Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1897-05-28
SHORT SIGHTED.
Extension of Territory
Our Right and Duty.

holds up his hands in solemn depre
cation at the thought of annexation
in connection with Cuba. In this he
will have the sympathy of all those
queer Americans who have conceiv.
ed the notion that it is wise, virtuous
and patriotic to oppose any exten-
ion of our territory for any reason
whatever.
Cuba should belong to the United
States (1) because it is geographically
an American Island; ~ because it's
possession would strengthen us
greatly in case of war; (3) because it
is land of rich natural resources
and would by immigration speedily
be transformed into a prosperous
American State; and (4) because the
great majority of its people, includ
ing its harassed property owr ers,
favor annexation.
1t is strange sort of American
patriotism that can look with com
placency, with approval, on the own
ersh;p of Cuba by European mon
archy, when the brave men of the
island are themselves in armed re
volt against foreign mastership. 1t
is blind wisdom that cannot see
what source of weakness it is to
this Republic to have Cuba. or any
other American island, in the hands
of powers with whom war is always
possible.
Consider the Bahamas, which lie
but few hours by steam from our
coast. These islands are owned by
Eugland, aud that fact has cost us
an immense loss of blood and treas
ure Had the Bahamas belonged to
us, as they should, during the six
ties they would not have served as a
place of refuge for Confederate crui-
sers and the headquarters of the
blockade runners.
The English port of Nassau was
worth an army in the field to the
Confederates. The English indus
try of helping the South to disrupt
the Union was enormously profitable.
How extensive it proved at the prin-
ciple port of these American islands
Stark in his History of the BAHIA
mas" tells us. The imports of Mas
sau in 1860 were in value only G234,
O29, and it's exports f157, $50. That
<epresented the normal commerce OF
the place But in 1864, when block
ade running was at its height, the
imports of Nassau sprang from the
beggarly '9234,CJ9 to f5,346,112
and the f157, $50 of exports to GA,
672,39S Between December, 1861
and the close of the war, no fewer
than 397 vessels entered Nassau
from Confederate ports, and 58S sail
ed thence TO run our blockade with
cargoes for the Confederates.
And here is how the English com
munity inhabiting this capital of al
American island fourished while The
Republic was battling for its life:
Every one was wild with excite
ment during these years of the war
The shops were packed to the ceiling
the streets were crowded with balls
boxes and barrels. Fortunes wer
made In few weeks or months
Money was scattered in the most ex
travagant manner. The town actual
ly swarmed with Southern refugees
captains and crews of blockade run
ners. Every available spac, in an,
e@t of doors was occupied. None
was plenty. and sailors sometime
anded with 81, 800 in specie. Wage
were doubled, liquors flowed freely
and the common laborer had hi
champagne and rich food. Not sine
the days of the buccaneers and p
rates had their been such times i
the bdDam0S.
Should it be our fortune to engag
in war with any power than Englan
Nassau would be again a neutr,
port, and therefore base of supplies
safe resting place for the ships {
our enemy. We permit these island
as rauch a part of North America 6
the doorstep is part of house, to f.
main in foreign possession.
The Morrill, kind of wisdom ma
approve itself to those near sighte
advocates of peace who are so lit
friends of their country's future {
TO clamor for arbitration treaties il
stead OF larger navy, but Amer
cans of masculine instincts, some p
triotism aud common sense, belle,
that it would be sound policy