The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-24
THE HERALD COMMISSIONER TO CUBA.

From the GAINESVILLE (Wis) Gazette Feb. ~
Some months ago the NEW YORK HERALD sent
correspondent to Cuba to report for that journal
the condition Of the rebel cause. the action Of the
Spanish authorities in dealing with the rebellion,
the progress Of events in connection Herewith
and such other matters touching the social or
political condition of the island as might have
relation to the all-absorbing topic OF the
rebellion. 1t has seemed to be the policy of the
Governor General Of Cuba to prevent the world
from obtaining an accurate knowledge OF what
has transpired on the island during the past four
years, and particularly to- keep from the press in
this country the details OF the barbar1ties which
the Spanish troops practise upon the people under
the license Of war. Their conduct has been simply
atrOci0us. The HERALD was determined to know
oil the facts; so its correspondent penetrated to
the headquarters OF the rebels and furnished in
teresting and valuable information ana unmasked
the atrocities OF the government The authorities
dared not expel him from the island but lately
notified him that If he passed to and fro across
the lines lie might be arrested and shot, and de-
cl ned to be charged with any responsibility
on account of mis- safety. The government was
also guilty Of the puerile act OF ordering its troops
into camp when the correspondent Joined them
for the purpose OF reporting the result Of the ex-
petition OH which they were sent, and the COM
mander declined to move until the reporter had
left. government that in this age afraid OF the
press ought not to exist: and although we do not
want Cuba at present, we snail rejoice In the sue
cess OF the patriotic Cubans and hope our people
and government Will do all In their power to assist
them. The HERALD well says:-"ln these modern
times republicanism Is the refuge OF the nations"
From the vilanOus desp0tism Of Spanish rule in
the Antilles the people Of Cuba are fleeing and
they are making heroic sacrifices to cast
of the ntoerable yoke, and instead OF despot-
ism-suppOrtinV tropical slave labor institute an
tirey new social and political structure. The
press everywhere will support the HERALD in
hurting defiance at the cOwardly knaves who have
threatened the life of Its correspondent; also IN
demanding Of our government frmer and more
consistent policy by speedy recognition OF the
right OF the Cubans who for four years past have
successfully resisted the Spanish rule in that
island to be regarded and treated as belligerents.
Our government and our people cannot a1Ord to
have the life OF one Of our citizens threatened in
Cuba Aside from the interest which our people
feel in the struggle that Is going on there from
the humanitarian point OF observation, we have
important commercial interests which will be Sc
riousy affected II any one of our citizens who
may befn charge Of its aairs there Is liable to be
notified that the government has no regard for his
life. In other words, II that power which we call
government can publicly advise the worst elements
OF society that murder will be winked at the obll
cation OF obedience to and respect for such author
ity ceases and sooner or laterw shall be compelled
to interfere either for the protection Of our own
citizens or to redress their wrongs. II Is better
that the patriots should receive our moral support,
and by that means they will bring the rule OF Spain
In Cuba to speedy end.