The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-11-23

ctHto0 on which the attention sOf the
American people was attracted to the
question Of Cuban annexation was tho
flight Of Lopez and other Oubans to
the United States in 1S49, in conse-
quence OF some attempted revolutionary
movements in the island. These refu-
gees represented the native-born white
population as greatly dissatisfied with
Spanish rule, and ready for revolt and
annexation to the United States. Re.
cruits were collected in this country for
descent upon tho island, but tho first
attempt was defeated by tho vigilance
OF our Government In August, 1851.
however. Lopez sailed from New Or
leans IN steamer, with 500 men on
board, of whom q considerable part
were Americans. The expedition effect
ed landing, but oil the men were taken
prisoners. Lopez was garroted at Ha-
vana, some fifty Of his comrades were
shot, but the majority were transported,
and afterwards pardoued The sympa-
thies existing with these movements
here made the Spanish Government
still more alert in guarding against
revolntionists, especially from the
Uuited States. This watchfulness was
heightened by the refusal of President
Fillmore, in 1852, to unite with France
and Great Britain in u treaty guarantee
ing to Spain tho possession Of Cuba
Occasional collisions with American
citizens were tho result; and, during
the administration of President Pierce,
IL Spanish vessel Of war fred on the
American steamer Black Warrior, au
act which seemed ut one moment to
threaten lOstilities. It must be borne
| III mind that, before tho American peo-
pie taok any special interest in Cuba,
tho Government Of the Uuited Suites
had tn!!y appreciated its Importance
From the moment the Cuitsd States nc
quired Florida, our Government began
to take deep interest in the affairs of
Cuba. At timc when it was feared
the island might fall into the hands of
the English aud French. they, as we'll
as Spain, were informed that the United
States were willing that Cuba should
remain colony OF Spain, but would
never allow 1t to pass into other hands.
1t seems strange now to read that Spain
was repeatedly urged by the American
Government to mako pcucc with the
Spanish. American republics, lest they
should invade Cuba and bring about
not merely political revolution, but q
change in its social system! Iu 1925,
Spain proposed that, in consideration
OF certain commercial concessions, this
country should guarantee to hor the
possession Of Cuba. Mr. Clay, then
Secretary OF State, declined, on the
ground that entanglements of this sort
were contrary to the established policy
OF the United States. In 1848, Presi-
dent Polk, as feeler, it is presumed,
authorized our Minister ut Madrid to
otfer 500. 900 for Cuba, but Spain
peremptorily rejected the proposition I.
Thus the Government of the United
States had it's eye upon Cuba long be-
tore there were any popular demands
on the subject. Even after the mutt
nous spirit in Cuba had subsided, in
consequences Of the failure OF Lopez, it
is notable fact in our history that
Messrs Buchanan, Mason and Soale,
Uulted States Ministers at London,
Pnris and Madrid, held conference at
Ostend, Ill which they drew up Il maui
iesto, arguing that this island ought to
belong to the United States, and that
SPAN would find its sale highly advan-
tageous. AS late as the session OF Con-
gress OF 165S-'09. u proposition wus
strongly urged in the Senate to place
S3o. .O0O, 600 in the hands of the Presi-
dent, with view to tho acquisition OF
the island; bnt, after debate, it was
withdrawn by the mover, Mr.. Slidell, OF
Louisiana. Tho traditions Of the Go
vernment. if followed by the present
Administration, will not discourage tho
adoption of firm attitude upon the
Cuban question.
There arc those who seem to think
that the disaffection in Cuba towards
tho Spanish Government is u mere pro-
text for American interference, whereas
tho whole history Of Spanish dominion
there proves the very reverse. What
ever the dimensions Of the present re-
oelllon, 1t is certain that the Spanish
whites IN Cuba have been long separated
by reciprocal aversion amounting to
hostility aud even hatred. They are
divided primarily into OLD Spania,ds or
pen'nsnlnrs and Creoles, or native born
whites. The former bold all tho Offices,
transact most Of tho commerce. monopo-
l.ze the most profitable traffic. and look
down upon the Creoles with contempt.
Cn6a, III fact, is ruled by Spanish car.
pet.Daggrrs, and what more natural,
"s shown by the experience of our own
Southern States. than that there should
be widespread disaifcction to such rule?
In 1851. the Spanish administration of
tho island went SO far as to organize II
/ lat