The New York herald., 1870-02-01
How Is Cuba to be Made Frees


There are conflicting opinions, II appears, as
to the truth Of the news from Cuba relative to
the disastrous defeat OF the Spaniards under
General Pueblo by the Cubans under General
Jordan; that is to say, the Spanish agents or
officials here pretend to doubt it. There has
been no evidence presented, however, to show
that the despatch sent to us was not true, and
considering that it came through Havana,
where there is a censorship over the telegraph,
that the details are particularly circumstan-
tial, and that there had been an apprehension
for some time past of disaster to Pueblo, there
is no reason to doubt its reliability. Still we
know by experience during our late war, and,
in fact, by experience relative to most wars,
that accounts Of successes from both sides are
sometimes manufactured or frequently exag-
gerated for the purpose of producing an effect
upon the public mind. The Spaniards in
Cuba have shown themselves adopts at this all
through the struggle in Cuba. The war there
will probably drag along, unless prevented by
the United States, in the same way, and we
shall be furnished with similar conflicting
accounts.
One thing is significant and worthy OF
remark, il the news of Puello's defeat proves
true, as we believe il is, and that is that the
Cubans were commanded by an American,
General Jordan, who understands his business.
There were other Americans probably, in his
army-men who, like himself, have had expe-
rience in war, and had both the GOODNESS and
courage for the occasion. Jordan is thor
oughly educated military man and had won
the reputation of good general in our late
war. He is just the officer the Cubans needed,
and if Cespedes has made him Commander-in-
Chief, as reported, it shows the good sense Of
the Cuban President. There are plenty Of
good officers and fighters, both in the South
and North, who would be glad to take hand
in the war for republican freedom in
Cuba if they could get there. It
is pity they have been prevented
from going by the overstrained vigilance
and hostility of the government at Washington
and through the stupid blunders of those who
assume to be Cuban leaders in this country.
A force of two or three thousand at most, or,
perhaps, o less force, of such Americans,
would soon make short work of the Spaniards.
The war would not drag along for long pc
riod; the island would be saved from devasta-
ton, and Cuban independence would be secured
beyond all doubt.
But what is our government going to do !?
Will it permit this slaughter to go on indef-
nitely, Cuba to be ruined and our large trade
with the island destroyed? If the Secretary
of State and administration think they are
match for the astute Spanish chiefs and diplo-
mats in pretended negotiation for the sale Of
Cuba they are likely to find themselves de-
ceived. The Spaniards may amuse the admin
istration and continue to hold it as an ally for
the suppression Of the insurrection under the
pretext that they are waiting for favorable
opportunity to sell Cnba; but will the freedom
of the Cubans ever be attained in that way2
May not the administration be cheated in the
end? If there be between the Spanish govern
ment and our own a movement, as reported,
for the cession Of Cuba to the United States,
the only way to accomplish the object Is to
give Spain notice in decisive manner that the
bargain must be closed-that there can be no
delay. The other alternative, and, perhaps,
the shortest, best and cheapest one, is to ac-
cord belligerent rights to the Cubans, and to let
our brave and experienced warriors 60 to the
rescue if they choose. If the government do
not follow one or the other course it will be
responsible for all the blood that must be she'd
will do violence to the sympathy and wishes Of
the American people, will lose the finest oppor-
tunity for extending republican liberty in
America and enlarging our commerce and
power, and will sink into disgrace in the eyes
OF the country and history.
Tur Ep ANRINC ppYvIT EnE If in now faarad