Evening star., 1869-08-04
MANIFEST DESTINY.

In view Of the contest going on in Cuba,
ard the reported negotiations Of a Cuban Com
mission in Spain for the purchase ofthe Island
from the Home Government by the natives,
talk OF annexation is revived in tais country,
and the opinion is freely expressed that the
ultimate destiny Of the '.Q ueen of the Antilles''
is that il shall become a part OF the Great
Eepublic. But the aDnexationists do not stop
here. This is merely the first step in q vas,
scheme OF acquisition, which Is unfolded by a
writer in the August number Of LiDpiac Dt,'s
Magazine, who. having settled the fate of CUBA
IN two lines, goes on 70 say that Porto Rico
will undoubtedly follow the lead OF Caba
sooner or later, and with most OF the Antilles
II Is but q question Of time. The necessity for
dominating the Caribbean Sea Is absolute
and immediate for this country, and the
effort for the acquisition Of St. Thomas was
s far-sighted and statesmanlike movement.
An eminent professor Of this country, Just re-
turned from scientific exploration Of the
Island Of ST. Domingo, brings with him letter
from one Of the most influential Of its states
men, in which ne says: "Tell General Grant
that If he wants this island, he can nave II"
In the present condition of naval improve.
rnents, steam will exercise a controlling influ
enee in the event Of war; and war vessel leav-
ing our naval stations, even from as far south
as Pensacola, will have exhausted much OF her
coal before reaching the meridian Of ST.
Thomas; hence the necessity of strong station
and post of supply and refit,we up to wind
ward.
OF course an individual who thus easily
and summarily disposes of the West Indies
whether they will or no, and who swallows an
island, as he would an oyster, finds NO par
ticular difficulty IN /" settling the hash OF the
unfortunate republics lying between the Uni
ted States and the Istnmus Of Darien. We are
told that Mexico is almost ready for the pro-
tectorate which will be Synonymous with its
incorporation, and that q large and growing
party throughout the States Of Central Amer
lea is urging the extension of the power and
influence of the Great Republic down to the
Isthmus of Panama. THIS flashes mp mat
tiers to the south Of us for :he present at least
of course you cannot expect master mini like
this, " hich projects such vast plans for na-
t9nal aggrandizsment, to concern itself abou,
details.
But this is not all yet. manifest destiny
cannot be trammeIsd In lis workings by such
unsubstantial obstacles as lines of latitude, and
a vast region yet lies between our northern
boundary and the north pole. Sitka will dc
very well for beginning, but 1t Is a mere
appetizer-the halt dozen raw which pre-.
cedSs the fast. Canada Is almost ripe, and
will soon fall into our mouth, il we only holt
II open. At least that seems to b3 the opinion
of the writer we are following. who says tha
by the termination Of the Reciprocity treaty
between the United States and Great Britain
the burdens OF restricted intercourse have beer
sgaln laid upon Canadian producers, ami tn,
result Is manifest in a strong and growing
sentiment in favor of political union with tn
Great Republic. After noticing the jealousy
and antsgonism which has always prevaile,
between Canada East and Canada West, b
says, what is no doubt true, that under tn
dominion these antagonisms have become still
deeper. and the dissatisfaction still more de
Cided, particularly through Canada Wes
This brings him back TO his text, and he cor
cIudes thar sit Is self interest, and that alon
which will decide the question. Con versin
with prominent Canadian, some one remarke
that with annexatien, property in the Dominic
would advance in value the next day twent
per cent. Yes was the reply, nearer fifty
Hence the question may BE- safely LETT to u
arbitration Of time. Given ten years, possibl
five, Of the existing commercial status, an
Canada West will be In the American Uniol
How long the remainder can stay out does n
require much consideration"