Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-08-06
THE CUBAN REVOLUTION.

The stirring accounts which have been
published in the United States within the
last two or three weeks as news from.Cuba,
are very indefinite and contradictory but
if half that is reported be true, events are
transporting there which will probably result
in the independence of the island, and ulti-
mately in some way seriously effect the Uni
ted States-whether for good or for evil the
final issue alone can reveal. We have not
space for the detail of news. and indeed
there seems to be none which are anthem
tic and worth publishing. The main state
ments however are, that popular outbreak
occurred at the town of Puerto Principe,
situated in the interior, $50 miles from Ha-
vana, on the third of July, and that revo-
lationary spirit was excited throughout the
island; that the CELEBRATING Society" of Prin-
cipe, on the fourth, issued "Declation of
independence" (; that two or three battles or
skirmishes had been fought between the
insurgents and the Spanish troops IN which
the former were successful; and that sew
eral regiments of soldiers had deserted and
gone over TO the people.
These occurrences give omen of impor-
tant results both to Cuba and the United
States. 1t is not supposed that the people
of the island, alone and unaided, can make
successful resistance to the Spanish gov
eminent, decrepid and feeble though it be.
They, however, do not trust to their own
resources, but IN their declaration of indie
pendence distinctly avow their reliance
upon the citizens of the United States for
succor. The expectation is not likely to be
disappointed. If hundreds of our people
were ready to engage in such an enterprise
before the inhabitants of Cuba had struck Q
blow for independence, it is reasonable to
anticipate that now when they are fighting
for themselves, volunteers for the service
in any number will not he wanting. Here
tofore, the various attempts set on foot IN
this country to rescue Cuba from the do
minion of Spain seemed to be prompted by
a wild and lawless spirit of adventure; the
present aspect of affairs appears to invite q
generous sympathy in behalf of a people
struggling for liberty. That the cause o.
the Cubans is just and patriotic we have nc
reason to doubt-indeed we cannot well
conceive of Spanish government being
otherwise than oppressive and tyrannical-
and we heartily wish them success in their
effort to establish independence.
So much on the superstition that the PEG.
pie of Cuba have really arisen spontaneous.
ly to throw off an oppressive yoke. On the
other hand, it is asserted that all or the
greater part of the "fuss and to do we hear
about has originated in this country, that nc
extensive rising of the people has taken
place, and that the Declaration of indie
pendence" was manufactured in the United
States-all for the purpose of enticing men
to engage in what is little better than pi-
ratical expedition. Such is the degree Of
uncertainty in reference to the whole mat
ter. Should the latter statements prove tc
be correct, our government will be on the
alert to arrest the marauders; and in any
event it is bound, so long as it pretends tc
adhere to treaty stipulations to prevent,
by every means in its possession, organized
parties being ittedyout in this country and
sailing from our ports to attack power
with which we are at peace. The duty is
evidently one of great delicacy, but from
the character of the present administration
We feel assured that every proper step will
be taken to preserve the national honour,
while at the same time nothing unnecessa-
ry will be done to discourage the just aspi-
rations of the people of Cuba.
Should the independence of Cuba be es-
tablished, as it must be sooner or later, and
our country by the wise and prudent man
agement of the administration, escape diff
ficulty with Spain, other greater trials may
await us. The question of annexation will
of course be agitated, and we will probably
become involved in another fearful section
al controversy the end of which We will not
attempt to predict or anticipate.
GREAT MEETING IN CHARLEsToN.-In