The New York herald., 1869-09-20
Cuba-The Excitement In Spain.

lished yesterday, says the Spanish press has
been in complete ferment of excitement and
indignation since the presentation of General
| Sckles' notes tn the government. Sickles him
self comes in TOR a share of abuse as well as
the United States government. II is said by
the excited press that he was sent to Madrid
because he was known to be strong partisan
of Cuban annexation. The press Of Spain,
England and France is much occupied with
this subject also. While there is still some Of
the old jealousy of the United States apparent
in the articles of the London and Paris news
papers, the Cuban question and difficulties
arc in general fairly discussed. This change
of tone is significant and indicates the drift
| of public sentiment in Europe on the subject.
| There seems to be an impression that war
between Spain and the United States Is posi-
| ble One of the London journals says the
war enthusiasm is gathering fast in Spain, and
that what with Spanish pride and American
sympathies the situation is very critical. Then,
in connection with this excitement in Spain,
we hear of the government sending vessels of
war and additional troops to Cuba.
Governments do very foolish things some
times, as well as individuals, and Spain has
been famous for that In her disastrous wars
with the South American colonies and repub-
lies. The Spaniards are very proud, and in
the excess Of their pride and chagrin at the
prospect of losing Cuba may talk of war; but
We have no idea that Spain will venture upon a
conflict with tho ITnitad Stoto, for tb oro ,,,oid
be neither honor nor profit in such conflict.
She would lose all her remaining American
possessions and get nothing in return but defeat
and an enormous increase of her debt. In
deed, she has not the means to wage such a
war. ''It is difficult to believe" as one of the
European journals says, "that Spain, with
divided people, a brankrupt treasury, one
colony in revolt, others to lose and nothing to
win, can seriously contemplate war with one
Of the greatest Powers on earth"
Nor do we see what cause Spain has or can
have to declare war against the United States.
Our government has been active for year
during the struggle in Cuba in favoring Spain
by suppressng expeditions to aid the Cubans.
1t has indirectly aided Spain by permitting
arms, ammunition and supplies to go from this
country for the Spaniards, while it has been
vigilaut in preventing any leaving for the
Cubans. In fact, it has gone in direct opposi-
tion to public sentiment here in the desire to
show its good feeling and honesty to friendly
nation. And now, when the war in Cuba
has been prolonged for year, when
the atrocious conduct of it by Spain
has shocked the civilized world, when
the Cubans have been gaining ground
all the time, and when the insurrection pro-
misses to be successful, our government offers
itself as mediator to settle the difficulty. Is
that cause Of war? Is the offer to guarantee
q hundred millions of dollars to Spain for the
independence of Cuba, when by simply being
passive or inactive Cuba would be freed with
out paying dollar, an unfriendly act ? Can
this moderation and liberalty of the United
States be construed into cause of war? The
Regent Serrano certainly did not so consider
it, for he thanked our government, through
Mr.. Sickles, for It's offer of mediation. He
went so far even as to submit modified pro-
position to that of Mr.. Sickles for the settle
ment of the difficulty, having for it's end the
independence Of Cuba. Though the terms of
his proposition were extravagant and could
not be entertained, the fact that Spain con-
sented to negotiate for the independence Of
Cuba at all was important, and showed that
the action of the United States could not be
regarded as offensive. The people of Spain
will probably look at the matter In the same
light their government does after the first
ebultion of excitement subsidies. Indeed, If
they act as sensible men they will do 80. Our
special telegram from Washington, published
| to-day, goes to show that the opinions of the
| British and French newspapers on the subject
of Cuba count as nothing in official circles, and
| that the Cabinet cannot understand why the
| Spaniards should become so intensely excited
over the offer by General Sckles of good
round sum of money for the island, with the
| chance of being freed from the care of people
| who, It appears, do not want them. Our
diplomatic action in Madrid conveyed no threat,
but, on the contrary, much excellent advice.
It intimated that delay was particularly dan
| gerous in this Casa fact which is confirmed
! by the enunciated resolve of the Cubans thai
the growing crops shall be destroyed and the
island rendered desert by their own hand.
before they shall submit again to Spanish rule
But the excitement spoken Of in Spain
seems to arise from the apprehension thai
the American government will 60 further and
recognize the belgerent rights or independ-
ence of Cuba. And there is reason for this,
even IL our Minister at Madrid has intimated
to the government there that such might be tht
case. Well, has not the United States righ
to do thisp Do not ali nations act 30 In th'
case Of civil wars when their interests, human
ity and State policy lead them to such
course9 Has not Spain herself done SO
| r,aicrll laal AZ