The New York herald., 1870-05-26
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~ ympQihy TOR Cnb0 In Con2rssA
The outbarst Of sympathy for Cuba In Con-
gress on Tuesday was very significant, and the
more so because It was unexpected at the time.
The feelings OF the members Of the House
seem to have been pent up by inaotion
on tho part Of the Committee on For
cign Affairs, and by long waiting for some
decisive action In favor OF Cuban inde-
,pendence. They were restrained too, no
donbA by desire on the part of the
republicans not to embarrass or push the ad-
ministration on the Cuban question. But
there was limit to this forbearance and long
waiting. The House became impatient, and
the instant an opportunity occurred, though
the question came up In an Indirect manner,
there was o spontaneous burst Of eloquent
invective from all sides against Span
ish atrocities, the pusilanimous conduct
of the Secretary Of State, and the
disgrace that had been brought upon
the republic. Seldom has there been
heard in the halls of Congress more eloquent
and earnest language. The denunciation OF
Spanish cruelty and impudence, Of the
slaughter of American citizens in Cuba, and Of
our government for not protecting them, was
severe in the extreme. The sentiment Of the
American people In favor Of the struggling
Cubans and against the worst despotism in the
world found uiterance through the Representa-
tves In Congress. General Banks, the chair
man OF the Committee on Foreign Affairs, who
has had charge OF the various resolutions
offered on Cuban matters, was brought to his
feet in the most apologetic manner. With the
noblest instincts and earnest desire to favor
the Cuban cause for independence, he has de-
layed action out Of regard to the administra-
tion. He has been the victim of the weak and
temporizing policy, and probably Of the mis-
representations also, Of the State Department.
His friendly feeling for the administration, and
his desire not to embarrass it, got the better Of
his judgment and noble sentiments. But hew was
told plainly there was no obstacle to any re-
port he might make, and that it was his own
fault that decisive action had not been taken
with regard to Cuba.
AS to the assaults upon Consul Phillips by
Mr.. Garfield, they had nothing really TO do
with the question. Mr.. Phillips was the
American Consul-the representative of his
country-and his private affairs, though proba-
bly, misrepresented for effect, had nothing to
do with the gross insult to the flag and ropub-
lie in his person. Nor had they anything to
do, as General Logan properly said, with the
shooting Of American citizens by the blood
thirsty Spaniards. The flag of the United
States has been humbled. II could not protect
either our citizens or the representative Of the
republic. Mr.. Phillips was compelled to i'm
plore the protection of the British flag aud to
escape under its folds. What humiliation to
this great country! Then, as to the struggle
for liberty in Cuba, General Logan well re-
marked, ''No government has ever yet sat so
quiet as the present administration while
struggle was going on between oppression
and liberty Mr.. Voorhees, simplored the
members Of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
who had access to that fossil or dead man who
presided over the State Department, to tell
him that the blood of American citizens was
crying from the ground for action against his
imbecility, sl9th and want Of regard for the
honor, glory and safety Of this once great and
honored republic" The Cuban question is
not party one either in or out of Congress.
The best and most ardent republicans ere in
favor of Cuba, as well as the democrats, and
this animated debate showed that There is
no doubt, too, that General Grant heartily
favors the cause Of the Cuban patriots. This
was clearly shown while General Rawlins was
alive and member of the Cabinet. But he
has deferred to the Secretary Of State and has
been misled by him, probably. The cause o.
liberty in Cuba 80 far, and all the great in
tercsts we have and feel i'm il, have beer
sacrificed apparently through the evil Influence
Of those whg gre near the Secretary. There
is reason to fear that Spanish gold to agentf
in this country who had the ear Of the Secre
tary of State has been the price OF much o.
the blood spilled and many of the atrocities in
Cuba. The United States has only to say the
word and Spanish barbarities win cease, and
in the end, Cuba will be free. But il the gov.
ernment has not heart and courage enough tt
say that word, let it at least protect Americans
in Cuba. Let not this republic be despisei
throughout the civilized world for it's weakness,
and indifference to the fate of its citizens ant
honor Of the flag.
THE CANADIANS CLEARING Our. have
reports in the Montreal papers that there or,
between two and three thousand vacant dwell