Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-02-22
THE CUBAN QUESTION.


The President yesterday transmitted to tho
House Of Representatives large mass OF docu-
ments, in reply to a resolution Of that body, ask
ing for Information on the subject Of Cuban
affairs.
Minister Sickles, on the 10th of October,
transmits to Secretary Fish q copy Of his official
note Withdrawing the offer of the good offices of
the United States, and also copy Of Silvella's
reply to II: Sllvella, it appears, regarded the
Withdrawal of the offer Of good Offices as the
withdrawal OF the note itself. Sickles refused
to accept such construction, and the reply was
50 modihed As to state the offer Of good of1ces
was withdrawn.
On the 18th of November General Sickles
dined with the President Of the Cortes. He met
there the Secretaries of State and Of the Colo
mics, Mr.. Seluela, and others. Mr.. Mastos, Mr..
Bercorra, and Mr.. kivas each said their remarks
to Sickles were to be considered Official as well
as personal. He, therefore, reports them. 1t
with the United States, and would extend free
institutions to Cuba; that the Cubans were pre-
pared for free institutions; that the Govern
ment had been asked to order immediate cleo
tons for the COrtes in Cuba, but had refused
because the native population could not par
tieipate; that the Cuban question could not
DC DO c1n s,,; IN the Cortes while Cuba was
In rebeinon, but that the Government were
prepared to recommend the largest liberty.
Gen. Sickles urged the immediate pronunciation
OF their plan as the best way to terminate diff
cuities In reply they said the war would soon
De ended The propriety of armisticc was
discussed. 1t was regarded impracticabie.
They stated that the Cuban question would be
self-gOvernment and commercial reciprocity
and that slavery will be gradually abolished i'm
Cuba and the other colonies. They desired that
the President should know that Spain is no lon
ger governed by the reactionary and antiuuated
ideas of the B0urbons.
Secretary Fish, December 80 expresses to
reform in the Spanish colonial policy.
Minister Sickles to Secretary Fish, January9,
sees no objection to the publication OF all his
correspondence. He prefers it should all be
communicated to the public.
Secretary Fish addressed Minister Sickles
January rs, that the public interest felt in the
United States in Cuban affairs has decreased
since the fragrant violation of law by the agents
OF the insurgents had become known, and had
alienated the public sympathy. Had the Junta
expended their money and energy in sending to
they might have done, consistent with our own
statutes, and with the law of nations, instead of
devotiIg them to deliberate violation OF the
laws of the United States, and had they i'm lieu
of the illegal employment of persons within the
domain of the United States to go i'm armed
bands to Cuba, proceeded thither themselves to
dence, it is possible the result would have been
different in Cuba, and it is certain that there
would have been a more ardent feeling
in the United States in favor of their
cause, and more respect tor their own
sincerity and personal courage. 1t be-
comes more apparent every day that the
COhttst CANNOT terminate without the abolition
OF slavery. This Government considers the
government at Madrid as committed to this re-
suit You have several times received positive
assurances to the effect from more than one
member OF the Cabinet. You will therefore
frankly state that this Government, RELYING
upon the assurances SO often given, will expect
steps to be taken for the emancipation of the
slaves in the Spanish colonies, as well for the
early initiation of the promised reforms. The
Secretary further instructs Minister Sickles to
report at Madrid that this Government has
maintained Its freedom of action against great
pressure, and that its action will be governed
by facts as they occur. The President reserves
complete liberty Of action in case Spain fails to
restore peace.
Among the documents is a letter of Consul
General Hall to Assistant Secretary of State
Davis, February Q, in which he aludes to the
troubles in Cuba, saying the inability to protect
the lives of peaceful inhabitants, or to punish
atrocities that are being daily committed is
found in the absence OF United States vessels of
war in Cuban ports. They may be needed for
the purpose of offering refuge to citizens of the
United States in the event of popular outbreaks.