The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-28
OUR FOREIGN POLICY IN 1854 AND
1899

In 1854 Franklin Pierce, Democratic Presi-
dent of these United States, ordered James
Buchanan, John T. Mason, and Pierre Soule
Democratic ambassadors at foreign courts, to
assemble at some convenient place and de-
liberate how we could most expeditiously get
nossession of the island of Cuba. The vene-
rable trio, since otherwise distinguished, met
at Ostend, France, and after sitting in solemn
convention for three days issued the ''Ostend
manifesto"-a document more celebrated per-
haps, for its folly and rascality, than any other
record of political history. These are its
points-In the beginning it sets forth various
reasons why Cuba would be an advan-
tageous acquisition to the United States;
from this it glides, with an agreeable
frankness, to the wretched condition of
Spain, her financial distress, and the
evident want of money which should compel
her. if she had any self-respect at all, to sell
Ms her spare property; finally, in burst of
confidence, it advocates the buying of Cuba
if we can, and the stealing it if we can't. 1t
saws, with a great deal of truth, that the pre-
sent QS54) was an age of adventure e"-of
Democratic adventure, of course, though it
does not say that-and though Demo-
cratic President would infexibly enforce the
neutrality laws, yet he could not prevent
ssliberal-minded men" Qike Mr.. Walker and
General Quitman) 'from rushing to the
assistance" of the Cubans in case they should
revolt, which they were pretty sure to do if
we wanted the island very badly. All Of
which was respectfully submitted to the De-
mocratic President and the Democratic party,
and by them most heartily endorsed.
When this admirable paper was promul-
gated in Europe, it was regarded everywhere
as very transparent though exceedingly
good Joke. But when it was clearly ascer-
tanned that it was no joke at all, that it's vene-
rable authors were perfectly serious, and were
moreover supported by the great body of the
Democratic party, then dominant in the
United States, there went up such cry of
indignation and disgust from the civilized
world that quickly brought the incorruptible
organization to its knees. 1t assembled in
National Convention in 1856, but declined,
with commendable prudence, to go before the
country on the Ostend circular. 1t
nominated James Buchanan, that the South
might see it was still of the same opinion,
but would have none of its candidates diplo-
matte triumphs engrafted on its platform.
Nevertheless, the Ostend policy was the
policy of the Democratic party, as everybody
perfectly well knew, approved by its Presi-
dent in the White House, and written by the
President it elected in the November of '56.
1t was the same policy that had stolen Texas,
was then trying to steal Nicaragua, and was
about to steal Cuba at the first convenient
opportunity. 1t contained the grand princi-
pie of all our foreign policy under Democratic
rule-manifest and shameless theft.
If we turn our eyes for one instant to our
present relations with Cuba and Spain, we
shall discern moral progress in our people
during the last fifteen years that clearly de-
notes the decay of Democratic influence.
Although a rebellion, as powerful in its
effects as the principles which gave rise to it.
has long been raging in Cuba; although the
Spanish authority has been overthrown again
and again; although Spain is weaker and
more defenseless than she ever was, by reason
of her own internal convulsions although
Cuba is twice as desirable an acquisition to
the United States now than in 1854, when a
Democratic administration wanted to steal
her-the world of Europe and America will
bear witness to the integrity of the policy
pursued by President Grant. Unable to re-
press the sympathy of our people, he has
watched with a jealous care that that sympathy
should not take effect in flibustering expedi-
tions from our territories. Unlike President
Pierce, he can and does prevent 'Giberal-
minded" men from compromising the ma
tional character. With an honesty rare in
the history of the world, he has not recog-
nized Cuban independence when strong and
generous reasons weighed heavily in its scale.
He has preserved intact noble policy towards
the distracted Government of Spain-a policy
looking ultimately to the acquisition of Cuba,
but now and always to the maintenance of
our countrys honor. That it is a question of
high principle and not mere caprice on the
part of the present administration, is shown
by the fact that its action is in direct opposi-
tion to the warmer sympathies of our people
all of whom pray for the liberty of Cuba, and
are determined on her future annexation tc
the United States. Under these circumstances
rejecting persons may ask themselves which
of the two parties now dividing this nation il
the party of civilization and enlightenment
and which the party of barbarism and igno
rance.
THE CANDIDATES FOR THE So
PREME BENCH.
No Republican in the State, and no goo