The New York herald., 1869-05-11
spain and Cuba-The Real Position.


There is a singular similarity, though an ap-
parent contradiction, in the positions occupied
respectively by Spain and Cuba, which, though
ignored by the parties aiming to assist the
Spanish agents in this country to rivet and
preserve the last links of colonial despotism in
America, must exercise an important influence
in the final settlement Of the contest in the
Antilles. The revolution of September last in
the Iberian peninsula drove out the ancient
dynasty and derogated the ancient form of
government. By an almost unanimous upris-
ing Of the people these acts were confirmed,
and to-day the Cortes is sitting in special con-
vention for the purpose of deciding what form
of government shall rule the nation. No man
in Spain or out of it presumes to ques-
ton the right of the Spanish people
to decide this important question, and
all the arguments presented in behalf Of a
monarchical or republican system expressly
recognize the right of the people to determine
the matter. In accordance with our usual
practice the representative of the United States
in Madrid was the first to recognize the popular
world ours is probably the only one whose gov
ernment and diplomatic agents are not actively
at work to influence the decision of the national
representatives in Spain.
The motive and reason of the Spanish revo-
luton were the tyranny and corruption OF the
Bourbon rule. Without concert of action with
the Spanish people, but animated by the same
feelings, the people Of Cuba determined to
throw off the same despotism which enthralled
them, and, with but little difference of time,
they began the movement. The colonial gov
ernment, under Captain General Lersundi, re-
fused to recognize alike the acts of the Spanish
people and Of those OF Cuba. To the last
moment Of his power In Cuba he held friendly
communication With the exiled Queen. When
superseded, the new Captain General was not
permitted by the Spanish traders in Havana to
recognize any popular rights in Cuba, and the
government there was committed TO course
antagonistic to every idea that is to-day pro-
claimed in Spain. Under false representations
0or the people Of Spain know little OF what is
passing in Cuba) several thousands of men
udNc Dttu iuuuCtu W NOinuteer lot service In
the island. Athousand Of these from Cataluha,
arrived recently in Havana, and when they
learned the antagonistic character Of the con-
Hict numbers of them began to express dissatis-
faction. Great efforts we're made, however,
with banquets and speeches and triumphal
arches, to suppress this feeling, and to great
extent it succeeded sufficiently TO get them of
TO the field.
IL is significant fact, however, that a
portion of the officers refused to embark further
in the service and have returned to Spain.
Our private advices from Havana state that the
same feeling has already spread to remarka-
Bile extent AMONG the resident spaniards there,
and should the government forces receive any
serious check in the field It may show itself
on the surface to an extent little suspected at
the present moment. The people Of Spain and
Cuba are to-day each claiming the right to e.
tablish their form Of government. and the logic