The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-04-13


The signs Of the times portend change, per-
haps trouble, certainly revolution, bloodless
we hopes a revolution brought about by
conflict Of Ideas, Of antagonistlo principles,
conflict between q dead conservatism on
the one hand and live republican and dem
oeratic ideas and movements on the other.
Our House Of Representatives very prop
crly, as we think, passed. Joint resolution
authorizing President Grant to recognize
the first de GIctO Republican government that
may show power to maintain itself In the
island Of Cubai In other words, 10 recognize
the independence of Cuba. This resolution
ought to have passed the Senate, but Ii did
not 1t is, nevertheless, a sufficient indica-
ton and guarantee to tho Administration
that In a moral point Of view the Ameri can
people mean this; and We think that Gen.
Grant will so understand 1t.
Popular sentiment and opinion In the
United States is for Just this thing which
Gen. Banks put into his resolution, and II
the policy of the new Administration be
shaped In accordance with those views the
people will endorse the Administration, We
do not speak authoritatively for the State
Department nor for the Administration. We
only reflect the views and wishes of the pco-
plei still we are confident that President
Grant is In sympathy with the Vows and
wishes OF the people upon this subject. Now
Is the time to give practical effect to the
Monroe doctrine, and II Is high time also
that this much.talked-of policy was made
to appear to be something more than mere
hypothetical moral delusion. It should be-
come verify, q demonstration; and we
must give validity and force to II by earnest
and decisive action. There must be no tenn
porlzlng, no unnecessary and wasteful de-
lays no mastery inactivity; but action, bold
and courageous. Now is the time to spread
republican ideas and principles all over the
American continent, and our Admlnistra-
ton can make itself immensely popular,
and besides do a great work for humanity
ana progress by acting In obedience to the
moral teachings and instruction Of the times
and the hour.
Just now, however, we do not like. we
confess, the work which our Gulf squadron
appears to be doing. 1t strikes US that Il is
supporting the revolutionary Government Of
spain against the republicans Of Cuba. 1t
should sec TO 1t that our citizens In Cuba are
protected, and that they have fair play, and
also that the revolutionary cause In the ISL
and should be duly recognized. There can
be no harm in this. Indeed, 1t is our duty to
do this very thing.
We know how readily conservatism In this
country cries out; "Oh! don't interfero.
don't bring about any complications with
England and France, such as NAV inyolye ma
IN foreign war;" All such notions arc pre.
postcrous. They are the offspring Of an up.
founded and lll-timed fear. England cannot
90 to war with us on account of our oc.
acknowledgement of the independence of Cuba.
1t could not If We were to concedo 70 the in.
surgents in that island belllgereut ripbts.
England has her North American provinces,
ana now long would her domination CON-
tlnuc over the Canadas II she were to declare
war with us She cannot do IL. She will
not do 1t. Let her remember that the Ala.
paiha claims still remain unsettled, and that
all the mischief she did us during our civil
war arc to be accounted for! If the order
goes forth from Washington that the Spanish
Government must release at once every
American citizen there imprisoned, and re.
store every dollar of their confscatcd pron-
cFty; and moreover, If this order rccop-
nIzcs the Independence of the revolutionary
"' JIrid government In that island, what can
England do about III She cannot, and dare
not LIT finger.
And then, what eau France have to saw
Louis Napoleon can do nothing. The moral
power of the Emperor of France stands
trembling In the balance to-day, and the
moment the French Emperor should attempt
to do a thing 10 checkmato the United States
In work such as this programme indicates,
MS power would slide from under him, and |
he would be unable to liz finger in favor
OF The Spanish domination in Cuba as against
tue Government at Washington.
Republican principles arc spreading in Eu-
rope Italy Is being shaken by them already,
and the present empire will soon fall to |
pieces, and with it down goes the empire of |
Of France us built by Louis Napoleon. Aag
then Tor the fears. Away with them. Let |
our Gulf squadron be Instructed TO do what |
the American people desire and liberty |
Will triumph In Cuba, and soon European
ru.c viii cease on the American continent,