The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-10-06
The Cuban nIuddlc.

/
| Whatever may have been the other pecu-
liarities Of President Grants Cabinet, it
cannot be said that there has been any
general disposition to adopt bold or de-
cided policy, whether in foreign affairs or
the domestic concerns of the nation. IT.
resoluteness and timidity mark the whole
course OF the government, and no man feels
sure that the decision Of to-day will not be
reversed OH the morrow. The game of see
saw, however amusing in itself, is not one
likely to inspire confidence when played
persistently by the. Executive Of mighty
people; but nothing better can be expected
from the weak head of divided and dis
tracted council. y.
The letter Of our Washington correspond
ent, published yesterday, supplies forcible
illustration of the policy or no-policy of the
Grant administration. In spite of the ex-
hortations and expostulations of the North
ern press, the government refrained from
recognizing Cuba, or giving or allowing to
be given to the sCuban insurgents any sub
stantial mid. The United States could not,
without gross logical Inconsistency, metldle
i'll the quarrel between Spain and the "Gem
OF the Antilles" Exaggerated statements
Of the strength and successes of tAo revolu-
tionists were wholly dsregartled, and steps
were taken to prevent expeditions, intended
for their support, from leaving the Gulf and
Atlantic coast. AL this was well enough,
when followed by the detention OF the Span
ish gunboats; but here the chronic weak
ness OF the administration showed itself,
the Cabinet allowing themselves to be per-
suaded by the Cuban Junta to make pro-
posal to Spain for the peaceable cessior of
Cuba. AT this point came in the note OF
| Minister Sickles to the Spanish Government
than which no more registering and pot
yaliunL uucuinenI iius uevn uuurt,sseu ny !,
powerful to 2 weaker nation. The Spanish
ministry promptly declined to hearken to
threats or to be swayed by intimidation.
The martial spirit, dormant since the sue
cessful war with Morocco, was once more
| aroused, and Spain allowed it to be plainly
seen that she had rather fight at disad-
vantage than submit to insolent dictation.
The note was in the worst possible taste;
but little courtesy or saroir Jdire was e1-
.pected from the notorious individual who
represents the United States at the Court
Of Spain, and it was hoped that the refusal
of the Senate to confirm his appointment
would relieve the government from embar-
rassnient, and wipe out the remembrance
OF serious diplomatic blunder.
The whole business was bad enough while
Sickles was believed to be the sole author of
the note, but our Washington correspondent,
lifting the veil OF secrecy declares authorita-
lively that Minister Sickles was only 'sfol-
lowing the language OF, q cable telegram
from the Secretary OF State" AL was fish
that came to the net of Sickles, and the
hero OF Gettysburg was doubtless glad
enough to have an opportunity OF showing
his own b1untness and the hectoring spirit
Of his government. President Grant and
his Cabinet are, it seems, alone responsible
for what Minister Sickles has done; but
with charming vacillation may, before anoth-
;er, sun goes down, disayow their own act,
and make ready to cast, their Jonah into the
jaws OF political oblivion.
And what is the present attitude Of the
United States Government towards Spain
and Cuba The prospects Of the insur-
| gents are gloomy in the extreme.H Dlssen-
sion and jealousy rob them OF their strength;
their leading generals ore accused Of treach-
return to their bomas The v oarser eassF 81 40 ~
Cuban rebels promises to be- as brie, as that hat
OF their first man-of-war tho ta,n,nat,o,,. 4,
whose bloodless cruise was announcail An
the dispatches Of Yesterday. And at ttIs
lhoment.when the Clouds hang like y nsail G
Over the ibsurasSt cause tbe.rTntsd I q ~. .aa
rush headIong to the re1caa. and % IAN sso sns,p
that our dogs Of Var M %n,il must soon be unleaab.
ed ii Cuba is not free. ,SSrs e. might fie some
chiyalryin talking in ,thiss wav wa, to nation
Of equal power and { equal strength w 2 but r. is
~. .t,n Ia,t, .,'Isi. i,--,l.I D1st 70 70