Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-06-08

Notwithstanding the fact that the au-
thorities Of the various governments con-
cerned have repeatedly denied that
there have been any negotiations for
the sale OF Cuba by Spain to either the
the United States or Mexico, there contin-
ues to be a good deal of speculation on
the subject. Advices from Havana state
that the sale Of the island is the principal
topic of conversation there.
From the desperate condition of affairs
in Cuba, due to the business crisis
through which it is passing, aggravated,
perhaps, TO some slight extent,
BY the demonstrations of the
filibusters. there is reason TO
believe that Spain would be only too
glad to consider a proposition from the
United States for the purchase Of the
island. There is no probability, however,
that this country viii make a bid
for it, at least during the
present generation. so far as Mexico is
concerned, she is hardly in a condition
Just now, either financially or politically,
to cucumber herself with any more terri
tory or any great addition to her national
debt. Were Mexico competent to govern
Cuba and secure peace and prosperity
to its people. its annexation to that re-
public might be very desirable to the peo-
pie of the United States. especially if no
embargo should be laid on its trade with
this country. If, however, Cuba is in the
desperate straits it is represented to be
in, it viii be a long time before it will be
profitable, or in any manner desirable
piece Of property to its present owner or
any other power.
The Cubans themselves would doubtless
rejoice at any change, as their condition
cannot be made much worse than it is
now. The taxation for the present year
amounts to about $50, 900, 600, while the
total gross value of the sugar crop for the
season just closed amounts to only S24,-
000. 600. The people are utterly unable to
pay the taxes. and as there is nobody able
to buy their property it cannot be sold on
the block. There is general stagnation
in all departments of business, Planting
is at a standstill. and the mercantile situ-
alton is as unsatisfactory as the political.
/ It is stated that aside from the enormous
customs duties every vocation is taxed
from . TO 1875 per cent. on Its net in
come. and happy is the man who has an
income to be taxed. Spain may have
come to a secret determination to get
rid Of the island on the best terms
obtainable. for it has not been a source of
profit since 1865, and is not likely to be IN
the near future. Besides, the financial
and political condition Of the mother cOun-
try is such that neither men nor means
can we'll be spared to enforce the SEM
blance Of law and order in Cuba, or to
contribute to the restoration Of its pros
perity. 1t looks now very much like the
Spaniards will not be able to suppress the
insurgents, while the latter cannot hope
" expel the former. If the Cubans had
the leadership and the means, it is prOba-
bic that they could soon gain their indie
pendence, but they seem to lack every
requisite necessary for success. The out
look for Cuba is indeed discourage
ing. If Spain has determined to
sell the island, it would be well for the
United States and Mexico to watch the
progress of negotiations and be ready to
bid or interpose objections in case they
should be threatened with an undesirable
neighbor. AS an investment, however,
this country does not want Cuba, and no
thing but the grayest fears as to foreign
domination of the Gulf should induce it
to consider the ACCESSIBILITY of acquiring it.