The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-09-26
Cuba In fhe Cabinet.

dent to Washington, have taken up the Cuban
question with some earnestness, and have
given us at least definite idea of the sitaa-
ton as it Is known in government circles. 1t
is satisfactory to learn that although-as our
dispatches state-''nothing was done" still
good many Of the stories concerning General
Sickles' negotiations with the Spanish govern
ment have been exploded. 1t is not said that
his note was repudiated by our administra-
ton, nor that he himself recalled the note
under instructions from Washington, nor,
indeed, that any of the rumors from Madrid
were true except that General Sickles
declares, in recent despatch, that the Span
ish Regency has respectfully declined the pro-
posed mediation Of the United States between
Spain and Cuba. We may conclude, there
fore, that the bargain making business is at
an end, which we think is a bad thing for
Spain. She has had magnificent oppor-
tunity Of realizing fair price for the island,
the payment to be guaranteed by this coun-
try-a nation whose word is as good as its
bond. If Spain wants to press the matter to
the ultimatum Of war it is understood that
the Cabinet is willing to meet her. How ever,
while it is evident that the Cuban question
cannot be settled except with the sanction Of
this country, and in accordance with its
wishes and interests, it does not follow that it
must be done by means of war. Spain and
her advisers have enough to do in Europe to
stave off the complications which the present
aspect of things in France, Prussia and Aus
tria would seem to threaten. There is, In
fact, more danger OF conflict between the
Powers of Europe than between Spain and
the United States, whatever may turn up in
the Cuban matter If Spain should get bel
ligerent just now it is not likely that she would
find many allies on the Continent of Europe
willing to back her up with cOntingents on
land and sea; and any attempt to make war
upon us under these circumstances would be
crushed out in thirty days. We opine that
the Regency knows its position very well, and
that all talk of war is mere b0mbast
The annexation of Cuba to this country,
whether by revolutionary strife on the part of
its own people or by purchase, is foregone
conclusion; and it might as well be gracefully
admitted by Spain and the other foreign Pow
ers as not. Free Cuba would come to us with
that bone of contention, of fear and of distrust,
slavery, altogether removed; so that the veri-
est radical cannot grumble on that point. We
find in the letter of Mr.. Lemus, the Cuban
Envoy a positive assurance that article
tuvantv five of the Cuban constitution provides
s:that all the inhabitants of the island of Cuba
are absolutely Free This, of course, includes
negroes, and was SO designed by the patriots
who framed the constitution; that, in accord
slaves coming within the lines of the Cuban
army are at once emancipated, as well as those
who are included in the territory occupied by
the Cuban forces, and that great many of the
Cuban planters outside the lines of the Cuban
army have smancipated their slaves, and
this in defiance of the Spanish authorities
| Free Cuba would, therefore, become a par
of our domain, In case of annexation, unquali
fedly free in her domestic az well as in heI
political institutions, even If our own laws die
not make the existence of slavery an impossi-
| bility.
The late Cabinet meeting has dispelled 6
| good deal of the fog which hung about ou
relations with the Spanish government SPAR
wisdom. Our administration is evidently dis
posed to be firm. We believe that it will b,
| consistent also.