The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-15
HOLDING BACK ON THE CUBAN CUES
TION-WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
From the N. Y. Herald.

From the NJ Y. Herald.
Every one asks with some surprise what the
apparently pro-Spanish policy of the admins
tration and the seemingly studied reticence of
Congress on the Cuban question mean. Even
those members of Congress who are most
pronounced and advanced in favor of Cuban
Independence or annexation are holding back.
Monster petitions to Congress, with seventy
thousand signatures, for the recognition of
Cuban belligerency or independence are laid
aside for the present, and that upon the mo-
tion of members who have been the warm
friends of Cuba Months ago the President
did not hesitate to express opinions highly
favorable to the Cubans. The Secretary of
State was scarcely less sympathetic and hope
full for Cuba than his chief All this is on
record. Our Minister a. Madrid was in
structed to tell the Spanish Government,
nearly nine months ago, that public opinion
In the United States was so strongly in favor
of the Cubans that the administration and
Congress would be compelled at no distant
| day to recognize them. At the end of the
session of Congress last spring, the House of
| Representatives passed resolution unani-
mously expressing sympathy with the Cubans
in their struggle for freedom and authorizing
the President to recognize them. 1t is known,
too, that our Government made an effort,
about the same time, to negotiate with Spain
for the independence of Cuba
Nor should it be forgotten chat the seizure
and detention of the Spanish gunboats for a
time had no real relation to Peru. No one
had any idea that these gunboats would or
could be used against Peru. The Govern
ment knew this, and, therefore, using the
Peruvian Minister or the pretended quasi
war with Peru in the matter was mere pre-.
text. There is no doubt that the object at
the time was to serve the Cubans in an in
direct way. Everything tended to show that
the Government and people of the United
States were steadily advancing to point
when this country would interpose in some
way or other in favor of Cuban independence
Everybody expected it, the press anticipated
it, and the poor Cubans were inspired will
hope by it. That was the state of the ques
tion up to two weeks ago. and great dea
was expected from the President and Con
gress, or from Congress, at least, as soon a
the session commenced. General Grant sal
even to one of the Cuban Junta, in an inter
: view ten days since, that Congress woul
take prompt action on the sube Of Cuba.
But we are not willing to believe the ad
ministration is aiming to assist the Spaniard
,, and to crush the Cubans, notwithstanding tn
language of the Presidents message and tn
: release of the Spanish gunboats. We are dis
posed to believe there may be some ovel
lures from Spain-some professed dispositio
tions for the sale or cession of Cuba, and tht
our Government is desirous to conciliate th
: Spaniards and to save their pride from bein
: wounded, so that the object may be accom-
: plished under the form of friendship. Th
a extraordinary attentions to General Sickle
d our Minister at Madrid, lately, give color
s this opinion. We cannot believe that IL
) Government, and least of all that Gener
It Grant, would take the back track in til
s Cuban question for fear of war wit
r Spain. Such a bugbear would nC
It disturb the most nervous old fogy if
d had any sense. But if the seeming pr
n Spanish and anti-Cuban policy of the admir-
: istration arises from any new movement c
y the part of Spain to negotiate for the sale
Q independence of Cuba, it may beswell to wan
= the Government against any possible Spanis
a treachery, 80 that it may not aid the SpanarC
" in their atrocious system of war on Cuba f.
u the sake of a remote contingency. If OF
's Government be too yielding and tender in j
20 friendship for Spain on such prospect, it ms
, be cheated and be laughed at by the who
i world for its simplicity and folly The onl
a. way to treat Spain and this Cuban question
- - In the boldest manner and on the principle
NJ a broad American policy, independent of VIII
:, the rest OF the world may think or say
or POPULARITY OF GENERAL GRANT
lg .# MESSAGE IN CONGRESS.
p From the ~ Y. World
lg The Times, which devoted long editori
Ia | 1o.v - -