The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-14
Cuba--Whaf Is the Position OF the Admin
istrntiOne


The carefully and cunningly worded letter,
dated from Washington, which was sent by the
Associated Press to all the newspapers, and
published yesterday, on the present attitude Of
the administration with regard to Cuba, natu-
rally leads to the inquiry whether Mr. Secre-
tary Fish is backing down or not. This letter
has something of the red-tape style of the State
Department, and exhibits a weakness which
we can readily believe the Secretary might
evince; but from its general character and
tone we are inclined to think 1t was Inspired
by the Spanish Minister at Washington or by
some underling of the State Department under
his influence We are the more disposed to
take this view when we consider that Mr.. Fish
himself not long ago talked in a very different
strain upon the Cuban question, when we call
to mind the fact that the President has on
several occasions spoken warmly and hopefully
for the Cubans, and when we recur to the
declaration of General Sickles to the govern
ment at Madrid, that the United States would
have to recognize, at no distant day, the Cubans
as belligerents. In short, we are not willing
TO believe the administration would back down
to the extent indicated by the spirit and tone
of this Washington letter.
The argument used to cover up the timidity
ignorance and short sightedness OF the Secre-
tary of State on this Cuban que stion is as fall
lacious as it is weak. After stating that ''the
United States government had been asked to
follow the example of Mexico and Peru and
other South American republics, and thus
officially encourage the Cubans in their strug-
gle against Spain" the writer goes on to say
that 'the reasons for not acquiescng in such
appeals are based on the law of nations, the
conditions of the island not justifying, in the
opinion of the administration, the recognition
Of the Cuban flag" What is the law of nations
on this subject? There is no fixed or deter
mined law. Nations are governed In each
case according to the circumstances that sur
round it, and generally from political consider
atoms and self interest. The only general
recognized law is that before conceding bel
ligerent rights to people they must show
their ability to sustain a war, with reason
able prospect OF ultimate success, Apply this
rule to the case Of Cuba and what must be the
conclusion? The Cubans have maintained
their war for independence over year. From
the smallest beginning and with very limited
means they have been gaining ground all the
time They have improvised and created
resources for war and are stronger to-day than
ever. The whole population, white and black
| for since slavery has been declared abolished
| by the Cespedes government the negroes are
with the Cubans-are heart and soul for indie
| pendence, with the exception of limited
number Of spaniards and Spanish officials.
| Never, perhaps, was there more unanimty in
q country struggling to be free. Then, as to
the prospect Of ultimate success, scarcely any
one in this country has any doubt. Mr. Fish
himself has said that Cuba Ia destined to be
free. There IS nothing, in fact, in the law of
nations, so-called, to hinder the recognition OF
the Cubans az belligerents.
But, as was said, nations make law for
| themselves or construe the law governing
! such cases to suit their own policy. Humanity,
the cause Of liberty, progress, the weakening
OF strengthening Of nations in certain circum-
1 sldnIGrs hih tthtt SohsiaSAhiVHs, ds UFoWHHt
to bear upon the question of recognition. It
has been the policy of this republic from its
! foundation to give aid and comfort as far as
possible TO every people struggling for freedom
Especially has IL endeavored to promote the
cause of republican liberty in all the countries
Of America, and TO exclude, as far as praci-
cable, European and monarchical domination on
! American soil W. have never failed to seize