The Portland daily press., 1869-03-31

The Cuban Question-The Spanish side
PORTLAND, March "a, 1869.

The Cuban Questionable spanish Side.
PORTLAND, March "a, 1869.
To the Editor Of the Press:
Reports in regard to the political condition
of Cuba, and prejudicial to the course pur-
sued by Capt. Gen. Dulce, representing the
home government, and for the purpose of ex-
citing our sympathy in favor of the insurrec-
ton, should be received with great care.
The home government should have our
sympathy for its bloodless resolution, driv-
ing from the country the Royal family, over
turning the most corrupt government in
Europe and establishing a liberal form of
government, with liberty of speech and the
press, and federation of allreligions-and full
representation in the Cortes.
Could the progressive party in Spain do
more? Could we expect more of them? Do
we as people enjoy morep
The leaders of the revolution have GER
tainly given the country stable government
up to the present time and have shown much
tact and administrative ability, considering
the element of society they have had to deal
with.
1t is very doubtful if a Republican form-of
government could be established in Spain,
and it certainly could not until the most of
thepeople became more intelligent.
The emperor of France, would be ready at
any moment to give his influence to any fac
ton for the overthrow Of liberal govern
ment in Spain. 1t could not be otherwise;
the safety of his own dynasty, would lead
him to do so. believe that the leaders of the
revolution were honest, intelligent men who
love their country, were patriotic, ,and will give
1t the best government possible. The home
government did at the commencement of Gen.
Dulce's administration, grant to Cuba liberty
of speech and the press, reduction of taxeS
and general amnesty to all political offenders,
and was progressing to the abolition of slav-
ery-and the only question at issue was the
Independence of the Island from the Mother
Country. Could this be granted? Porto
hico would have demanded the same, and
every Province in Spain might have demand
ed the same, leading to anarchy and confu-
sion. The result would have been the dis
tructions of all government, French protec-
torate or something worse, rejoicing the
enemies of free institutions in Europe. If the
present government of Spain should accede
to the demands Of the rebels in Cuba, it could
not stand for one day before the popular in
dignation Of the people. Cuba is toe rich a
jewel to be severed from the Mother country.
It is not the government of the Bourbon
dynasty, that now rules Spain, but govern
ment of the people, seeking to establish liber-
al institutions, and one that as a nation, we
should sustain by our sympathy and aid
When that government shall prove recreant
to its professions, and rstrogra9e, then let
us condemn it.
There are many reports in circulation,
| without the least foundation in truth, for in
stance the shooting Of a lady in the theatre
in Havana at the time of the riot The lady
reported killed was not in Havana at the
time-but who contradicted it?-only one
paper in this city. Many reports of cruelty
on the part of the government were put IN
circulation by sugar speculators and the reb-
| els.
| MANY of the articles In the press OF this
| country, originated with the agent OF the as
sociated press, in the interest of the rebels in
Hayana-who short time since ran away
from Cuba, taking with him $4,000 to $4,000,
the property of Madam Almy, a most estima-
BILE lady, whose agent ne was.
The State prisoners who lately embarked
for Fernando Po, were treated with the ut
most kindness and consideration, and had ev-
cry comfort possible.
Let US remember as a people the course OF
the English press and politicians with some
honorable exceptions) in the contest OF our
| government with the South, and not place
ourselves in the same position.
Our commerce with Cuba is too important
to be trifed with, and we should not encour-
AGE rebels in the overthrow of government
which promises all that the friends Of liberty
and humanity could ask for, and SO far as we
are interested would result in the loss OF our
entire trade with Cuba for years, If the pres
emf government is destroyed.
MERCHANT.
Commercial Street.