Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-05-14

great forces Of liberty which Washing
ton and his compeers inaueurated were
for the world, not for special locanty.
These forces are now encircIing the
globe, a. does the air; and all should be
permitted to enjoy. Monarchy has no
right which we are bound to respect 10
restrict this privilege.
80. II we need Cuba. In the roun' OF
our Destiny as Q people. take II. This ma
ton should assume the right 70 seize
upon whatever land In the western hemi-
sphere that Is needfuI for her develop
ment. This II the substitute to the Mon
roe doctrine which announced fve
years ago, and II met with a round OF
approval. II Is the right Of political do
main dixie water. the right OF eminent
domain). which as power we ought to
enforce. in the extens on OF the lessons
OF the American Revolution.
The Monroe doctrine has become too
small covering 10 At us now. Our
broader shoulders need more ample
garment: and this Is 10 take in anS In
corporate territory that we need. We
VIII pay for IL a fair price " the owner
will consent TO sell: but let II be under
stood that a refusal TO sell means con-
6scation to us. which is rule TO be en-
forced for the benefit Of all mankind.
since this nation Is to-day the world's
aimoner Of the liberty our fathers
gained.
In the above have outlined my law
for the acquisition of Cuba by this ma
lion. When politicians think more
OF public obligations than OF private in
terests this law VIII be applied and Cuba
viii be ours. | have no sympathy with
these spasmodic efforts for Independence.
Cuba can cut no figure In the world as an
independent nation. But as part of the
United States she is the gateway OF our
commerce East and West. and North and
south. She is the halfway station to
South America, and from Cuban shores
that southern continent at once becomes
the customer at our shops. She is the
fortress Of the Gulf of Mexico, and the
armed American sentinel at the Nicaragua
canal The objection TO her popula ton Is
possible. Cuba would be America nized in
six months after possession. We had no
difficulty with California, nor with Texas,
when they come TO us with ignorant and
foreign populations. That public man Is
stupid, or else coward or knave. whose
entire soul does not thrill with the sense
Of duty that ought to prompt us to Sc
cure this island.
Spain. In her contributions today con-
tributes but little more 10 the worlds pro-
gress in literature. art, or elevated gov
eminent. than does the Comanche savage.
Then why should they have greater con-
sideratioD from thinking men who act for
the good OF mankind, by adding TO the
forces OF this nation which drops her
blessings like a benediction over all the
earth? Spain has had her hour In his
tory. and must pass on, and not be per-
mitied In her death struggle 10 drag into
ruins the fairest portion OF the earth.
Then again. as l began, Cuba belongs 10
US by nature: we need her: we should take
her. Pay a fair price. Of course, but
take her.
Canada will come in time: Mexico will
follow Texas and California. and drop into
her niche under the Stars and Stripes
when we are ready. But we want Clsba
now. 1t IS cowardly 10 wait. Th,lN -
spirits which gave US this republi\7ind
who now watch impatiently that 1t shall
not fail In any step that advances its
destiny, beckon to us-go forward.