The New York herald., 1869-05-05
ENGLAND.
The English Press Regarding the Designs Of
America Cubn.

America ON cum.
The London Morning Post OF the 22d ultimo
Observes:-
The West Indies. with the exception OF Hayti,
which is Independent, pertain TO several European
Powers-to Great Britain, France, Spain ana the
Netherlands, and one OF the Islands C5t Barthoo-
therefore, that blow struck by the United States at
OF the group would practically be struck at all.
n Cuba was wrested from SPAIN Jamaica
might In turn be taken from England and
Martinique from France, me question therefore,
But whatever community OF interest has existed
between Great Britain and France in dealing with
European affairs, Spain, although geographically
Western Power, has for a variety OF reasons long
been thrown out OF account IL Is impossible tthe
Post continues) to shut eyes to what is passing
on the American continent or to the obvious bent of
American policy. The recent acquisition OF the Dan
,sh possessions in the West Indies and the purchase
Of the protess and barren territory which perained
81 Russia IN Northwestern America, are evidences
Of desire on the part OF the United States to &C
qnire piecemeal all possessions on the mainland
or adjoining II which belong TO European Powers.
The only matter in doubt is whether, when the
American government Is unable 10 induce a sale, II
viii eudeavor TO effect an annexation. That II such
should be the designs OF the President and his ad
visers. they should begin with the Spanish posses
Eons Is natural enough Spain Is the weakest OF the
three Powers holding substantial possessions In the
West Inoies, and peculiar circumstances furnish
something like pretext for the appropriation Of
Cuba. Where preteXts are desired, however, pre-
texts easily found and 1t may be for France and
Great Britain to determine whether in the event OF
these designs on Cuba being carried into execution,
they viii aid Spain In retaining her colony or calmly
look on
The London O,cl makes the following COMMENT
We understand that the subjoined information
from New York Is correct. Since 1t was received
the assertions have been SO far verified that the
Spaniards having seized the Mary Lowell, which
was lowering suspciously on the coast and attempt
ing communicate with the insurgents, tie Ameri-
can government have sent large iron-clad fleet TO
doubt, make brave fight for their possession. but
1t may be snatched from their grasp before
tripartite saance can be formed for the
joint defence OF European West Indian posses
sions. In these days the rat dccOnph is triumph
ant answer TO all remonstrance, and If General
Grant sezes Cuba, 1t Is more than questionable
whether England and France would make 1t q cdSUS
bell, and seek TO wrest his prey from his grasp -:
"Grant is now run mad on the subject OF Cuba and
will undoubtedly give aid In some manner to wrest
that island from Spain. Whether that would be
c0mplacenty looked upon by France and England,
have. But Oe the O eo%pcatiens 81 which s wouia
arse, might involve this country in war
with European Powers. The feeling against
England and France and Spain is being carefully
worked up in Congress and In the public press as
TO prepare the people for the steps which Grant
ardently long for foreign war This will not only
give acquisition OF territory, but will AFFORD ample
neld for honor and give new lease Of power TO the
present administration. The entire feeling pervad-
Ing the high oficias is one OF hatred 10 England.
and to France in less degree. In day
ossensiby for the purpose Of pleasure
party Its real mission is to learn the exact con-
dition OF affairs and to communicate with the lead
ers OF the Cubans. The persons on board VIII be ln-
formed what to do by this government. The coast
OF the island is so guarded by Spanish cruisers that
II is impossible for larger vessels 10 run n and sew
era expeditions have been run on lately and failed
IN landing. The Fenan organization Is active and
In readiness to move against the British possessions
as soon as any difficulty arises, and the highest
offcers OF the army and navy look to a serious
quarrel at an early day. with these views you may
look for fresh demands on the Alabama question.
Knowing what ! do forewarn you that there IL a
heavy storm brewing ahead.