New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-10-20
CUBANS TO TIE FRONT.


1t would be false kindness TO conceal from
the Cubans at present sojOurning in New ork
and the vicinity that their attitude and con-
duct are not such as TO command the admlra-
ton of those who sympathize with their cause
or TO inspire unqualified confidence in the sim
cerity of the patriotic devotion they so loudly
proclaim. 1t would be equally ill-advised to
disguise the fact that the position of their
brethren and friends in arms by no means JUS
tfes their prolonged inactivity. That some
thousands of bodied Cubans are now
among us, or within easy reach-enough, I'M
doubtedly, to compose formidable brigade
is fact beyond dispute. That the revolution
ary leaders upon the island are greatly, we
might almost say desperately, in need OF
troops is thoroughly well understood. And yet
the bulk of the resident Cubans content
themselves, from day to day and from week to
week, with energetic outcries for liberty and
denunciatiOns of their OppressOrs, and with
vehement appeals for assistance from foreigners
of every nation-especially from Americans.
We cannot learn that any systematic
effort has yet been made toward organizing
native force to return and take part In the
work that is going on at home. Nobody dOnbts
that they are all aware Of the pressing need
of reGnforcements. We have the best authority
for saving that the arrival of a single fairly
appointed brigade four months ago, would
probably have brought the struggle to happy
termination before this time. We are far from
intending TO say that it is yet too late, but we
have no hesitation in declaring that, if the people
of Cuba mean to achieve neutrality-suspicious., they
must show a heartier disposition TO share the
tolls and perils of the contest than they have
hitherto done. At no period has the condition
of affairs been more critical than at present.
The news has Just reached lis of the arrival OF
three steamers ut Havana, filed with Spanish
troops. Less trustworthy, although positive,
statements have been received TO the effect
that all the important municipalities, dis
heartened at the prospect, have made over
lures of adhesion to the Spanish authorities,
and a list is freely circulated which has every
appearance OF being authentic, of names OF
many of the most prominent citizens attached
10 q document declaring their Willingness to
return to the old order Of atnrs. That these
reports are grossly exaggerated, according to
Spanish usage, if not invented altogether, We
certainly hope; but there are some facts which
cannot be overlOoked-among Others the de-
cline in the rate of discount at the National
Rank. which is now so low as TO indicate
feeling of unusual security on the part of the
Observation-Disclosures. And what are the Cubans
in this country doing, meanwhile Talking, so
far as we can Learn, and nothing else. and
painfully recalling the humorists biting sar-
casm, that il defense of his Liberties he would
sacrifice every penny OF his friends money
and the last drop of his relations blood
OF the sentiments of the people of the United
States upon the subject of Cuban independence
there is little question. \ very large number
l.,. +, .dy to encourageit, rs they have already
aone. with unwearying ardor, and by every
practical means in their power. still larger
number regard it with favor, but do not yet
attach sufficient interest TO the movement
ITO co0perate heartily. Others are wholly IN
different, and n small, but very bitter and ac-
tive. minority oppose it with persistent and ma
lignant energy No opportunity is lost by this
last named party to cast discredit upon the
prospects, the purposes, even the motives ana
the sincerity of the insurgents. The apparent
disnclination of resident Cubans to join the in
surrectionary forces and make good their
prOtcstatiOns by effective action is standing
theme with them, and it forms the basis OF
many an argument which the friends OF Cuba
find e difficult TO meet. If they are patriots
thay owe IL to their cause and to their own
honor 70 rid themselves OK this reproach, and,
what is more, they owe 1t TO the gallant men
who are Drawing every peril TO secure the Ice-
dom of their country to linger no longer III
idoness, but TO impart by their presence new
/ hope and strength TO a struggle which, III the
ouprehension of many, is rapidly becoming
doubtful. and for the result of which all lovers
of republican liberty arc beginning TO feel the
II deepest anxiety.