The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-12
The Cuban Question aud the Admnistra-
fsOu.

The Cuban question has become very i'm
portant one, and perhaps the most important
of any that occupies the public mind or that
the administration has to deal with. II is 50
in every point of view-national, international
or political 1t cannot be ignored trifed with,
or the settlement of it long deferred We see
in the seizure and detention of the Hornet
both the judicial and international phase of
the question prominently brought forward in
the action of the administration, through our
Minister at Madrid, offering mediation with a
view to the independence of Cuba, the desire
and purpose of the government; and in the
expressions of our public men and drift of
popular sentiment the political aspect of
the question. Everything is tending to an
early decision one way or the other, and from
these signs of the times there can be no doubt
as to what that decision must be-
The administration has been exceedingly
cautious and prudent, and has even placed
itself in opposition to public sentiment, in the
desire to uphold the honor of the republi in
its international relations and to command the
respect Of the world for its moderation 1t
has subjected itself to the charge of timidity
through this excessive prudence. There would
have been more decided expression of popu-
lar sentiment, and greater pressure upon the
administration for prompt action in favor of
the Cubans, if the people had not relied upon
the declared sympathy of the President and of
the Secretary of State and other members of
the Cabinet. Having confidence in this they
have waited patiently, believing that the gov
eminent would not disappoint their hopes and
would recognize the Cubans without unneces-
sary delay. They have not believed even that
Mr. Summers bugbear of the Alabama claims
would hinder the administration from taking
decided and prompt action in favor of the
Cubans But, as the old proverb goes, '.hope
deferred maketh the heart sick" The delay
of the government begins to create restless
anxiety and doubt Of its courage and ability.
A year has passed since the Cubans struck the
first blow for independence. They have been
gaining strength all the time, and that to such
a degree as to call forth all the power Of
| Spain to wage war against them. They are
entitled to recognition as belligerents, at least,
according to the law of nations and upon the
principle Of humanity, had we no other object
in view. But when we consider the broad
| American policy which we have always pro-
claimed with regard to the freedom of people
on this side of the Atlantic from European
domination, and Of the sympathy of this
republic with all who are struggling for repub-
lican liberty, there is another and powerful
motive for the prompt recognition of the
/ Cubans
How far the case of the Hornet, the action
of the Spanish government, or the difficulties
surrounding the Spanish gunboats at our ship
yards may bring the administration to speedy
decision we cannot yet determine. The Horne
seems to have been turned over to the judicia
authorities, but the decision in that case pro
badly will be in accordance with tn,
wish and policy of the government. In sucl
questions having an International bearing th'
law is generally made elastic to suit the view
and purposes of the government, for there ar
in almost all cases fresh circumstances tina