Another Acquisition

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 10, 1867

Another Acquisition.

The Bay of Samana.—The telegraph announced, a day or two ago, the departure from Dominica, of a messenger to Washington, with instructions to accept the offer of the United States for the purchase of Samana, on the Island of Hayti, for $5,000,000. A telegram from Washington confirms the probable truth of this report, and it may, consequently, be accepted as correct, though the price of the purchase, which seems hardly worth the half of five million dollars, is, doubtless, yet to be the subject of negotiation. In relation to the importance of this acquisition, we take the following from the New York Herald:

“The Bay of Samana is situated on the south side of the peninsula of the same name, and is, from east to west, about forty-three miles long, by eight miles wide. The Yuna—the largest river in St. Domingo—empties itself at the westward end. The bay forms one of the largest and safest harbors in the world, and, from its position in reference to the Gulf of Mexico trade and the routes across Central America may be regarded as being the most important point, in a military and commercial view, on that portion of the Continent. On the northern shore and lying in the light of a land-locked bay is the small and dilapidated town of Santa-Barbara, which is probably included in the purchase. The entrance to the bay is about three miles wide, and can be easily defended by heavy batteries located on both shores. Of the capacity of the harbor it need only be said that no fleet could be gathered within it large enough to take up its space, so that either from the weather or from an enemy, our commercial and war navy can always find a place of certain safety.

“In a political point of view the possession of the Bay of Samana by the United States is of great importance. It gives us a powerful and controlling position in the Antilles and the Gulf of Mexico, and should this acquisition be followed by the purchase of the Island of St. Thomas, we will become the preponderating Power in the Archipelago, and the actual arbiters of the destinies of all the islands which comprise it. That European Powers have always recognized this fact is certain, as, according to the Opinion Nationale, of Paris, the attempt to get possession of it several years ago was baffled by the French Consul General at Port au Prince. The same paper, under date of February 14, 1867, in referring to the visit of Mr. Frederick Seward to St. Domingo, declared that the acquisition of the Bay of Samana by the United States “could not fail to become a cause of just disquiet to France, Spain, England and the Republic of Hayti.” And, indeed, so far as Spain and Hayti are concerned, its occupation by us would almost insure our success in a case of war with either of these Governments, commanding as it does Hayti and Cuba on one side and Porto Rico on the other. Should we succeed in getting possession of St. Thomas then we would completely hem in Jamaica and command the French Antilles Islands.

“The five circuit miles of land sold with the bay are very fertile, as indeed is the entire peninsula. They will doubtless be used to construct the naval station, and to erect forts and batteries upon.”

The Peace of Europe.

It is now so late in the season that the peace of Europe is undoubtedly secure this year. The summer is the season for war. It is true that, as campaigns are conducted now-a-days, a war of two months’ duration might settle the destiny of more than one nation, as in the case of the recent war between Prussia and Austria. It is true that three months of reasonably fair weather for warlike purposes may still be looked for this year; but, in case war were to happen, one month, at least, would be required for diplomacy, and another for preparation. No nation of Europe is prepared for immediate war, notwithstanding the vast primary preparations that have been going on in France, Prussia and Austria ever since last winter. The new material of war has been accumulating; but that is nearly all. France has purchased horses largely. These horses are to be drilled before they will be ready for the best use. France has been manufacturing a new weapon—the Chassepot rifle. There are not enough ready yet to furnish her whole army. If there were, the army cannot shoulder a totally new weapon, a breech-loader, immediately upon laying down the old-style muzzle-loaders, and go at once into action. There must be time to learn a new drill, and to study and practice with the new weapon. Prussia has been absorbing into her army the armies of conquered and annexed states. These she provides with weapons new to them; with a new drill, which they must have time to learn; and with new officers and a military system so different from their own old system that time must be allowed for them to become habituated to both officers and system. Austria is also changing her armament and drill, and must have time to complete this work before venturing on war.

It is true that, at this moment, Turkey is engaged in an attempt to reduce a rebellion in Greece, and that Spain is convulsed with a rebellion which promises to accomplish a revolution. It is true that Russia, better prepared for speedy action than France, Prussia or Austria, is menacing Turkey, while denying any such intent. It is true that Garibaldi is threatening an invasion of Rome. It is true that Prussia and Denmark are growling rather rudely over the Schleswig question. It is true that Napoleon assures the world that he means peace; while Austria, Prussia, Russia and Italy all tell the same story of pacific intentions. It is true that these signs betoken war and not peace, and furnish plenty of pretexts for war; but the elements and the seasons forbid hostilities this year. Therefore Europe may rest in security until next spring. France, Austria, Prussia and Russia, if they really mean war, will use this interval in preparing for the struggle. But, during so long a period of time, there is no knowing what may happen in favor of the preservation of peace. There is time for new combinations, as well as new complications. There is time for changes of cabinets and deaths of rulers. At any rate the question of peace or war in Europe generally may now be put down as postponed until next spring, with a possibility that, by that time, all occasion for war may have passed away.—Detroit Post.