The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-09-17
Cuba-The Time for Action by the Admins
fratiOu.


tratiOn.
Our European telegraphic news gives us
repetition of the old story of another tripartite
arrangement or coalition of the Powers of
Europe to secure the possession of Cuba to
Spain. This time, it is said, that England,
France and Austria have taken some action
against the policy and views of the United
States with regard to Cuba, and that in reply
to circular sent by Spain to the different
nations, relative to the communication of the
American Minister at Madrid, these great
Powers have answered favOrably to ''the
rights of SPAIN" 1t has been said even that
they will form coalition for sustaining Spain
in ''her rights" All this comes, too, at the
time when General Prim has been having
interviews with the Emperor Napoleon.
Then, as supplement to this news, and
in certain way to give color of truth to
it, we are informed by Madrid journal that
General Prim had sent from Paris telegraphic
despatch to the Spanish government declaring
that he would not hesitate at any sacrifice to
subdue the instruction in Cuba. Then.
again, portion of this news has been contra
dicted.
Now, the question arises, what do all these
reports and this agitation signify or portend?
Simply this, that the Cuban question has
assumed an important character in Europe as
well as in America, that Spain is troubled
about it and looking round for support, and
that 1t is fast eliminating to solution. It is
the natural fermentation of ideas and In
terests on the subject on the eve of crisis.
Some Of these reports, doubtless, are canards,
OF are manufactured from prejudice to the
United States or for political purposes. Still
there is at the bottom evident hostility to the
mediation Of the United States in Cuban affairs
and to the proposed purchase of the indie
pendence Of Cuba through our government.
But this talk about tripartite coalition is nom
sense. Neither France nor England, and, least
Of all, Austria, will go into any such Quixotic
enterprise. Whatever the feeling or wishes of
the Emperor Napoleon and the British govern
ment may be with regard to the Cuban ques-
ton, they will not risk any difficulty with the
United States about it.
1t will be remembered that tripartite treaty
of France, England and the United States TO
secure the possession of Cuba to Spain was
proposed to this country during the admins
tration of Mr.. Buchanan, and that it was
promptly and properly rejected by the United
States Times have changed greatly since
that period This mighty republic has devel-
oped power and strength little dreamed of
before. Napoleon burned bis fingers too pain
fully in the imperial Mexican experiment to
venture again upon any active interference
in the affairs Of America as in hostility to the
American policy Of the United States. Eng
land has too much at stake and is too wise to
interfere, and she knows well enough that her
interference would only arouse the American
people and government to more determined
action in favor of the independence of Cuba.
As to the talk of endangering or weakening
our position on the question OF the
Alabama claims, that Is mere bug.