The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-01
The Present Aspects or the Cuban Question.

The Present Aspects OF the Cuban Question.
The recent news on the state of affairs in
Cuba Is a little mysterious and mixed up F;
but there is no reason to suppose that the
Cuban cause is failing, but rather the con-
trary. Indeed, the reports received in Key
West for the Junta in this city are of most
promising character, representing that the
patriots in Cuba are in the best of spirits and
that the battle OF Las Tunas resulted in
decided victory for the insurgents. If the
report from Madrid be true, that General
Sickles has Withdrawn his note to the Spanish
government-although it must be remembered
that this report has been previously contra
dicted-General Sickles may have acted in
consideration Of the existing embarrassments
of the regency. The question of successor
to the throne Of Isabella now troubles the
Spanish government, and probably the future
of Spain, as balanced between a monarchy and
a republic, kingdom governed by prince OF
the house OF Savoy or some one else who may
yet turn up, or a continuation of the regency,
is sufficiently embarrassing, without entertain
ing any proposition of the American Minister,
and, with proper sense OF delicacy, General
Sickles may have withdrawn his note but
whether he has or not IL will not affect the
action Of .he United States government with
regard to Cuba.
Spain, meantime, is sending ornaments to
Cuba but there Is no doubt now that at least
one privateer is out TO intercept the Spanish
vessels and do all kinds Of damage 10 the
Spanish flag on the high SOFAS. She bears the
ominous name OF the Alabama, though not the
original one, and, il is said, was seen of
Sandy Hook, drawing close upon the Hornet,
which latter vessel sailed from Halifax the
other day. after undergoing fruitless search
by the Dominion authorities, but, no doubt,
despite the supervision of the detec
tves, carrying supplies and ammuni-
ton, stored away somewhere, for the
uses of the Alabama, and, perhaps, enough
also for her own services as priyateer number
two. In all probability these vessels carry
letters OF marquc from some recognized gov
eminent to save them from the consequences
of piracy. May ii not be from Peru9 That
republic is at war with Spain, and Is therefore
warranted, according to the rules Of war, in
harassing her enemy wherever she may End
him.
1t is said by the London Times that there is
but little hope of a compromise between Spain
and Cuba; that II the Cubans lay down their
arns-and send deputies to the Cortes they may
become 'as Canada" and even become in
dependent, which Canada is not; bat disarma-
ment is the ultimatum, for Spain yields nothing
to compulsion. Now this is all nonsense. and
not worth thought. The future of Cuba is in
the hands, not Of Spain, but of the United
States. Spain may send reinforcements of
troops to Cuba if she will, and disgrace her
escutcheon by brutal murders and savage
cruelties, as she is doing, but the settlement
of the Cuban question lies with us for all that.
Under these circumstances is IL not time
that our government was doing something
making some move just now towards the solu-
ton of the difficulty? The public appears TO
be Of one mind about the matter, and that is
that the Cuban patriots should be recognized
at least, If not befriended. We notice that In
the platforms Of both parties-democratic and
republican-in this State, adopted at Syracuse,
the recognition of Cuba finds strong endorse
ment. There Is no doubt that public opinion
tends in that direction, and the administration
can hardly fail to see it.