Martinsburgh Gazette

From the national eye :Beats :

Territorial Possessions.—In referring some time ago to the deputies from Guatemala, to the United States, we distinctly pointed out the inconveniences, and in fact danger, of making our country a kind of common protector or step-mother to all those neighboring republics and independencies, who desire to be guarded and shielded under what is considered the powerful mantle of the American Republic. Self protection is the first law of nature and of nations, & we can never agree with those sublimated editors, who consider that this country should neglect its legitimate and legal possessions to embark in a Quixotic attempt, to defend and support all the adjacent territories and dependencies. It is indeed very questionable, if with our present extent of territory, we are safe in swelling our national domains—The Floridas were absolutely necessary for the preservation of our southern frontier and had the treaty of transfer been negotiated at Madrid, we should have had Texas, a province which, from contiguity of situation, would have been of important value and service; apart, however, from these advantages, we did not require the Floridas as the means to improve or strengthen our Union, or add to our possessions—the peculiar situation of that territory between Georgia and Louisiana, the use made of the Floridas, by the enemy, during the late war, in organizing and fitting out expeditions against us, and exciting the Indians on our borders, rendered the possession of Florida more an object of national safety than of national ambition.—Equally erroneous is the impression of the British, that, in viewing their designs on Cuba with jealousy, we are governed by an anxiety to possess it ourselves. Cuba, to the U. States, would be an endless source of difficulty and expense. In the power of the British, it would be an object of distrust and lay the foundation of future wars; but in the possession of Spain, or independent, it would injure no power—create no apprehensions. Without regarding the clamors of those interested, it is the policy of this country to use every fair and proper mode to impress the people of Cuba, with the necessity of resisting the transfer of that Island to the British, or declaring themselves independent at once.