Edwardsville Spectator

LONDON, JUNE 28.

The Florida treaty passed the United States senate about the 23d February, and the ratification was to take place in six months. Mr. Forsyth arrived in Madrid about the 4th May, and up to the 10th inst. no progress had been made, but fresh obstacles had arisen. Nothing, however, authentic is known on the subject of the difficulty, but on all sides it is rumored that Spain will not be allowed to make a single bargain, and a variety of circumstances have led the public mind towards Cuba.

The cabinet of Madrid has long been aware that the people of Cuba are desirous of a separation from the government of Spain, and that nothing but the fear of an insurrection among the negroes has prevented the attempt.

On a cursory view it may appear a great object for the British government to obtain Cuba, a colony that by good administration would soon outstrip what St. Domingo once was under the French. It ought also not to be forgotten, that the entire subsistence of the island depends on external supplies, consequently a maritime war must produce ruin, more particularly between the United States and the holder of Cuba. Our government is certainly devising means to check the rapid growth of the United States, but the possession of Cuba by us would have a contrary effect.

The vast commerce that already flows down the Mississippi, the immense tract of country rapidly settling on the Missouri, &c. point out very distinctly to the United States the necessity of making Pensacola a great maritime port, but such necessity would be increased in a tenfold degree if Great Britain possessed Havana. There is besides the bay of Tampa, in the Floridas. The British cabinet moreover must be aware that any premature circumstances, more particularly when accompanied by any avowed spirit of competition, which may rouse into action the resources of the American government, and the enterprize of its citizens, must certainly accelerate the progress of that country in natural strength.

Great Britain ought therefore to ponder before she sacrifices her honor and other more paramount interests. We must not look to the moment. Spain is blustering wherever she can be heard, but the idea of her holding sway over Cuba, or of her long retaining in a state of subjection the vast country stretching on the Atlantic from Cape Horn to the Floridas, and from the former to California, on the Pacific, without a navy, is preposterous. Her moral influence in those regions is lost or fast subsiding, and her physical influence is nearly broken. She may, by cessions of territory, purchase a suspense, but this can only be temporary, as long as she cannot obtain active auxiliaries, and this she cannot do. The powers with whom she treats may put a high price on their favors, but as far as Great Britain is concerned, the advantages gained will be of short duration, and the loss in commerce and character irreparable.