32 



HUMBOLDT'S CUBA. 



• 



energy in its power any intrusion of that kind, it will 

 hold the cabinet of London responsible for the fatal 

 consequences which might therefrom ensue to Span- 

 ish domination, under the critical circumstances 

 under which it is now placed in the West Indies. 

 And finally, that should the conflicts above alluded . 

 to take place, the Spanish government would not 

 hesitate to appeal to the decision of the whole of 

 Europe, trusting that public opinion, even in the evei 

 loyal and enlightened English nation itself, would 

 justly appreciate whether the conduct of the British 

 government would have been such as the government 

 of the queen, my august sovereign, has a right to 

 expect from a power which calls itself the friend and 

 ally of Spain, and even consistent with what was 

 required by the interests of England itself." 1 



On the 11th of September, Lord Palmerston replied 

 to the Marquis of Miraflores, disclaiming all wish to 

 violate the rights of Spain, but at the same time 

 desiring to come to a plain understanding with the 

 government at Madrid, and to make that government 

 comprehend that "Great Britain will no longer con- 

 sent to be baffled and throwing upon the govern- 

 ment of Spain any consequences that may arise. 

 During this correspondence, the Marquis de Miraflo- 



1 Published dispatches. 



