The New York herald., 1869-05-06
ENGLAND.

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The Cuban Observation-Disclosures Aspirin.
tons-Anxiety OF France and EngIand-
Reticence of NapoIeon-Tone OF the English
Press.
LONDON, April "a, 1859,
The threatened complications between the United
States and Spain have created much excitement in
official circles in London and Paris for few days
past The papers have said little upon the subject,
1t Is true; but this arises from the fact that In France
the press Is only stree" to publish what the Empe-
ror approves, and In England journalism so stupid
old-fogyish and unenterprsihg that London news
paper never discovers any item Of real until all
the rest OF the world has been in possession OF 1t for
at least forty-eight hours. 1t is conceded on all
sides that there something in the wind regard
TO Cuba the other side Of the Atlantic but it Is
not known what shape the question has taken
thus far. The only certain piece OF information
that has been made public here is that
the American government has increased its naval
force IN the waters OF the West Indies; but there Is
general impression that President Grant would by
no means object to the acquisition OF the Queen Of
the Antilles, and that he would be rather pleased
than otherwise II a brush with Spain should prove
necessary preliminary. Those who entertain these
Ideas argue that the President has everything to
gain by such STEP. The civil war between the
North and South has, OF course left behind 1t It's Bit
terness which nothing but time can remove in the
ordinary course OF events; but popular foreign
war, In which the veterans who recently met enc.
mics on the terrible fields OF the rebellion should
fight once again shoulder to shoulder under
the same flag would do more to obliterate the
unpleasant memories OF the past than could long
years OF peaceful policy, however statesmanlike II
might be. Besides, the conviction IS forcing itself
on the European mind that General Grant IS The
active, military Incarnation Of the political senu.
ment famllarly known as the Monroe doctrine, ana
theory which for years iurnlshed food for stump
orators."Amerca for the Americans" The island
that In spite Of revolutions seems resolved sI to
cling to the form OF monarchy-and 1t would be q
great step in the direction in which 1t is believed the
President desires to travel II this valuable posses
sion could be wrested from European Power.
1t is true that Spain is just now weak
her sovereignty in her distant island; but this by no
means implies any want OF courage or generosity In
the United States, should that government decide
upon annexing Cuba at the present time. SPAN IS
only one of the European Powers claiming rights
over the Antilles Jamaica is made to own master
in England and Martinique In France 1t would be
for those Powers to say whether they would step
forward to preserve the integrity Of their own pos.
Cuba from their weaker European sister, or whether,
by suffering Cuba to be acquired by the American
l.of their % own ' tenure in .he same chain Of
islands. policy such as s,. Is thought %salste to
Would at be " Dd e
daring: for 1t would not only be directed towards the
acquisition OF possession belonging to weak gov
ernment but would in broader sense proclaim to
the most powerful nations OF Europe that they must
be prepared one and all, before many years have
passed away to withdraw from the American side OF
the Atlantic.
Whatever may be the result Of the present COM
pcatlons 1t Is certain that they have aroused the
French government at least to action. On Wednes-
day last there were two special meetings OF the
French Cabinet at which the Emperor presided ana
on Thursday third meeting was held, ut the close
Of which special messenger was despatched
with an important communication for the
English government There Is good authority
for stating that this communication called the atten-
ton OF England to certain private information that
reached Paris by cable last Monday, and Which
created the belief that the American government
actually designed hostile movement on Cuba The
British government upon the Information thus con-
veyed with the object Of ascertaning whether Eng
land would deem 1t proper to interfere in any way,
either by peaceful protest otherwise to prevent
the wrestling OF Cuba from spain, supposlng the
acquisition OF the island TO be really the design OF
the Americans The Emperor expresses no opinion
on the subject himself regarding his interests as
matter and awaiting Information as TO her views be-
fore he gives utterance TO his own simultaneously
with the despatch OF this special minister to London
whO by the way, Is said to be N. Gaillard an envoy
was sent over the channel with instructions 10 pro.
ceed to New York by the Scotia, which sails today,
with secret dispatches for the French Minister at
Washington and to make observations on the actual
position OF affairs in regard TO the Cuban question.
Thus stands the case up to the present moment on
this side OF the water; but as has been stated the
people have very little Information as to what Is
going on at Washington, and the papers, with two
or three exceptions are silent on the subject There
Is, however, a probability that the American. Cuban
question viii receive some attention IN Parliament
before many days are over.