The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-01
How We Administer Impartial JUS
ticc 70 Cuba.


How We Administer Impartial JUS
tice to Cuba.
Nothing rejoices the soul more than the
contemplation of justice impartially admins
tered Nothing, therefore, is more calculated
to excite our reverent admiration than our
governments thoroughly just treatment OF the
two Powers now struggling for the possession
of Cuba In 1869 there were launched from
shipyards in the vicinity Of this city no less
than thirty Spanish gunboats intended to be
employed against revolted Cuba. Armed and
equipped at this port, controlled by American
engineers, these gunboats steamed down New
York Bay with silent benediction from our
rulers at Washington. So far, 80 good; but,
as it is poor rule that does not work both
ways, let us contemplate another moving pic
ture. In 1869 exiled Cubans bought the block
AIDE running vessel Hornet. strengthened her
and sent her to Halifax, where she was de-
tanned only, however, to be released, as she
was not prepared for war. Armed and off,
cered at sea, the Hornet, under stress of
coal, was compelled to put into the port of
Wilmington, was seized on account Of her flag
and forced to give bonds not to break the peace
with Spain. If this be not impartial justice,
what ISL Mr.. Fish has reason to be proud of
the part played by him in an international
comedy, and the country at large may shake
hands with itself in its support of slavehold-
ing nation SO outraged at United States troops
daring to wage war against the Modoc Indians
20 ~IoI
this century of humanitarian constituencies"
to suggest that the Cortes 'indicate to Mr..
Grant how much the Spanish people are
affected by the proceedings of his government
against the poor Indians, and to tell the whole
world that this fight is against race who are
the possessors of the land wherefrom they are
to be exterminated We drop tear at this
excess of virtue and congratulate our Secre-
tary of State upon his success in winning the
affections of grateful Castilans, themselves
engaged in fight against race in possession
of land from which they are to be exter-
minated. AS Spain sympathizes with the
oppressed Modocs, may we not follow her
generous example and sympathize with OPP
pressed Cubans? We are nothing if not gen.
teel but surely we may do what hidalgos
sanction! -.-~..--'.F' r-'.'s,u.a
Thanks to our sympathy with Spain, Cubans
have the intense satisfaction Of spending their
money in vain. Of course the Hornet was a
great loss. Within four years the ''vagabond'
patriots have spent one million five hundred
thousand dollars in gold. Every gun costs
Ill -
the insurgents, and all because we love slave
holding Spain so much better than free Cuba
''You can send as many arms as you WISH"
says MIR. Fish to the friends of liberty. Arms
are purchased, and some one bribed by Span
ish authorities swears that not only arms are
to be found on board the vessel, but that it is
completely fitted out for an expedition. To
bear false witness is not as rare sin as it was
in biblical days. Again, Mr.. Fish implies to
Cubans that Americans can CO." whereupon
another perjurer swears that these Americans
carry arms, and the patriots are once more
The Leo, Cuban trading
vessel was detained twenty -four hours because
Of false swearing to the effect that she was
weighed down to the waters edge with men
and materials of war. Formerly Justice
seemed to be blind now she should be rep |
resented with the bandage over one eye only. |
To appeal to Congress for more general dis
tribution of impartial favor would be, in the
face of recent developments, about as absurd
as to invite Satan to preside over society for
the promotion Of virtue. We are forced
therefore, to appeal persistently to people
who are far better than their representatives.
We owe the Queen of the Antilles an honorable |
amend We ought, in fact, to be on our
knees to her, our government being absolutely
for the reign of slavery in Cuba dur
ing the last forty-six years, for when, in 1926, |
the South American States plotted to seize the
island, with the intention Of manumitting all |
slaves, our worthy President, John Quincy
Adams, cried, GLANDS off, With this fact
pricking the national conscience can we be-
friend Spain at the expense OF her rightfully
revolted colony?
Easily Pleased.
In allusion to the fear of the London Globe
hat John Bull and Brother Jonathan might |
possibly find occasion for angry words and ar
in the loosely defined boundarv he