The New York herald., 1873-02-13

sible than the Republic. but Spain is in such a
transition and chaotic state and SO divided by
factions that no one can say what is to follow
And Cuba-poor, struggling Cuba, as
the lamented General Rawlins said-what of
her2 Will the new republican government of
Spain grant the same right of self government
to tho Cubans that it claims for Spaniards
To do 30 would be logical and just But
are the republican chiefs 80 disposed
Dare they venture to come in conflict
with the national pride and igno-
rance of the masses of the Spanish people and
the interests of powerful, wealthy class by
conceding independence to Cuba2 We are in
doubt. CASTELAR,, the most intense and bril-
liant of the republican leaders of Spain, has
his soul filled with the imaginative idea of
grand Spanish empire, and would, possibly,
be the least disposed to dismember it as it
now stands. 1t is not unlikely that the re-
publican chiefs of Spain may be as intent on
holding Cuba as the monarchists have been,
though they would, perhaps abolish slavery
and promise reforms. But the die is cast in
Cuba, and the Cubans, if wise, will not lay
down their arms till they have secured inde-
pendence. Spain never hes been and never
win be liberal and generous to the colonies.
The Cubans ought not to depend upon the
contingency OF changes Of government in
Spain, and should never trust to any other
government than one chosen by themselves.
The establishment of the Republic Of Cuba
<o kEo .ror Of ~,
Spain. There will be, probably, some action
in Madrid under the new government with
regard to abolishing slavery in Cuba and
making reforms, and with special view, per-
haps, to prevent the United States from
recognizing the Cubans as beligerents; but
our government ought not to be deferred from
doing that act Of justice to an American
people struggling for independence and repub-
ican institutions which has been too long
delayed. Cuba ought to be free and is enti-
tied to be free, and, whatever changes may
take place in Spain, our government should
give its moral support to the cause of Cuban
freedom.
The abdication of Amadeus and the estab-
ishment Of republic in Spain must
have an influence throughout Europe.
Monarchy will be shorn of its gilded surround
ings. Republican ideas will receive fresh
impulse. This will be felt particularly among
the nationalities Of the Latin race. The
French Republic will be strengthened; Italy
will be more inclined to aspire to republican
government; the absolutism of the Church
hierarchy and the relics of Papal power will
be shaken and in Germany, Austria, Eng
land and everywhere the democratic principle
will receive fresh vitality. Under the infu-
ence of the press and telegraph knowledge is
difused among the masses. Light is bursting
upon all peoples and upon the dark places of
the earth. Men are learning their rights and
are resolved to have them. This great Republic
is the central sun of modern political and
social progress, and is carrying the nations
along with it to q better destiny. The great
Napoleon more than half century ago
foresaw that Europe must become either re-
publican or Cossack. There can be no doubt
now as to which will be its destiny. Another
great man, Talleyrand, was prophetic when he
said:-"America grows each day. She will be-
come a colossal power, and the time may ar
rive when, brought into closer communion
with Europe by means of new discoveries, she
will desire to have her say in our affairs, and
put in her hand as we'll" He cautioned the
governments of Europe to scrupulously watch
the United States But he was looking
especially to political influence or inter-
meddling, and had in his mind the old idea of
the balance Of power on that Continent. His
prophecy has proved true, however, with re-
gard to the moral influence of America upon
Europe, through its wonderful growth and the
new discoveries he anticipated. We live, as
was said before, in wonderful age, and while
it is impossible to foresee all the vast results,
we may be sure that one will be the elevation
of the masses Of mankind to political self gov
ernment and to q better condition.