UNITED STATES' DEMOCRATIC REVIEW. APRIL, 1859. CONTINENTAL POLICY OF THE UNITED STATESTHE ACQUISITION OF CUBA. Ar no former period since the foundation of the government of the United States has the public mind been so thoroughly and pointedly awakened to a comprehensive sense of the mission and duty of the American Republic, in extending our Democratic system over this entire Continent. It seems to have been reserved for President Buchanan to call into being this active public sentiment, and to mark out a new epoch in the history of the government of civilized man. In his last annual Message, he foreshadowed the true national policy of the government of the United States, in regard to the future political condition of this continent, and by the logical power of this authoritative State paper, the public opinion of both hemispheres is to be concentrated and crystallized, until it shall work out peaceful results, through which European governments will yet be convinced of the great truth, long since indelibly stamped upon the mind of the American people, that every foot of this continent is destined for the occupancy of freemen, and that to its utmost limits it must be dedicated to Democracy. The continental policy of the present national administration, as indicated by this Message, will elicit a warm response from the great body of the American people, without distinction of party; and it is a favorable omen to notice some of the most distinguished men of the opposition pronouncing in its favor, and more gratifying still is the fact that from the present aspect of the question it is not likely to assume a sectional cha racter. |