The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-23

fishing its power through popular favor, can
entertain the question of Cuban independence
unless it should be forced to do so by uncon-
trollable circumstances.
Yet the revolution in Spain must help the
Cubans. The moral effect of being in the
same revolutionary boat will do that to some
extent The crippled resources of Spain in
consequence of the revolution and the
vigilance that will be required to keep down
the factions at home must necessarily prevent
any large force being sent to suppress the in
surrection in the colony. Spain, in all
probability, will have her hands fully
employed at home. Then there is
the embarrassing question of slavery.
The new republican government will be ex-
pected to abolish that infamous institution
forthwith. To decline to do that would be to
stultify itself and to make all the liberal pro-
LESSONS of its several members utterly false.
The adjustment of slavery in Cuba would tend
to make the Spaniards and volunteers in that
island as hostile to Spain as are the Cuban
patriots. Many, probably, would go over to
the Cuban ranks At any rate it would COM
plicate affairs in the island and give the Cubans
better chance. Besides there is little doubt
that the liberated slaves for the most part
would become supporters of the patriots.
Their interests are identical with the native
population, and they certainly can have no
love for Spain OF Spaniards. The Cubans
too upon the principle of having an equal
right to strike for freedom and republican self
government with the Spaniards, will obtain
the sympathy Of the American people and
of liberal people everywhere. They
will have this from ALL in fact, except from
those narrow-minded individuals, who, while
they throw up their hats for a Spanish re-
public, have no objection to see an American
people under the heel Of European des-
potism. We make this remark because
resolution was offered in Congress, and it's
unanimous passage asked, expressing satisfac-
ton at the Inauguration Of the Spanish Re-
public, and not word said about Cuba. It
was proper enough to make such an expression
toward Spain but why not mention Cuba
The resolution was passed over because Gene
raj Butler objected. We hope he did so with
a view of making the resolution moro compre-
hensive.
Is there hope that the President will say
anything to the point and encouraging Oh this
Cuban question in his inaugural Message on
the 4th of March, if even Congress should
take no action before that time? That re-
mains to be seen. Should nothing be done
at present Cuban independence is only
question of time and the American govern
ment cannot long ignore the patriotic
efforts to secure that. But what ought
the new republican government of Spain
to do? To be consistent it ought GER
tainly to give the Cubans an opportunity
to express their sentiments as to whether
they wish to be Independent or to remain
attached to the Spanish Republic. That is
the least that should be conceded. But to do
that honestly and fairly hostiites should
cease, emancipation of the slaves should be
declared, disabilities be removed from the
Cuban exiles, so that they may vote and q
plebiscite be taken, uninfluenced by the civil or
military authorities of the island. The pl<-
biscae is the recognized right of people in these
times in determining the form of government
they wish to live under Will Spain grant
this? The Cubans could not object to it if
the vote were to be fair one. Should Spain
refuse the Cubans will have no alternative but
to fight to the bitter end for their indepen-
dence. In the uncertainty that hangs over
Spain in the future, and considering that in
all the changes of government in that country
no relief or improvement has been accorded
to Cuba, the patriots are not likely to trust to
promises merely. These are rope of sand
that cannot be depended on. crisis is APP
preaching evidently, and the Spanish govern
ment can no longer hold Cuba by the sword or
gilded promises. If Independence or pl<biscite
be not conceded to the Cubans at once the war
will become intensified, the patriots will
receive greater amount of moral aid, and
possibly material aid, and the Gem of the
Antilles will be wrested from Spanish rule.