The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-01
Position CT the Administration on the Cuban
Question.

Position CT the Administration on the Cuban
Question.
As the time is approaching when the policy
of the administration with regard to Cuba will
he made public in the Presidents message to
Congress, there is naturally some anxiety to
know, particularly among the large class of
our citizens who warmly sympathize with tho
Cubans what the President will say and what
he will recommend. We think the information
we have received will enable us to satisfy the
anxiety Of the people on this subject The
message Of tho President will be The direct
expression of his own sentiments and views,
and we shall see none of the red tape style or
diplomatic subterslge Of the State Department
III IL. The President, we believe, will first
state the course and action of the government
on the Cuban question. We shall know, pro-
ably, the facts relative to the offered media
don of The United States with Spain for tho
independence of Cuba through General
Sicies, 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, vindicate the
action of the government in enforcing the
neutrality laws in the seizure of Cuban cxpc-
ditons and vessels, as well as in the case of
the Spanish guaboats. He will also indicate,
we believe, his own views as to what the
future course Of the government should be, and
leave the matter with Congress-, either for spe-
cial legislation or for an expression Of opinion
for the guidance Of the administration.
There can be no question as to the sympathy
oil General Grant for the Cubans and as to his
desire to see the Cuban revolution successful
lie has frequently expressed this It accords
with his well known republican sentiments,
with his love Of republican institutions, with
his broad views Of American policy on all
American questions. and with his desire to
extend the power aud grandeur of this great
republic. We saw in the case Of the Maxi
milan 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 great American question affecting
the stability and progress Of republican institu-
tons on this Continent. Looking at his whole
public history, his character and expressed
views, there is every reason to believe he is
heartily in favor OF Cuban independence. He
has strictly enforced the neutrality laws because
- 4 J,,t,y fba Of tba
lie. while he regretted the necessity of thus
indirectly favoring Spanish despotism and
hindering the cause Of republican liberty. Nor
is he insensible to the sentiment Of the Ameri-
can peonle 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 Rawlns,
| or any other heightened American patriot, been
at the head of tho State Department., instead
Of sfr. Fish, beiligerent rights would have been
| accorded to the Cubans or their independence
acknowledged before now. Having confidence
in the patriotism and wisdom Of his Secretary
Of State, General Grant was not willing to act
even upon his own views or wish, though ne is
6rm and bold enough to do SO when crisis
comes or any question eliminates The Cuban
question has come to point when we believe
the President feels it will be proper for the gov
eminent to act decisivciy In support Of the
Cuban cause, and that his forthcoming message
to Congress will show this.
We understand there il 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 tue Cuban ques-
| ton 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 Span
| ish 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 rev
| enue year from the island. An army Of
hungry Spanish officials have fed upon the I'M
fortunate Cubans. OF course Spain would
willingly spend large sums upon agents in this
] country corrupt Americans and others--to