The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-26
~ die 6svernnent Any Policy with Re.
gard % Cubas

nsns>4ang.----~------
Has de Gsvernnent Any Policy with Re-
gard 70 Cubas
1t is said that General Sickles mission to
Spain has reference especially to securing the
independence or annexation of Cuba. The
administration, or some OF Its members and
organs, have put forth this idea among the
Washington correspondents Of the press. This
reported action of the government has been
used, in fact, to allay the impotence of the
public with regard to the extreme rlgor with
which the neutrality laws have been enforced
against the Cubans and their friends. What
is the truth in this matter2 Has the govern
ment any policy on the Cuban question? Is
General Sickles to use his efforts to secure the
independence or acquisition of Cuba2 Or Is
all this talk only to cover up the hesitating
timiditY and VIGOROUSLY unpopular course Of
the administration
We see by our European news that General
Sickles had arrived at Madrid, and from his
rapid journey thither, not stopping on the way
at London, Paris or anywhere else, 1t would
seem as If he were intent on business. But
we are left in the dark. The country wants
to know and ought to know what the policy of
the administration is if it has any. The age
of red tape and reticence in international
affairs is passed. 1t is time our old
fogy Cabinet officers understood this.
The great statesman of Prussia, and
perhaps we may say Of the world, Count Bis
marck. understands it; for it will be remem-
bered by our readers thai he freely and fully
discussed with the HERALD correspondent
important questions Of national and interna-
tional policy, knowing that it was all to be pub
lished in New York and would 60 back to
Europe. No; the time has gone by when the
diplomats and governments of the world could
clothe their views and doings in mystery, as
the tmld ostrich hides Its head from fear of
those who look at it. Let the American
people, and for that the whole world, too,
know what the policy of the United States is
be listened 10 with not less attention and the
Spanish people will better appreciate whatever
motives or arguments may be made when
boldly proclaimed.
If the administration is about to open the
question of the status and future of Cuba with
the Spanish government it will not be difficult,
we suppose, to show that this distant possess
sion of Spain can no longer be profitable or
useful as a colony to the Old Country. From
the strength Of the insurrection in Cuba and
from all appearances that island will conquer
its independence but if that should not be the
result the colony will be ruined and never
more of value to Spain. 1t would only be an
expense and constant trouble to the home gov
eminent; and in the end, sooner or later, it
must become Independent and fall into the
American republican system. Should the
statesmen of Spain take broad and liberal
view of the situation and magnanimously give
up the colony they would secure the gratitude
of the Cubans, the lasting friendship of this
republic, and good share of the increased
trade that would be developed in and with the
island. On the other hand, should our
government have no policy relative to Cuba,
and make no efforts to stop the effusion OF
blood and the ponding ruin that hangs over
that rich island-should it, in fact, calmly and
indifferently let things drift on as they are
going, there will arise burst of indignation
throughout this republic, and our relationr
with Snain hnn~--- -'J 'oinpii'"'oo'
Inere is no question rs to the tone of popular
sentiment in America. The emphatic express
sion of Congress just before it adjourned, the
well known views of most Of the leading men
of the country, and the course of the press
generally, show that the recognition of the
Cubans, as beuigerents at least, must come at
| no distant day. Several of the South American
republics have already recognized them as
belligerents, and all will soon. The United
States cannot pursue long different policy,
and declare against the principles of American
republicanism. which we here have constantly
| upheld before all the world and proclaimed to
every people when struggling to be free. The
position this country holds at present, if there
be not motive in it to secure the indie
| pendence of Cuba through Spain herself, is
unworthy Of the great republic. By all means
let the government have some definite policy
and let the people know what it is.
| The French Atlantic Cable.