The party in the United States who favour intervention in
the affairs of Cuba, have set on foot an active and unscrupulous agitation throughout the Union. The Central Government pro- fesses (and with apparent sincerity) a desire to preserve a strict and honourable neutrality ; but its radical inability to withstand any strong popular impulse has been shown before now, in the annexation of Texas, the " sympathizing " with Canadian insur- rection, and the war with Mexico. It is true that the Anti Slavers of the Northern States have a direct interest in opposing any measures that might lead to the annexation of Cuba ; and that the pioneers of the Western States have not so strong a temptation to occupy Cuba as to overleap the land frontiers of Mexico. But the desire of territorial aggrandizement is with the Americans an appetite that has grown by what it has fed on. The course which the Government at Washington may be compelled to pursue is not the least grave of the problems which awaken the anxiety of statesmen. European and American interests—or, fancied in- terests—are likely to clash within the limits of that island ; but the collision, if it take place, will not be confined to so narrow a field.
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