The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-05-05

Ethan Allen, Grandson of the Revo-
Iutionary Hero

lutiOnary Hero.
OF course Cuba should be annexed as
part of the United States. Geographic
ally she belongs to us, and why should we
not take that 10 which nature gives us
the title? If Spain owned the mouth of
the Mississippi we would drive her away.
She does hold Cuba, and we need it;
and we must drive her away. The great
forces of liberty which Washington and
his compeers inaugurated were for the
world. not for a special locality. These
forces are now encircing the globe, as
does the air? all should be permitted to
enjoy. Monarchy has no right which we
are bound to respect, to restrict this pri-
vilege.
So, If we need Cuba, in the round of
our destiny as a people, take it. This ma
ton should assume the right to seize up
on whatever land IN the Western hemis-
phere that is needful for her development.
This is the substitute to the Monroe doc
trine which l announced five years ago,
and it met with a round of approval. 1t
is the right of political domain Qike wa
ter the right of eminent domain,) which
as a power we ought to enforce, in the
extension of the lessons of the American
revolution.
The Monroe doctrine has become too
small covering to- fit us now. Our
broader shoulders need a more ample
garment; and this is to take in and incor-
porate territory that we need. We will
pay for it at a fair price, if the owner
will consent to sell. but let 1t be under
stood that a refusal TO sell means con-
fiscation to US, which is a rule to be
enforced for the benefit of all mankind,
since this nation is today the worlds
almony of liberty our fathers gained.
In the above I have outlined my law
for the acquisition of Cuba by this ma
ton. When politicians think more of pub
lie obligations than of private interests,
this law will be applied and Cuba will
be ours. I have no sympathy with
these spasmotic efforts for independence.
Cuba can cut no figure in the world as
an Independent nation. But as a part of
the United States she is the gateway of
our commerce east and west, and north
and south. She is the half way 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 Mica
raugua canal. The objection to her popu-
lation is possible. Cuba. would be Amer
icanized in six months after possession.
We had no difficulty with California, nor
with Texas, when they came to us with
ignorant and foreign populations. That
public man is stupid. or else coward or
q knave, whose entire soul does not
thrill with the sense of duty that ought
to prompt us to secure this island.
Spain, in her contributions today, con-
tributes but little more to the worlds
progress in literature, art or elevated
government. than does the Comanche
savage Then why should they have
greater consideratio from thinking men
who act for the good of mankind, by adj
ding to the forces of this nation which
drops her blessings like a benediction
over the earth? Spain has had her hour
in history, and must pass on; and not be
permitted in her death struggle to drag
into ruin the fairest portion of the earth.
Then again, as began, eCuba belongs
to 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 mitch under the stars and
stripes, when we are ready. But we want
Cuba now. It is cowardly to wait. The
great spirits which gave US this republic
and who now watch impatiently that it
shall not fail in any step that advances
its destiny beckons us-Go forward.