The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-21
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.
Rd,t0r,nI Opinions of the Leading Journals
ginon Current Topics Compiled Every
nav for the Evening Telegraph
CUBA-rHE EXCITEMENT IN SPAIN.

A telegram
nress has been in a complete ferment of ex-
citement and indignation since the presenta-
tion of General Sickles notes TO the Govern
mant Sickles himself comes in for share
of abuse as well as the United States Govern
ment. 1t is said by the excited press that he
was sent to Madrid because he was known to
fo he n strong partisan of Cuban annexation.
The nress of Spain, England, and France is
much occupied with this subject also. While
there is still some of the old jealousy of the
United States apparent In the ARTICLES OF the
London and Paris newspapers, the Cuban
question and difficulties are in general fairly
discussed. ssThis change of tone is significant
and indicates the drift of public sentiment in
Eurooe on the subject There seems to be
an Impression that war between Spain and
the United States is possible. One Of the
London journals says the war enthusiasm is
gathering fast in Spain, and that what with
Spanish pride and American sympathes the
situation is very critical. Then, in connection
with this excitement in Spain, we hear of the
Government sending vessels OF war ana al
ditional troops to Cuba.
Governments do very foolish things some-
times as well as individuals and Spain has
been famous for that in her disastrous wars
with the South American colonies and repub
lies. The Spaniards are very proud, and in
the excess of their pride and chagrin at the
prospect of losing Cuba may talk OF war; but
we have no idea that Spain will venture upon
81 conflict with the United States for there
would be neither honor nor profit in such a
conflict She would lose all her remaining
American possessions and get nothing in re-
turn but defeat and an enormous increase OF
her debt. Indeed, she has not the means to
wage such q war; ''It is difficult to believe, as
one of the European journals says, THAT Spain,
with divided people, bankrupt treasury,
one colony in revolt, others to lose, and no.
b nnnfQOnIOIQtn
with one of the greatest powers on earth.
Nor do we see what cause Spain has or can
have to declare war against the United States.
Our Government has been active for year
during the struggle in Cuba infavoring Spain
by suppressing expeditions to aid the Cubans
1t has indirectly aided Spain by permitting
arms, ammunition and supplies to go from this
country for the Spaniards while it has been
vigilant in preventing any leaving for the
Cubans In fact, it has gone in direct opposi-
tion to public sentiment here in the desire to
show its goodfeelinga and honesty to friendly
nation. And now when the war in Cuba
has been prolonged for a year, when the
atrocious conduct of it by Spain has shocked
the civilized world, when the Cubans have
the insurrection promises to be successful our
Government offers itself as mediator to set
tie the difficulty. Is that cause of war? Is
the offer to guarantee hundred millions of
dollars to Spain for the independence of
Cuba, when by simply being passive OF mac
tive Cuba would be freed without paying a
dollar, an unfriendly act? Can this
moderation and iberality of the United
States be construed into acause of war? The
Regent Serrano certainly did not so consider
it, for he thanked our Government, through
MIR. SiclKles, for its offer of mediation He
went SO far even as to submit a modified pro-
position to that of Mr.. Sickles for the settle
ment of the difficulty, having for its end the
independence of Cuba. Though the terms of
his proposition were extravagant and could
not be entertained, the fact that Spain con-
sented to negotiate for the independence of
Cuba at all was important, and showed that
the action of the United States could not be
regarded as offensive The people of Spain
will probably look at the matter in the same
light their Government does after the first
ebullition of excitement subsidies. Indeed, if
they act as sensible men they will do so. Our
special telegram from Washington, published
on yesterday, goes to show that the opinions of
the British and French newspapers on
the subject of Cuba count as nothing
cannot understand why the Spaniards
should become so intensely excited
over the offer by General Sickles of good
round sum of money for the island, with the
chance of being freed from the care of peo-
pie who, it appears, do not want them. Our
diplomatic action In Madrid conveyed no
threat, but, on the contrary, much excellent
advice 1t intimated that delay was particu-
larly dangerous in this case-a fact which is
confirmed by the enunciated resolve of the
Cubans that the growing crops shall be de-
stroyed, and the island rendered desert by
their own hands, before they shall submit
again to Spanish rule.
But the excitement spoken of in Spain
seems to arise from the apprehension that the
American Government will go further and
recognize the beligerent rights or indepen
dence of Cuba. And there is reason for this
even if our Minister at Madrid has intimateC
to the Government there that such might bt
the case. Well, has not the United States
right to do this ? Do not all nations act so il
the case of civil wars when their interests
humanity, and State policy lead them to sucf
course? ? Has not Spain herself done so
We might refer to the hasty recognition of ou
Southern States as belligerents by the Euro
pean powers, of which Spain was one, and t.
many other cases; but no argument is needed
Our Government has been more forbearin
and waited longer in the case of Ouba-yes
even against the sentiment and feeling of th
American people-than is generally the cas-
where national interests and policy are il
volved. We might refer to the unfriendl
conduct of Spain in joining the coalitio
seize San Domingo and in making war upo
our sister republics of America in defiance
the cherished American policy proclaimed i
the Monroe doctrine at the time when OF
hands were tied by a gigantic civil war; bl
we are too magnanimous to raise this que
tion for the purpose of retaliation. We wis
-. f,sa 1lxr L.,