The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-13
WASMIN.irH4.

WASHINGTON.
The CnbHH Question in Else Quilted Stutes-E1-
fOrceMcnt OF Our Hcntraliy Lows-Tbe Ad-
ninistrntiOn aud Cnunu Agents - Why the
United states Did Not jJiu with Peru nnd
McNiCO in UccOgniGing ChbR-Repiy of the
spanish Government 10 %3ciics' NOte.
There have been so many rumOrs in connection
with facts, relative to the Cuban question: that
the real situation of affairs seems generally to
be imperfectly understood But it is known that
ever since the present Gdmi oistration came into
power efforts have been made in good faith to
enforce the Neutrality laws both against the
Spanish Government and the agents of the
Cubans in this country.
On the presentation or reception of such Off
cjal or other trustworthy Information, either
from our own officers or those acting for the
Spanish Government, as justified proceedings
in the premises, while scdulOusly endeayoriug to
strictly observe our treaty obligations with Spain,
the Government has NOT been Unmindful of those
due by Spain TO the United States Our Govern
ment has frequently been approached by agents
or alleged minister's acting on behalf of the
Cubans, desiring the recognition of belligerent
rights; in other words that they may be placed
on the same national footing with Spain And
the United States Government was also asked to
follow the example Of Mexico and Peru, and
other South American republics, and thus Off
eially encourage the Cubans in their struggle
against Spain.
The reasons for not acquiosping in such ap-
peals are based upon the law Of nations, the
condition of the island not lustltylng, in the
opinion of the Administration, the recognition
of the Cuban flag. Nor has any satisfactory
evidence been produced 10 show that there is a
de facto government Of the (ubans, possessing
the powers essential TO its maintenance and
character. The sympathy OF the Government
has always been with the tubans; but this, under
the peculiar existing circumstances attending
the question, could not be distinctly manifested
by official acts in connection with movements
in the field; but it is known that the Govern
ment has recently sought to induce Spain to
consent to the independence Of the island, and
thus avoid further bloodshod. There was not,
as has been frequently stated any offer of 'medt
alton" by Minister Siclle3, rs the use of that
would imply or suggest the existence of war be-
tween equally recognized powers, and was
therefore, avoided in the correspondence and
interviews with the Spanish Government. The
good offices" of the United States have been
rendered, as they can always be employed, be-
tween parties, one of whom is not acknow-
ledged by the other, without the implication of
any recognition of nationality. or even of belli-
gerency. The tender OF good offices was super
induced by certain parties who had visited the
Spanish capital in order to effect an accommo-
datiOn.
They represented to this Government that
they had had interviews with some of the most
Influential statesmen and soldiers of the Re
gency, who were favorable to the proposed plan
of adjustment, which contemplated the payment
by the Cubans of the estimated value of public
buildings, Notifications, etc. and the abolition
OF slavery in the island. While there seemed to
be an earnest and honest disposition to aCqui-
esce in such an arrangement, it was suggested
thai the Cubans must lay down their arms be-
fore negotiations could be commenced. But to
this preliminary the Cubans promptly refused to
assent; for in such event they would be at
the mercy OF the SpaniardS, without guarantee
of securing their object, namely. their national
Independence Rendered powerless by the sur
render of their means Of defense, their only
alternative would be submission.
Besides, some of those who, it was represented
favored the plan did not feel at liberty to openly
advocate the surrender Of Cuba, as in their OPT
nion it would be an admission that the Spanish
Government was not sufficiently strong to deal
with its rebeious subjects and that such sur
render would also serve to cOmplcate the trOu-
bes already existing III Spain. The note of
Minister Sickles, rendering the good offices of
The United States, was courteous in its terms,
with due respect to Spanish pride. 1t gave
no offense, contrary to assertions to that
effect both in Europe aud the United States.
Nor is it true that the Spanish Government
sought to influence foreign powers in its behalf
for the retention of Cuba.
The reply Of the Spanish Government to the
note OF Minister Sickles was equally courteous.
While ii was deemed impolitic to entertain the
proposition for parting with the island of Cuba
on the terms suggested, the Regency, ncyerthC
less expressed its thanks to the United States
for the tender of their friendly offices. The
tender having been declined, the note was with
drawn in conformity with diplomatic usage.
The question, as a consequence, now stands
exactly as it did before the offer was made
leaving no unllind feeling between the two coun-
tries, and nothing to regret on either side.
Thus the sympathy Of the administration was
manifested, not in assisting the Cubans by facili
tating reinforcements of troops and supplies of
arms-for this would have been yiOative of
treaty obligations with Spain-but in q way JUS
titled by the law of nations, and in the interests
of peace. This Government, Notwithstanding
the rejection of the tender of good offices,
would, doubtless, renew it at a future time
should circumstances justify the repetition.
1t will, meantime, pursue the course already
indicated, namely, enforce the Neutrality laws
and hold itself in readiness to serve the cause of
Cuban independence in sHch manner as may not
violate the treaty obligations. But it will not
allow itself to be drawn into complications with
Spain OF any other European power preferring
10 follow the paths Of peace, as alferding the
best means Of accomplishing all the ends de-
sirabe in republics, and assisting those who
struggle for ependence.-InqUtrer.