Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-05
THE EVER FAITHFUL ISLE.
A Movement for the Annexation OF Cuba
Said to be on Foot

From the Baltimore Sun.
WASHINGTON, April 30.-An influen-
tial element exists here and is apparently
growing in strength in favor of the an
nexation of Cuba. 1t is argued by the
supporters of this scheme that Stree"
sugar alone. which would he one Of the
results Of annexation, would be more than
sufficient compensation for the price to be
paid for the acquisition. Ii is argued that
the fertile soil of Cuba, il the island was
brought under the rule of the United
States and influence of republican insti-
buttons, would attract adventurous and
energetic settlers by the thousand, who
would make it a teeming mine of wealth.
Spain, in the long period that Cuba has
been under its domination, has Wrung
from it untold millions of treasure. aud
has apparently exhausted it's capacity to
yield any more. 1t is known that of late
years so far from receiving any revenue of
consequence from Cuba 1t has rather en-
tailed expense than otherwise on the home
government. Spain is miserahly poor,
and becoming poorer every day. If she
sees no prospects of exacting any further
tribute from what has so long been the
brightest Jewel in her crown. il is perhaps
not unreasonable to expect that, her Gu
pidity could be successfully TEMPTED with
an offer Of. say 500. O00. 900 cash. Such a
sum as this in one lump would put the
government Of Spain on It's feet again for
long time TO come. Intelligence from
Cuba is TO the effect that the people there
have been discussing the subject of an
neXation TO the United States. and that
public sentiment is favorably inclined TO-
ward the idea. The planters and the
merchants are SAID to be very desDondent
by reason of the depressed condition of
affairs, and believe that prompt and fun
relief would come II the island changed
owners. A leading Senator, who belongs
70 the annexation party here, said to-day
that the Cleveland administration would
execute most brilliant stroke Of policy
II IL could bring about annexation. He
thought It would be eXpedient for Minis
ter Foster 10 be instructed In the new
negotiations which il was understood he
was 70 conduct with Spain 10 keep CON
stantly in mind the question Of the cesslon
of Cuba, and submit the suggestion when
a favorable opportunity occurred. Or
perhaps 10 would be better 10 send n
special envoy OF marked ability and
judgment. IL is understood that intima-
tons OF this character have been thrown
out % several members Of the administra.
ton, but so far as can be ascertainod they
seem 70 have made little il any impress.
sion. II Is doubtful. indeed, whether il
would be practicable 20 stir up public
sentiment IN this country 20 the pOint OF
fayoring the acquisition Of Cuba, although
the Senator above alluded 20 expresses
great confidence IN the belief that the adj.
yantages Of annexation can be 80 easily
demonstrated as 90 make il one OF tbe
most popular projects ever agitated. II
would seem, however, as II 10 should re.
quire very many ADVANTAGES % cnmpeu.
safe for the undoubted difficulties aud en-.
barrassmpnts which would accrue from
receiving into our pOlitica system such a
complex population as that OF Cuba.