The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-23
The United States and the West Anaies
THB exciting events transpiring in the West

THB exciting events UsnsPhnk 4" 'A0 "
Indies possess q peculiar significance. Ihe
people Of the United States have deeper ln-
terest In the prosperity of those islands than
any other nation. II they were wisely gov
erned, their industrial interests properly as
veleped, and their commercial rela1ions liooU
NJ opoe from Injurious restrictions ana roHi
tha dangers and uncertainties which are ln-
oonarahlv connected with internal wars and
ravolutions, they would furnish to us more
desirable basis for profitable commerce than
anv other portion of the globe. The true
oourse of mutually beneficial foreign trade is
batweep the inhabitants of northern and
southern lstitudes, for their varying wants
and capacities are the natural counterparts of
ZACH other, while the traffic between people
occupying similar regions usually promotes
tbs interests of but one of the contracting
parties. The United States gains little or
nothing in the long run by exchanging pro-.
visions for British iron or German manufac-
tures that could as well be made on our own
soil, but there is a large basis for profit and
mutual advantage in the exchange of north
ern manufactures, machinery, agricultural
implements, flour, and provisions, for the
sugar, molasses, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, in
digo, and valuable woods of Cuba, Hayti, and
San Domingo.
In spite of all restrictions, large commerce
of the character indicated has existed for
many years. But it has been crippled in
every imaginable manner, and while the tastes
or necessities of our people have made us the
most profitable customers of Cuban products,
constant obstacles have been thrown in the
way Of reciprocal interchange of our staples
or our manufactures, instead of bullion, for
the tropical staples which enter so largely
into American consumption. When We buy
sugar from Cuba we must pay large tribute
in the shape of an export duty, to support the
grandeur of Spanish court. When we sell
-four to Cuba, we must compete, at great dis
advantage, with the -four Of Spain; and similar
disadvantages prevail in regard to the sale OF
oil our other products as well as in reference
to the employment of our sailing vessels in
the carrying trade, in which we have so deep
an interest, and which, for obvious reasons,
We could so advantsgeously conduct.
While Spanish greed and tyranny have in
terposed so many obstacles to the establish
ment of Just commercial relations with Cuba,
long succession Of revolutions and internal
wars has exercised an equally baneful infu-
ence upon the trade that should exist between
this country and Hayti.
1t is evident that, sooner or later, not only
manifest destiny but the manifest mutual in
terests of the inhabitants Of the West Indies
and the American people, will solve present
and past difficulties by the method which has
proved 30 efhcacious on the mainland, aud
that they will find in annexation remedy for
the exactions and disorders which have
hitherto proved so heavy tax alike on the
industry Of the wheat grower in Illinois, the
merchant in Philadelphia, the sugar-planter
In Cuba, and the tiller Of the coffee plantations
of Hayti.
Now that our country has not only sup D.
pressed a gigantic Rebellion, bat solved the
problem Of combining the freedom of newly
'emanOipated slaves with industrial progress,
and Of emerging from the worst of political
oonvulsions with pure, alert, and vigorous
Government, it is but natural that the sorely
oppressed and distracted people OF the ada
cent isles should turn bither for relief, and
seriously consider by what practical steps they
can find future safety and prosperity under
the shield of this mighty Republic.
In this point Of view the late intelligence
from Hayti possesses peculiar significance
It is stated that one of the conflicting partie;
there has made direct offer to anuex all th,
territory under its control to this country
and while certain Difference to popular pre-
judice seems to require denial or conceal
ment of this design, there can be but littl
doubt that it has many powerful supporters
and that every substantial interest of bot
sections OF the island would be promoted b
the oonsummation of this project.
II thereyolution in,Cuba proves successful
q strong party of annexationists will als
spring up within her boundaries. Many
her citizens have been educated In this coul
try, and they have imbibed strong love
its institutions. They will be prompt to see
from as alike protection from foreign foes,
guarantee of internal tranquility, and rap
development Of their industrial prosperit
II Congress and the new administr alton q
prompt to seize and improve the present
portunities, the period may be near at hal
when we will be the ruling power of the We
indies as well as Of the Continent.
The Tenure-of- Omce Law.
THE question of the repeal Of the social
Tenure-of- Office law, which was passed duri
Andraur Jobnson,s term for the purpose