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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1848
40
with the Atlantic, and render it insecure, even within the Gulf of Mexico. From the Sisal, in Yucatan, to Havana, in Cuba, the distance is little more than a hundred miles; but from its cape to the nearest part of Cuba, it is little more than sixty miles. Around the peninsula of Yucatan there are various harbors, in which steamers of convenient draught of water could shelter. To the north of it, the roadstead is excellent. Hence the outlet from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, through the bay of Honduras, would be subject to whatever Power might have possession of Yucatan. From Havana to the Cape of Florida, embracing the great eastern outlet to the Atlantic, for our commerce, will be subject to the control of any Power which may have the greatest interest with the Government of Cuba. The ascendency which England holds of Spain, would secure to her all the benefits, com- mercial or warlike, which she could desire, or which could arise from the enjoyment of the facilities afforded by the ports and harbors of Cuba. Thus is easily discovered the inconvenience and detriment which might. arise to the commerce of the United States from the possession of Yucatan by any Power which may, by possibility, be placed in a hostile attitude to the United States. It is nearer to the mouth of the Mississippi river than even Vera Cruz or any important port of Mexico. Any great naval Power engaged in a war with the United States, would have the means of effectually cutting off our commerce with the Atlantic, by the possession of Yucatan and the occupation of Cuba; and we know that nations in war are unscrupulous as to the means employed to insure success. What would be the condition of the great West and South, if the mighty egress from the Mississippi in our commerce was entirely prevented? It would be ruinous. Then it is our duty to prevent every probable impediment which might remotely affect that great interest. No case can possibly arise that will more directly appeal to the true policy of the country or the humanity of a nation than that which is now under discussion. Yucatan has appealed to this country for relief. She has offered to us in return her "dominion and sovereignty." Her existence is dependent upon our action. We are to decide in favor of civilization or barbarism. The war raging in Yucatan is not only one of desolation and rapine, but of unheard-of cruelty and extermination. It seems to me if anY circumstance independent of the true policy of this Government could claim our consideration, it would be the sufferings of the unhappy Yucatecos. Laying aside their appeals to our humanity,
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