Year: 1871

state OF affairs in Cuba-bOth chronic and
source Of perpetual trouble to the United
States-brlng up the question as to the duty
and policy of our government putting an end


to these disorders by annexation. The time


appears specially opportune for the serious


consideration of this subject There Is no
hope-no possible prospect Of peace or good
government in either Mexico or Cuba under
the native rule of the former or the colonial
status Of the latter. This hardly any one will


venture to deny. No other evidence is wanted
| In the case of Mexico than the history of that
country and the present anarchy that reigns
therefor we have no faith In the re-
port conveyed to us this morning that
| sthe backbone Of the rebellion has been
broken;" nor In that of Cuba than the
uniform despotic and cruel government of
Spain over the colony, the prolonged and des-


perate civil war there, the virtual usurpation Of


the government Of the island by a rebel


faction Of Spaniards, called volunteers, and


the frightful atrocities, that disgrace the civil


ization of the age, which are committed.


Under this state of things there is no hope that
permanent peace can be restored In one
country or the other. II can only come


through radical change in the allegiance Of
the people, and In their subjection to the
humane, liberal and strong government Of the
United States. Annexation Is the only


remedy. All thoughtful and liberal-minded
Mexicans, Cubans and even Spaniards will
admit this, though some of them may not like
the idea Of annexation. The civilized nations


and statesmen of the world know the fact, and
see that sooner or later both Mexico and Cuba
must be annexed to the United States, though
some Of them might oppose, from jealousy or
other causes, any movement in that direction.


And what American citizen will deny that an


nexation is the only remedy for the disorders


and evils of Mexico and Cuba2 Some Ameri-


these countries just now-may want to


bridle the manifest destiny Of their country as


our ti.nid and mistaken conservatives always


have; but few will deny that annexation is


Inevitable Some time, and at no distant day.


There are, doubtless, several important con-
silerations to be duly weighed in connection
with this question. These we shall refer to.
But, first, we will look at the matter in q
political point Of view as bearing upon parties,
the Presidency and General Grants position
and opportunity. The republican party and
General Grant have used up pretty we'll the
issues Of our civil war. In fact, they have
pushed them to such radical extreme for
party purposes as to shake public confidence.
and esteem. This is SO apparent that, had
the democratic party frankly accepted the
issues Of shs war, and pursued wise, broad
and liberal policy, it would have grown strong
again, and have had fair prospect of carry
ing The nexs Presidential election. The
people were dissatisfied with the proscriptive
and high tariff policy, exlravagance and cor
ruption Of the republicans. The tide of re-
action had already set in, as may be seen


by the increased democratic representation


in Congress. This was checked, however,


by the folly Of the democrats and by the
dishonesty of the Tammany leaders, but not
by the virtue Of the republican party or any
renewed confidence in 1t. General Grant
holds much the same negative position. His
military prestige was discounted In his cleo
ton in 1863 He will now have to appeal to
popular opinion on other grounds-on the
merits of his administration. Demoralized
and apparently powerless as the democrats
are, they are still great party, and hold GER
tain principles Of policy more in accordance


with the views Of the American people than


the republicans. But the most threatening


political developments against the President


are among the republicans. This has been


seer especially since the commencement Of


the present session of Congress. A number


Of prominent and strong leaders Of the party


have shown decided hostility. Some are


rival sspirants for the Presidepcy some In


imical te General Grant personally, some are


opposed to give any President two terms In


Office; and some 60 further for revenue reform


aud free trade than the administration. For


these and other reasons there is decided and


growing dissatisfaction with General Grant


sad bis caraidacy for second term.


A new and great natioual issue like that Of
the annexation Of Mexico or Cuba, or both,
would arouse popular ambition aud fervor;
would put an end to sectional discord, by
uniting the whole Of the American people


North, South, East and West-in one common
object; would break down factious opposition


to the administration, re-elect General Grant


beyond all doubt, and send his name down to
posterlty as one of the greatest benefactors of


bis country. He would meet with opposition,


no doubt, particularly at first; but this would


soon be overwhelmed by popular sentiment.


No measure for annexation of valuable ter


ritory has ever failed to secure public favor


and the popularity of those who accomplished


1t. The history Of the country shows that.


The St. Domingo scheme has not been well


received because the country is remote, q
| wilderness comnaratiyev has no nroductinna