The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-02
Cuba-Our Special Correspondence from

After all the assertions and contradictions
about the Sckles note to the Spanish govern
ment on the subject Of Cuba we come to the
facts at last. In our special correspondence
from Madrid, published yesterday, the sub
stance Of that note is given. Our correspos-
dent had furnished us with the main points
previously, which we laid before our readers,
but we have now the text substantially. The
Madrid correspondent of q London journal,
who had got some idea Of the note properly
remarks that Spanish pride never received
such dressing before. General Sickles fully
comprehended the sentiment and purpose of
his government and the American people, and
did not hesitate TO express them in plain and
terse language. He tore the veil of official
Misrepresentation from the Cuban question
and from the condition of things in Cuba, and
showed the real state of affairs. He showed the
horrible atrocities ofthe war In Cuba on the part
of the Spaniards-the ''cool-blooded murders"
the Execution of innocent Americans" the
executions of Cuban prisoners" and all the
"other enormities contrary to the spirit of
modern civilization" In the face of the mis-
representations of Spanish officials both in
Cuba and at home, for the purpose of binding
the people of Spain and the world as to the
nature and prospects of the struggle in Cuba,
General Sickles boldly tells the truth. "The
war, he says "has already lasted full year,
during large portion Of which time the
nations have been looking on, expecting that
some progress would be made to bring 1t
to an end. But how stands the case
to-day? It is too evident that the
Spanish government is further off than ever
from attaining it's object. From simple
! insurrection, as it has been wrongly denomi-
mated, it has developed into stern, deter
mined war" The rebellion has not only not
been suppressed, he argues, but the Cubans
have made such advances that the time Is very
near when they must be called an independent
and separate nation. ''The recognition OF
their belIigerency will therefore be but the
recognition of an absolute and indisputable
fact" After stating fully the situation, and
referring to presidents for the recognition of
the belligerent rights or independence of Cuba,
General Sickles tells the Spanish government
i
united in their demands for this recognition
that our government dare not much longer
hesitate upon course humanity declared
should have been adopted long ago."
| He then adverts to the condition of
Spain and the necessities of her treasury,
and informs the Spanish government that
| it has 'syet time to dispose of the Cuban ques-
ton honorably and satisfactorily to Spaniards,
Cubans and the world" Finally, he offers the
mediation of the United States to that end, and
states that If the Cubans wish to be annexed
the American government is willing to pay or
guarantee the purchase money for the island,
the sum of which is hereafter to be agreed
| upon
It is plain, energetic and correct statement
ofthe case, both with regard to the war and
state Of affairs in Cuba and the position of the
American government and people. 81 have
written frankly as q soldier should write to a
military government" General Sickles con-
ciudes, s'and / am a representative of the
government of the United States and of
Che entire American people. had failed
in my duty had written otherwise :"
He is right there and shows that he is the
proper person for Minister to Spain at this
particular time. American diplomacy does
not consist in tortuous ways and equivocal
language, but In straghtforwardness, honesty
and plainness. 1t might have been expected
that such note would fall like bombshell in
Madrid, and, therefore, the excitement about
it does not surprise us. But it was necessary,
and both our government and General Sickles
had anticipated, no doubt, the effect it would
produce at first The truth is out ow. There
is no room for misapprehenson or diplomatic
palaver. Both the Spanish people and gov
eminent will look more calmly and wisely upon
the matter as the excitement at first created
subsidies The Madrid government may be
embarrassed for time on this Cuban question
by the contending political factions, but it will
have to come either to the solution which has
been offered by the United States or see Cuba
wrested from Spain by the force of arms. 1t
is certain that the United States will not and
cannot back down from the position taken.
This country will never suffer such humiliation.
If General Sickles has withdrawn his note, as
has been reported, but which we doubt, he did
so only temporarily and by request to relieve
the Spanish government from momentary en-
barrassment. lie has enunciated the views
and policy of the American government and
people, and there will be no departure from
the ground taken. Should Spain be foolish
enough to continue the atrocious and hopeless
war in Cuba the United States will soon have
to recognize the belligerency or independence
| of the Cubans.
OFF FOR MExIco.-Our latest adyices from
W. II. Seward and his travelling party are