The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-11-20
CUBA AND IT'S FUTURE.

Our late telcgraphic dispatches are made
up mostly with speculations as to the posi-
ton of our Radical government on the
Cuba question. The conduct of the present
administration, in relation to that largest
and noblest of the islands of the Gulf have
been for several years the subject of severe
animadversion by the liberal press of all
parties. The struggle of the native Cubans
to throw off the yoke of Spain is well
known. They have exhibited heroism
and perseverance, which has excited the ad-
miration and sympathy of all lovers of free
dom throughout the world. 1t has taken
tine utmost power of Spain to keep them
from overrunning the whole island and es-
tablishing their independence. That power
has been used with a barbarity and disre-
gard OF the customs and amenities of modern
warfare, rejecting disgrace upon the Spanish
name and character. The poor Cubans have
invariably been treatea as robbers and pi-
rates, and shot and hung after hasty court
martials or none at all. The rights of
beligerents have not been conceded TO
them by Spain nor by any other power, so
that they are without the least protection,
ordinarily given by the rules of civilized war
fare, and fight with their lives in their hands.
1t is with them literally victory or death
Why has not our government recognized
their heroic struggle and granted them
belIigerent rights, as recommended by Gen.
Bankss Has Spanish gold been used to cou-
troll the action Of Grant and his greedy Cab
inet9 In the old struggles of the South
American, the Central American and the
Mexican colonies for Independence against
Spain, not only the sympathies Of our peo-
pie but Of our government were given to
the patriots. Material aid was afforded
them by our people in the way OF money,
and men even, and the government did not
prosecute them for so doing. Now, If an at
temptis is made by our rsYmpathising people, to
extend a helping hand, they find their own
government watching them with the sleep
less eyes of Spanish blood hounds, as il, in
fact, they were the employed and paid
watch dogs Of the mercilcss Spaniar,ls, and
if they are captured by the Spanish forces
in Cuba, they are hung or shot without
judge or jury, or time given for the least
investigation. The late capture cf the
Virginius in neutral waters, and the murder
Of all on board as pirates, has aroused
deep feeling Of indignation and horror
throughout our land. This feeling cannot
be suppressed by Spanish gold. Our gov
eminent viii be compelled to do some
thing, however unwilhngly. One thing IS
certain as any earthly event can be. Cuba
is bound to become free from Spain.
It is only a question Of time. There
may be more murders and more dcvasta-
tion, and more barbarities Of all sorts,
but Cuba win cast of the CALLING yoke Of
foreign bondage and achieve her indepen-
dence at last. What thenl Can she main
tain herself as sn independent power among
the nations Of the worldl We confess this
IS a question 81 doubtful consideration.
There would be some advantages. we think
g both parties by the connection, hut there
arc serious drawbacls. The Cubans q
spanish blood aro generally wen educaied,
and vould make good ciiiEensof the uniled
States. n tho control Of the new State Of
Cuba was lett TO them, they would govern L
wisely. and voold send able and proper
men IS Replealn,nlives and scnatoIs % the