The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-07-26
THE SLAUGHTER or AMERICANS
IN CUBA.

IN CUBA.
THAT the Spaniards who are attempting to
subdue the Cuban insurrection are not men
who are capable of appreciating or under
standing magnanimity and impartial justice
is certain. They belong to the very worst
glasses of Spain, and they regard Cuba as
fich prize that belongs to them for purposes
of plunder. 1t has ever been the theory since
Columbus discovered America, that the New
World was valuable not as an empire, but as a
mine from which the mother country could
draw wealth The colonists who settled per-
manently in the Spanish provinces ere long
were considered on much the same footing
as the aboriginal inhabitants they were al
lowed no voice or vote in the management
of their affairs, and they were ground under
foot by rapacious officials, whose only idea
was to fill their own pockets at all hazards.
It is this INSCRIPTIONS and irresponsible class
that make up the volunteer forces who prac-
tically control the Spanish fortunes in Cuba
at this moment. These men, cruel as they
are rapacous, having once tasted blood, are
like tigers, who will not be satisfied unless
their murderous propensities are pandered to.
Their desire for slaughter is only second to
their love of gain and when they can vent
their cruelty on no one else, they turn on their
own leaders as fiercely as they do on their
natural enemies. These men are totally
unable to understand the neutral position of
the United States Government; and the lack
of q sufficient naval force in the Cuban waters
to protect our interests, with the detention of
the various expeditions fitted out at our
ports in aid of the patriots, have been con-
Btrued as indications of favor on our part to-
wards the Spanish party, and it has doubtless
encouraged them to perpetuate outrages that
they otherwise would not have dared to at
tempt.
It is a satisfaction to know that we have
how sufficiently imposing naval force,
under a judicious commander, who will
doubtless make the name of the United States
respected by the Spanish authorities On the
18th instant Admiral Hoff had an interview
with the Governor at Santiago de Cuba in re-
ference to the execution of certain American
citizens. Three men were shot by the Spa
nish authorities without the pretense of a
trial and some of them it is known were not
on the island with any hostile intentions. In
reply to the Admiral's demands for an expla-
nation, the Governor gave as an excuse that
he was unable to resist the clamors of the
volunteers for blood, but promised that in
future prisoners should be tried. 1t is
said, however, that as soon as the squad
ron had left the place, orders were
Issued not to bring in any prisoners but to
kill them on the spot. 1t is certainly the duty
of our Government, for the present; at least,
to preserve strict neutrality: and American
citizens who join fiibustering parties will
have to run all the risks. At the same time,
we have right to demand that our citizens
at least shall be proved guilty before proper
tribunal before the Spaniards are allowed to
wreak their vengeance on them. The town of
Santiago de Cuba was thrown into a paroXysm
of fright by the advent of the American
squadron, and a little wholesome terror of
American power will have much etfectinmak-
ing the Spaniards carry on warfarein civilized
manner. At the same time it is necessary for
them 10 know that we are in earnest and
that the continuance of American neutrality
will, in a very great measure, depend upon
their own behavior. The statement of the
Governor is a confession of his inability to
control his subordinates, and an acknowledge
ment that the real representatives Of Spanish
authority in Cuba are irresponsible bands of
rufians, who recognize no law but their own
brutal instincts. On this account Admiral
Hoff ought to be allowed large discretion
in the discharge of his duties, so that he may
act promptly when there shall be occasion for
him to interfere between the Spaniards and
their victims.