The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1869-10-22
EGIS & INTELLIGENCER,.
Bet .sts', Md, October g5, 1869.
From the BaIto. Gazette, Oct. 14M.
TIE CUBAN QUESTION.

to the position of the United States Gov
crnment upon the Cuban Question, 1t is
evidently written in the interest ofthe Adj
ministration, and coming from the source
it does, may be regarded as good authori-
ty. We publish it merely as matter
news, that the public may see what tn q
Administration claims to have done, as
well as the reasons set forth for its actions
WASHINGTON, October 10
There have been so many rumors in con-
nection with facts relative to the Cuban
question, that the real situation of affairs
generally to be imperfectly understood.
But it is known that ever since the present
Administration came into power, efforts
have been made, in good faith, to enforce
the Neutrality laws, both against the
Spanish Government and the agents of the
Cubans in this country, on the presenta-
ton or reception of such official or other
trustworthy information, either from our
own officers or those acting for the Spanish
Government, as justified proceedings in
the premises.
While sedulously endeavoring to strictly
observe our treaty obligations with Spain,
the Government has not been unmindful of
t o3e due by Spain to the United States.
Our Government has frequently been APP
preached by agents, or aledged ministers,
acting in behalf of the Cubans, desiring
the recognition of beligerent rights; in
other words, that they may be placed
on the same national footing with
Spain. And the United States Govern
ment was also asked to follow the example
Of Mexico and Peru, and other South Anne
rican Republics, and thus officially encour-
age the Cubans in their struggle against
Spain. The reason for nc acquiescing in
such appeals are based upon the law OF ma
tions; the condition of the Island not JUS
tityng, in the opinion of the Administra-
ton, the recognition Of the Cuban flag.
Nor has any satisfactory evidence been
produced to show that there is de tacto
Government of the Cubans possessing the
powers essential to its maintenance and
character.
The sympathy of the Government has
always been with the Cubans; but this,
under the peculiar existing circumstances
attending the question, could not be dis
tinctly manifested by efficial acts in con-
nection with movements in the field, but
it is known that the Government has
recently sought to induce Spain to consent
to the independence of the Island, and thus
avoid further bloodshcd.
There was not, as has been frequently
stated, any offer of ''meditation" by Minis
ter Sickles, as the use of that word would
imply or suggest the existence of war be-
tween equally recognized Powers, and was
therefore avoided in the correspondence
and interviews with the Spanish Govern
ment The "good offices" of the United
States have been rendered, as they can al
ways be employed between parties, one of
whom is not acknowledged by the other
without the implication of any recognition
ofnationality, or even of beligerancy.
The tender ofgood offices was superin-
duced by certain parties who had visited
the Spanish capital in order to effect an
accommodation They represented to this
Government that they had had interviews
with some of the most influential states.
men and soldiers of the Regency, who were
favorable to the proposed plan of adjust
ment, which completed the payment by
the Cubans, of the estimated value of pub
lie buildings, Notifications, etc., and the
abolition Of slavery in the Island. While
there seemed to be an earnest and honest
disposition to acquicsce in such an ar
rangement, it was suggested that the Gu
bans must lay down their arms before ne
gotiations could be commenced. But to
this preliminary the Cubans promptly re-
fused to assent, for, in such an event, they
would not be at the mercy of the Span
1ards, without a guarantee of securing
their object, namely: their national indie
pendence. Rendered powcrless by the
surrender Of their means of defence, their
only alternative would be submission.
Besides, some of those who, it was rep
resented, favored the plan, did not feel at
liberty to openly advocate the surrender
of Cuba, as, in their opinion, it would be
an admission that the Spanish Govern
ment was not sufficiently strong to deal
with its rebellious subjects, and that such
surrender would also serve to complicate
the troubles already existing in Spain.
The note of Minister Sickles rendering
the good offices of the United States, was
courteous in its terms, with due respect to
Spanish pride. 1t gave no offence, contra
ry to assertions to that effect, both in Eu-
rope and the United States. Nor is it true
that the Spanish Government sought to in
flnence foreign powers in its behalf for the
retention of Cuba. The reply of the
Spanish Government to the note of Minis
ter Sickles was equally courteous. While
it was deemed impolitic to entertain the
proposition for parting with the Island of
SuDa vi JIG lerulS suggested, Ine Regency
nevertheless expressed its thanks of the
United States for the tender of their friend
ly offices. The tender having, been de-
clined, the note was withdrawn, in confor-
nifty with diplomatic usage
The question, as a consequence, now
stands exactly as it did before the offer
was made, leaving no unkind feeling be-
tween the two countries and nothing to
regret on either side.
Thus the sympathy of the administra-
ton was manifested, not in assisting the
Cubans by facilitating achievements of
troops and supplies of arms-for this
would have been violative Of treaty obliga-
lions with Spain-but in way justified by
the law of nations and in the interests of
peace.
This Government Notwithstanding the
rejection of the tender of good offices,
would, doubtless, renew it at future time
should circumstances justify the repetition.
1t will meantime, pursue the course already
indicated, namely: enforce the Neutrali-
ty laws, and hold itself in readiness to
serve the cause of Cuban independence in
such manner as may not violate treaty OBJ
legations But it will not allow itself to
be drawn into complications with Spain