Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 December 1896 — CAN WE HELP CUBA? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CAN WE HELP CUBA?

HOW THE QUESTION IS VIEWED IN WASHINGTON. itroag Sentiment for Intervention, Even Among Conservatives Mnat Look Before We Leap—Attitude of the New Administration. Lively Tim“ Possible. Washington correspondence:

THE shrieks and groans of bleeding Cuba and her beseeching look to this Government for aid are not unx heeded by the |t American people Si nor by their repress? sentatives in Con--9 gress. All behold with increasing horror the specter which hovers over yg'*- the fairest of the West Indies and iFTv* the endless reports || ]H of burning plantaHi' tions, butchered invalids and assaa-

sinated citizens quicken the pulse and make us pray for the time when the reign of blood shall end. The Cuban representatives here say that this end can be accomplished by the intervention of the United States in Cuba’s behalf. Our statesmen agree in this and sentiment and sympathy advise such a course. Intervention may lead the Government into serious complications and conservative statesmen feel that their first duty is to their own Government. Nevertheless there is manifest a strong sentiment for interference unless there be a change in Cuban affairs within a reasonable time. The position of the administration, as made plain by President Cleveland’s message, has the commendation of the conservative element. Maj. McKinley is reported to be in sympathy with Mr. Cleveland’s attitude and to be particularly pleased with the paragraph which foreshadows intervention. The implicatiou

that a guarantee of the fulfillment of any terms agreed upon by Spain and Cuba might be furnished by the United States meets with the President elect’s approval. The latter is’ hopeful that a settlement of the trouble may be well advan-

ced before he enters office, and he particularly desires that no hasty action shall be taken by Congress, such as might confront the new administration with embarrassing foreign relations. Cuba’s wishes regarding action by the United States were set forth by Gouzalo de Quesada, charge d’affaires of the Cuban republic in Washington. “The Cuban legation,” said he, “will strive, during the present sessiop of Congress, to bring to a decisive end the labors initiated last year, when a concurrent resolution, substantially declaring the belligerency of Cuba and recommending the good offices of the United States should be directed toward obtaining the independence of Cuba was

passed. Since then the Cubans have grown stronger. We claim that Cuba is free to-day. We assert that Simin is trying, unsuccessfully, to reconquer Cuba. She is attempting to exterminate a people, not to subdue a revolution. Our civil government,

supreme in three-fourths of the island; our complete military organization, our humanity to the vanquished, are proofs of the existence of a responsible, determined, rising, nationality, where there was yesterday an oppressed colony. This nationality cannot be crushed even by the landing of new European armies on a territory over which the Monroe doctrine is perfectly applicable. With as much reason as when the French troops were made to withdraw from Mexico can the United States urge the evacuation of Cuba by Spanish armies or request that Spain shall fight her battles with the troops she has already ou this side of the ocean. We will work unceasingly to see the independence of Cuba and her belligerent rights proclaimed by America.” It is possible that there will be a lively time over this question in both houses of Congress. Representative Hitt, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Relations, thinks no definite action will

be taken by this Congress unless there is some decided change on the island or in the attitude of Spain toward the United States. Senator Sherman, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, will not speak on the subject. The atti- *

tude of most of the members is aggressive and several have declared their intention of introducing resolutions directing thePresident to recognize the independence or belligerency of the Cubans. Senator Roger Q. Mills, of Texas, expresses himself thus forcibly: “The United States ought to take possession of the island and hold it until the Cuban people can form a stable and satisfactory government for themselves. This country is under obligations to do this. We have stood guard over Cuba for Spain for years, and have allowed her to perpetrate her horrible butcheries there while we have prevented the interference of any other power. Thus we became morally responsible in the eyes of the universe for Spain’s atrocities. Had not the United States stood in the way and given notice to all the world that no other nation except Spain would be allowed to control

Cuba, the Cubans might long ago have escaped from Spanish oppression and would to-day be living under an enlightened and stable gove r n m e n t which .would have ed them in their 'lives, liberty and property. I “England would have taker; the island in IS4I had not the United States interposed, and both

Germany and Fraqce have been prevented in like manner from taking it. Under one of these three great and enlightened Governments the Cuban people would have been happy and prosperous. The United States have, however, held them as prisoners for Spain to oppress and slaughter. My blood boils when I think of It, and I am convinced that nine-tenths of the American people agree with me as to the responsibility of the United States in. the matter.” fienutor Henry Cabot Lodge says: “The efort# of the administration to terminate

the war by offering it* good offices hare apparently failed. I consider that the recognition of belligerent rights *t this point would be ill-advised. It would be a direct help to Spain, and would not work for the interests of peace. I believe we have reached a point where we must either recognize Cuban independence or else continue to await developments, following out the policy Mr. Cleveland has pursued hitherto.” Senator Cullom’s opinion is: “This thing has been going on long enough and that it is time for the United States through its administration to let Spain know that we canot allow this butchery at our doors to continue without any prospect of termination. I am not a jingo, but it does seem to me that some way should be found to put a stop to the war with as little delay as possible.” Senators Morgan and Daniel expressed themselves strongly in favor of granting belligerent rights.

SENATOR LODGE.

SENATOR CULLOM.

SENATOR MILLS.

SENATOR SHERMAN