Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 April 1896 — BRITAIN TO AID CUBA. [ARTICLE]

BRITAIN TO AID CUBA.

To Follow America in Recognizing the Patriots. Aid for Cuba has come from an unexpected source. John Bull will pat Uncle Sam on the shoulder in any proposition to intervene to stop the butchery on the island. An informal intimation to this effect has been received at the State Department and the status of the Cuban question has changed at once owing to this sudden development. While Spain has been preparing for an appeal to European nations against the United States, Great Britain has quietly taken the other tack, and decided to join with the United States in helping the Cuban patriots. Naturally, such a communication w r as not conveyed in an official letter, but Secretary Oiney was given to understand by Sir Julian Pauneefore that Great Britain would not only not object to any action the United States might take in regard to Cuba, but would even welcome any reasonable interference which would tend to stop the butchery now going on in the island. That such an intiipation was given semi-officially was learAed positively, and the effect of the information when'it becomes generally known will be to render almost certain speedy action by this country. Dispatches from Spain within the last few days are authority for the statement that a definite policy has been agreed upon there. Spain proposed to pose as the champion of European nations holding possessions in America against the arrogance of the Yankees. The European nations were to be sounded in order to secure concert of action, and then Spain was to tell President Cleveland to go ahead if he dared in the face of a formidable alliance which would prevent active intervention by force if necessary. This plan has been blocked completely by the action of Great Britain, and President Cleveland’s hands have been strengthened immeasurably by Lord Salisbury’s government. Great Britain declared the inhuman Soanish warfare on

th* Island, and English commercial Interests could not look on nnmovad whlla the pries of sugar was moving upward aa tha result of tha destruction of Cubaa canefielda. Therefore came the Informal intimation that Great Britain would gladly stand aside and see the United States take the initiative in Cuba. No promises were made that could bind Great Britain in any way, and the Queen’s government was not put on record in any! way, but Secretary Olney has been gives to understand that if the President decides to recognise the patriots as belligerents Great Britain will not be far behind in doing the same thing.