Alexandria Gazette

The Cuba Question.

The Union has an article in relation to "the Administration and Cuba," in which it says, that President Pierce "is incapable of countenancing any scheme of territorial acquisition which involves a breach of our treaty obligation or a violation of law." It then goes on to object to the censures that have been cast upon the President by the partisans of filibusterism and the opponents of "acquisition," and adds the following, which the public may regard as the only light that can, at present, be shed upon the negotiations and diplomatic movements known to be in progress, concerning our relations with Spain in connection with Cuba:-

"Without assuming to speak authoritatively on the subject, we hazard nothing in saying that there is no just foundation either for the charge that the President is disposed to wink at filibusterism, or that he is not doing all that would be consistent with our national honor to bring our difficulties with Spain to a satisfactory and speedy adjustment, including in such adjustment the fullest indemnity for past injuries by the Cuban authorities and the surest guarantee against similar injuries in future. If this adjustment can be effected peaceably and amicably, we are bound by every consideration of national honor to attain to it in that way. Surely this must be the sentiment of all just men. That the administration is exerting all its energies towards the accomplishment of this end we feel no hesitation in declaring: and whilst these exertions are being made, it little becomes those who prefer to see Cuba acquired by violence, and through means that would compromit our national character, to be indulging in fretful or passionate censures. They had better nurse their patriotic desires for annexation, and husband their physical and moral strength, until it becomes manifest that Cuba cannot be peacefully acquired by an act of the government which all mankind will approve. If that shall fail, and a resort must be had to physical force, it will then be time for exhibitions of patriotic courage."