The New York herald., 1869-09-21
The Cuban Qnestion-Francc, England an

The Cmban Qnestfou-Francc, England and
Spain.
What means this meeting of the waters )?
Prm, with the Spanish Minister for Foreign
Affairs, has been hanging about the Tuile
ries for weeks. He has had the honor of
interviews with the Emperor. Meanwhile
Lord Clarendon, the British Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs has appeared upon the
scene. A late cable despatch has it that both
Prim and Clarendon have had ap-asidience, at
different periods, Of the Emperor. 1t is at the
same time amounted that Baron Beust, the
Austro-Hp Hungarian Chancellor, is hourly ex-
pectedi in Paris What does it all mean? 1t
! Cannot be that they have met to consult about
the Ecumenical Council, for that is already all
arranged. 1t is not impossible that Prim's
visit had something to do with the question of
the Spanish throne. This, however, would
not be his main object it certainly could not
I; be the object of Lord Clarendon, and with
the disposal Of the Spanish throne Baron
Beust is not likely to have anything to say.
| We have no choice, but conclude that the
state of Cuba, taken in connection with the
attitude of the government of the United
States, has brought these diplomats together.
What Spain should do in the circumstances is
a question which Spain canuot very well
decide for herself. In the difficulty the
Spanish government sends Prim to consult
Napoleon. The presumption is that Lord
Clarendon has been quietly invited over and
that the matter has been discussed among
them. now in one point Of view and then in
another; Intervention one day and non-inter-
ference the next, as we hear this morn
ing. We do not much wonder that Cuba
should now command the attention of both
ENGLAND and France. 1t is believed in
Europe that the Cuban trouble would have
been dead long ago but for the openly
expressed sympathy Of the American people
with the insurgents. This belief has grown
into an alarm since the presentation Of the
note of the government of the United States
by Minister Sickles. Napoleon bears us a
prudpe because OF our treatment of him in the
Mexican question. Great Britain is Indignant
at our presumption and jealous of our growing
mower and our annexation tactics. 1t will mo-
at all surprise us if, as the result
of these deliberations. France and Eng
land should agree to do what they can t.
thwart our policy and thus seek to hold Cubs
in bondage. 1t is not so long since simila
alliance was entered into for the same purpose
, If the telegraphic report which we printed yes
terday to the effect that Napoleon had sen
: instructions to his Minister at Washington
!. commanding him to inform our government
" that il was ''the desire of France that Cub
n should be retained by Spain'--if this repoI
have any foundation in fact, all doubt as to tn
le attitude of the three Powers is at end. Franc
% is opposed to our policy; SO is England; s
.t probably is Austria. Spain has, in all like
ID hood been plainly told that all moral he'll
g was vain unless she could make an end of tf
ID insurrection on the island. Hence tn
=. increased number of ships and the multiple
forces which the Spanish government is sen'
ID ing out. The policy recommended clearly
OF that if Spain can suppress the insurrection q
=, will have the moral assistance Of the Wester
to Powers az against any annexation policy