Year: 1869

~ WASHINGTON, April IL, 1862
The Cuban Question Before the Cabinet
spanish InsoIence TO be Rebuked-COnser-
vntive Views Of Secretary Fish-Recogni-
tion Of Cuban Independence Favored by the
Rest of the Cabinet. -.,.--->~


The Cuban question has been very much discussed
here to-day, and from all that can be learned from
Clcia quarters 1t seems not at all improbable that
trouble will grow out of the late infraction OF inter
national law by the officers OF Fernando Catoca the
seizure Of two passengers from an American brig.
IL is well known here that the Cabinet is not unit
on the question of Cuban recognition. The matter
seriously considered at the Cabinet meeting on
Friday last; but, though no decision was
arrived at, the views Of each member
except perhaps Rawns became known. Sec
retary Fish expressed very conservative views
lie felt as much sympathy for the struggling
Cubans as any man, and nestly hoped that their
efforts to achieve independence might be crowned
with success but at the same time he deprecated
any official pr0nunctaDltento on the part Of the
administration in favor OF one side or the other. He
thought 1t should be the policy OF the United States TO
remain perfectly neutral and to adhere rgdly to the
old doctrine Of nonlntervention. In his opinion
Cubas destiny was annexation, which would come at
no distant day without any action on the part OF
this government. "Let her alone" said Fish; give





tiny and she will gravtate towards the republican
Union in spite Of every obstacle Spain VIII soon
tire OF resisting the mandates Of fate. Proud though
she be, the old Castilian monarchy will find that
she cannot AFFORD to continue her efforts to
crush out the free aspirations Of the re-
publican sentiment Of Cuba II is enter
PRISE too costly and must be abandoned,
sooner or later But let the United states interfere
and Spain VIII not only exhaust her own resources
10 prevent our acquisition OF the island, but she
will draw to her assistance the combined strength
OF England and France ana we VIII have to combat
o coalition representing tie most powerful military
and naval forces in Europe. Why tempt this con-
test unnecessarily Why drag the republic into
formidable war, when it mas but Just emerged from
the most formidable civil STRIFE in the annals OF
history What we need now is peace-peace, unless
preserved at the sacrifice OF honor, sacrifice which
not in question In the present condition OF
afYairs.n Such the views OF Premier Fish,
who belongs to the old conservative school, and
who Ii hardly equal TO the live issues Of the
hour Grant has great confidence In his Secretary
Of state; and though his private views are believed
not the game. s 1t is feared the foreign policy of
the administration viii he shaped and guided by
Mr.. Fish, 1t is gratifying TO learn that other
members OF the Cabinet Numerically op-
posed TO the moderate policy counselled by





prompt and vigorous action, and want the
President 10 proclaim bold and manly policy in
regard TO Cuba Borie and Cresswel are said 10 be
quite enthusiastic IN their advocacy Of Cuban recog
milton. They believe we have had enough OF truck
ling and subserviency to monarchcal interests under
the specious pretext OF the sacredness OF inerna-
tonal law and that the time has when we ought
~ take fresh start, not only reannouncing the
Monroe doctrine, but proclaiming to the world
oor intention TO sweep from the continent the last
vestige OF monarchcal domination. Since the news
Of the insult to the American Gag involved In the
seizure OF passengers from our American brig, the
feelngs OF Borie and Cresswell, aud perhaps other
members OF the Cabinet, have been turned more
strongly in the channel Of Cuban sympathy, and a
more vigorous policy has been urged upon General
Grant Leading Senators and Representative ves,
among the latter General Banks. have waited upon
the President and Secretary Fish, aud counseled an
immediate demand OF satisfactory explana-
ton from Spanish authorities. But Fish still
hugs conservatism 10 his bosom, and repeats his
timid warnings about the dangers OF war with
Spain, England and France. He states that he has
as yet received no off1cial information concerning
the alleged outrage and that in the absence Of such
knowledge he cannot with propriety act


In striking contrast with this slow coach policy OF
Fish Is the practical course OF Vice Admiral Porter.
lie would not wait for his subordinaes TO send along
their dispatches whenever II might suit
their convenience, but Immediately telegraphed
10 Admiral Hof to make q report Of the
facts connected with the supposed out.
rage and to promptly adopt such measures as
the national honor might demand. In the first
place, Porter don't hesitate to proclaim on which
side are his sympathies, and in the second place he
believes national insult should be avenged without
the intervention OF red tape. The Vice Admiral, II
he had his way, would not only order his subor-
dnates to give the proud Spaniard Jessie II he has
insulcd our nag, but, insult or no insult would LEI
ihbusters go away unmoested to the aid and de-
liverance OF the Cubans. Porter thinks the Cubans
ought to be recognized, holding that they now IN
better condition than the South was when Europe
accorded her begcrent rights.


Proposal to Discuss the Alabama Treaty IL


Open Session.


A proposition Will be made to have the treaty fol
the settlement OF the Alabama claims discussed. In
open session. Senator Sumner has prepared
very long and elaborate speech against II, ant
he is anxious that It should get before tbs
country II the treaty considered In
executive session, this wish cannot be pratlned
Hence, strange ~ II may SEEM Mr. Sumner !,
anxious that resolution should be passed 10 dis