New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-04-30
THE CUBAN CAUSE IN WASHINGTON.
,r.,,, orp otVy CORRVSPONDENT

THE CUBAN CAUSE IN WASHINGTON.
FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT
WASHINGTON. ID. c., April 15-Ihe interest IN Gu
ban affairs continues undated here. The adjourn
mont of Congress has ended much of the outside
hustle as 1t took from the Capital many of those who
have been at work during the past Winter in behalf
of Cuban recognition, but in official circles there re-
mains great anxiety Quiet but active preparations
are being made under the orders of the Administra
ton for whatever contingencies may arise. This
activity is most visible in connection with the Navy
Department. 4 distinguished Admiral, whose infu-
ence is of the strongest does not hesitate to express
his conviction that the Spanish colonial and naval
authorities WILL by their own folly, bring about that
American Intervention for which the revOlutonlsts
may unsueeessfully plead. The public are kept in
formed of various outrages which have occurred by
Spanish violations of international comfy and rights
aocng TO the flags and territory of peaceful and neu-
valuations. Great Britain will undoubtedly demand
ample apology and reparation for the recent Spanish
insult to her territory and our Government is care
fully watching the acts of the enraged colonial au-
thortes with view to resent any insult to cur flag
or injury to our citizens On the other hand there is
as strongly marked a determination TO allow no in
fringement of our own laws, and TO prevent the de-
parture of any expedition, such as that it is ru-
mored Gen. Steedman is inOw organizing at New
Orleans A member of the Cabinet has recently de-
clared that lin his judgment no greater curse
to the cause of Free Cuba could be devised than
the allowing of Steedman TO successfully de-
part from here and land in Cuba with the horde of
lin great part rufianly adventures he will gather
about him from the Crescent City and other parts
of the South 1t is quite certain that stringent or
ders have been given, and strenuous efforts
WI be made to prevent the departure of that
any similar expedition. On the other
hand it is equally as certain that men are going
10 Cuba from the United States, and that arms are
being sent to the revoutionlsts But in the latter
case it will be found that no technical violation of
our neutrality laws has occurred, both men and arms
being shipped to other than Cuban ports. On the
other hand Spaniards are receiving arms openly pur-
chased in our cities, and safely transmitted to
Havana under the protection of tho neutrality laws
which allow a recognized Government to purchase
war materials but forbds patriot forces doing the
same. until they have established and obtained
recognition of their belligerency.
There is reported to have been some diversity OF
Judgment among members of the Cabinet on the
proper policy to be pursued with regard to Cuba.
There can be no doubt of the direction taken by their
sympathies unless Secretary Fish be made excep-
ton Mr. Borie is also understood to have leanings
toward what are termed conservative views Singu-
hrly enough there have been expressed by some one
intimately related to members OF the administration,
the idea that Spain has a valid claim to Cuba, and
that as colony it belongs to her by right of dis
covery and long control. Ii there were any validity
in this it would be well answered in the words OF
the Cubans themselves: The experience Of three and
a hdT centuries has already ShOWR to everybody that
Spain knous not iriu NOT and cannot gOrerR its colo
mics saEe h the iron rule and Nth corrupt riecs and
purposes" The conservative views of Gov. Fish, are
probably caused by the fear Of disturbing the fnan-
cial condition and commercial relations OF the conn
try. 1t is understood that he called on Special Com
missioner Wells for statement relating to our conf
merce with Cuba and its bearings on the National
revenues The Custom dues received from Cuban
exports amount to over twenty millions; the loss of
which, it is believed would make a serious differ
ence to our means of meeting interest on the
public debt But such a policy must be
considered very shOrt-sighted, as our trade
with Cuba the island once republicanized and in
dependent, would expand to an extent hitherto I'M
dreamed Of
OF the other members of 1.-THE Administration, it is
very we'll known that the Secretary of War, Gen.
Rawlins, has positive and pronounced afinites and
would not hesitate to recognize Cuban independence
at The earliest possible moment. The General may
be set down as the aggressive spirit in the Cabinet
he believes heartily in the broadcast Interpretation
OF the Monroe doctrine. and holds to the idea of
Stephen A. Douglas, that to become ocean
bound republic is our manifest destiny" 1t will
be found that with Rawlins in the War Department,
and Sherman at Army Headquarters, no necessary
precanton within their province will be omitted.
such as, for instance the garrisOnng Of Key West
with troops available for movement at any moment.
Gov Boutwell,, whose position at the head Of
the Treasury Department necessarily forces
the Cuban question upon his cOnsid-
Grafton, is known to be unequiyocally in SYM
pathy with the Cuban patriots while he deems it
essential that no unlawful movements shall he con-
nived at by this Government Mr. Boutwell, would,
however, hold the Spanish authorities TO immediate
accountability for any act that seemed to infringe
OH rights or njure our citizens but he undoubt-
edy holds generally to the views of Mr.. Sumner on
international questions, and is opposed TO our max
ing the British precedent OF basty aud unfriendly
recognition the rule for our own guidance believing
that such acts proofs of greyOus defect in the
code Of nations which needs amending and that we
should use our opportunity TO both secure reparaton
and change that will guard against such contingent
sles hereafter. Secretaries Cox and Cresswel are
both likely to lean more to the radical views Of Gen