The New York herald., 1869-09-04

Inc independence OF Cuba mas Deen oMciaty
acknowledged by one nation. Peru has led
the way for the other republics of South and
! North America. We published yesterday the
text of the decree promulgated by President
Balta declaring that 'The independence of
the island of Cuba from Spanish dominion, and
also the republican form of government therein
established are hereby recognized" Peru, tits
known is one of the most important and -four
| ishing republics of South America. 1t has
larger population than any other, except New
Granada and its action will soon be followed,
no doubt, by the other republics of that cOnti-
nent Nor will Mexico be slow in following
the example. Indeed, we may expect to hear
shortly that the independence of Cuba is re-
cognized by all the nations of America, South
and North, except Brazil and the United
States. Brazil, Of COURSE can have no SYM
pathy with the Cubans or any other people
struggling for liberty and to establish repub-
lican form of government. AS monarchy
she is naturally the friend of Spain and royalty
| everywhere. Her government Is an anomaly
and a pernicious exotic on American soil.
will the United States do with regard to Cuba
| Will it follow the example of Peru and recog-
| nize the independence of the Cubans? The
encouragement or support thus given by Peru
or that will be given by the other smaller re-
publics of America to the Cubans will have
good effect but after all their success and the
fate of their rich and beautiful country may
depend upon the action or inaction OF the
United States. It is true the Cubans may pro-
long the struggle, or even conquer their inde-
pendence ultimately, without the recognition
OF interposition of the American government;
but what would Cuba be worth afterwards
What horrors of war and what terrible sacri-
flee of life would be the consequent CO of such
cold-blooded policy?
The question arises here, then, what will
our government do? We hear from Washing
ton, we hear from different points of the cOun-
| try where the President and his Cabinet are
| perambuating, and we hear indirectly from
! the mouths of General Grant and Secretary
| Fish, that the administration cordially sympa-
| thizes with the Cubans and that 1t Is taking
measures to secure their independence. Nor
| can we doubt that it is 80. General Grant, we
feel assured, is sincere and earnest in his de-
| sire to see Cuba free, and the Secretary of
State has expressed the same desire too plainly
to doubt his sincerity. Congress has already
| spoken in the most emphatic manner. The
unanimous vote of the House of Representa-
tives expressing sympathy with the Cubans
was full of meaning and indicates further
action on the part of Congress when
it reassembles. There is but one sentiment
on this subject throughout the country.
The people of all sections and classes are for
the Cubans, and wish the government to take
measures for their independence. Why, then,
this delay? Ifit be the policy and determine
ton of the government and people of the
United States that Cuba shall be free, why
does the administration hesitate and temporize
30 long? It seems to us that the time has
come when the Cubans should be recognized
as belligerents at least and thus give them
the same status and privileges as the Spaniards
| in the purchase of materials of war. The gov
ernment did well in placing an embargo on the
gunboats being constructed here for the Span
iards, and it is to be hoped that these war
vessels will not be allowed to leave the United
States but it should not stop at this point.
Arms and munitions of war are frequently
shipped here for the Spaniards in Cuba, while
the Cubans are denied this privilege. Let the
belligerents be put on the same footing. This
will neither seriously affect our peaceful rela-
tons or negotiations with Spain nor the Ala
bama claims, and might stir up the Spanish
government to more prompt settlement of the
Cuban question.
Judging from the news which we have re-
ceived lately from Spain, 1t is evident the gov
ernment at Madrid, as well as the Spanish
press and people, begin to lower their naughty
! tone about subjugatng the insurrection ani
holding on to the island Of Cuba at all hazards
The latest telegraphic despatch from Madrit
saws 1.-THE journals here are desponden
, about Cuba, and demand fuller official informa
ton of the state of affairs on the island" No
can Spain fail to be impressed by the views G
the leading journals Of Europe, which shOV
that the only solution Of the Cuban difficulty
to turn the island over to the United States O
cede lis independence. In every point Of view
then, we think the time has come when on
government should speak in unmstakab
language to the Spanish Regency as to II
> policy concerning Cuba and the inevita
' ble destiny of that island. Delay ma
only create complications, perpetuate the ho
y rors of most atrocous system Of war, an
d make the island, like St. Domingo, which ais
!, was once the richest gem Of the Antilles, con
q paratively valuecss to us or to the worl'
:; This is the paramount question of the day, ar
q, we hope the administration will act on
Q. promptly and with decision.