The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-11-02
SPIRIT OF xHn PRESS.
editorial Opinions of the Leading Journals
Ifpon Cdrrent TOplcs-COinpiled Every
Day for the Evening Telegraph.
POSITION OF THE ADMINISTRATION
ON THE CUBAN QUESTION.


From the N. Y. Herald.
AS the time is approaching when the policy
of the administration with regard to Cuba
will be made public in the President message
TO Congress. there is naturally some anxiety to
know, particularly among the large class of
our citizens who warmly sympathize with the
Cubans. what the President will say aud what
he viii recommend. We think the informa-
ton we have received will enable MS to satisfy
the anxiety of the people on this subject. The
message of the President will be the direct
expression of his own sentiments and views,
and we shall see none of the red tape style or
diplomatic subterfuge of the State Department
III it, The President, we believe will first
state the course and action Of the Government
on the Cuban question. We shall know, pro
babv the facts relative to the offered media
ton of the United States with Spain for the
independence of Cuba through General
Sickies. and whether any other agencies have
been employed. We shall learn, no doubt
what the motive was that inspired this offer,
the manner in which the friendly offer was
received the state of the case as it stands at
present, and the prospect of any mediation
or negotiation being practicable in future.
Then the President will, we think, vindlcate
the action of the Government in enforcing
the neutrality laws in the seizure of Cuban
expeditions and vessels, as well as in the case
of the Spanish gunboats. He will also indi-
cate. we believe, his own views as to what
the future course of the Government should
be, and leave the matter with Congress- either
for special legislation or for an expression of
opinion for the guidance of the administra-
ton.
There can be no question as to the SYM
pathy of General Grant for the Cubans and
as to his desire to see the Cuban revolution
successful. He has frequently expressed this.
1t accords with his well known republican
sentiments with his love of republican insti-
tutions. with his broad views of American
policy on all American questions, and with
his desire to extend the power and gran
deur of this great republic. We saw in
the case of the Macmillan empire and
French occupation of Mexico, when he
would have marched an army across the
Rio Grande and driven the intruders out
how broadly national and bold he was
on a great American question affecting
the stability and progress of republican in
stitutions on this continent. Looking at his
whole public history, his character and ex-
pressed views, there is every reason to be-
lieve he is heartily in favor of Cuban indie
pendenee. He has strictly enforced the neu-
trality laws because it was his duty as the
Executive of the republic, while he regre tied
the necessity of thus indirectly favoring
Spanish despotism and hindering the cause of
republican liberty. Nor is he insensible to
the sentiment of the American people which
calls for the recognition of the Cubans.
He has had the hope, too, that the
Spanish Government would appreciate the
moderation of this country and would listen to
the advice and overtures he has offered. We
think that had the lamented General Rawlins
or any other high-toned American patriot
been at the head of the State Department,
instead of Mr.. Fish, belligerent rights would
have been accorded to the Cubans OF their
independence acknowledged before now.
Having confidence in the patriotism and wis
dom of his Secretary of State, General Grant
was not willing to act even upon his own
views or wish, though he is firm and bold
enough to do to when a crisis comes OF any
question eliminates. The Cuban question
has come to point when we believe the Pre-
sident feels it will be proper for the Govern
ment to act decisively in support of the Cuban
cause, and that his forthcoming message to
Congress will show this.
We understand there is great pressure
made upon the Government, and especially
upon the Secretary of State, by secret SER
vice of Spanish agents in Washington, to pre-
vent the President touching the Cuban ques-
tion in his message. But all this, there is
good reason to believe, will prove unavailing.
No doubt great deal of Spanish money is
being used in this country, poor as the Spanish
Government is. The prize at stake is a
valuable one. The Spanish Regency has re-
fused hundred millions of dollars for Cuba
Spain has drawn forty millions or more of
revenue year from the island. An army of
hungry Spanish officials have fed upon the
unfortunate Onbans. OF course Spain would
willingly spend large sums upon agents in this
country-corrupt Americans and others-to
prevent the United States recognizing the
Cubans and to enable her to hold on to the
island. OF course the Secretary of State
would not be influenced directly or know
ingly by Spanish gold, but may he not indi-
rectly and unwittingly? 1t has been ru-
mored-and Boston newspaper gives cur
rency to the rumor-that Mr.. Fish's son-in-
law receives large fees from the Spanish Gov
ernment for some service. As large a sum as
forty thousand dollars is named. This gen.
tleman, when he was Private Secretary to
President Pierce, dabbled in the Nicaragua
land and emigration scheme under Colonel
Kinney, and, therefore, seems to have taste
for such outside speculations. We do not
charge MIR. Elshs son-in-law with ANYTHING
and he may get forty thousand dollars. or any
other sum, for fees from the Spanish Govern
ment in his profession as lawyer; nor do VIZ
say the Secretary of State has been indirectl,
influenced by him. But we state it as a rumor
and only remark that it seems to be a curiou
circumstance in connection with the persisten
opposition of the State Department to tn
recognition of the Cubans Mr. Fish is
weak, timid man, and no doubt is easily in
fiuenced by those near to him, though b
may be highly honorable and patriotic himself
He is unfit to handle questions of great ns
tional policy where comprehensive views an
boldness of action are required, as in this on
concerning Cuba. We hope and believ