comparative prosperity and power,
sold the valuable territory of Florida to the United
States, should feel greatly outraged or nsulted by
an offer Of hundred millions for Cuba at a tine
when she has scarcely the ability 10 retain possess
ion of the island and is destitute Of the carry
on her government at home. An empire in the new
world has been Wrested from her, by rival States,
and by domestic rebellion. Her people are dis
turbed by intestine dssension, and the throne of
her sovereign is tOtterng amidst the erumblipg ru>
ing Of a distracted and dsmer bered kingdom
The government is powerless protect itself from
the dangers of characterization, and may at any
time fall prey to The rspacity of England and
France, who are eager to grasp it. Cuba has long
been an expense instead of a source of profit, and
the growing discomfort of lis people, under Spanish
rule, win increase the cost of holding the island in
subsection This spirit of iusubordnation among
he people, engendered by the tyranny and exaetons
Of their rulers has been stimulated ard encouraged
by the several attempts to liberae the island. and
has recently manifested itself in the most enlhusi-
tic demonstrations Of joy at the prospect of
alton to this country
These demonstrations would naturally alarm the
government at Madrid for the safety of lis possess
ion and render ii willing to listen to regOlia-
tons which were not regarded as di>hOnOrable or
insulting in the case of Florida. And such would
be the result but for the interference of Great Brit
ain. Looking 10 Spain her future Inheritance,
England is aoxious that it should retain it's estate
unimpsired until she is ready to administer upon it.
The sagaeious dip!omstsis Of Westminster Hall are
determined 20 prevent the transfer. They are re-
solved to break eff the trade They appeal to the
Spanish people 10 preserve their hereditary homer
They persuade them that it is degrading for great
nation TO sell its possessions ard promise them aid
and support in case,of hostile invasion.
France, also would like to repair its West Indian
losses by the acquisition of Cuba, and Louis Napo-
leon will doubtless inerTOse TO defeat the efforts of
our government We shall be compelled to meet
both Of these nations in the field of diplomacy, and
if successful there, may find it necessary 10 en-
counter their united forces other fields. But for
their imPertiuant interference, we should have
owned Cuba long ago, and we must be prepared TO
meet and over their most obstinate resistance
at every stage Of the negotiations. The annexation
Of Cuba to this country is necessary our iOnal
peace and safety, and no danger or difficulties
should discourage us from accomplishment.