The New York herald., 1873-11-25
Alexander IL. stephens, of Georgia, on
the Question.

from the Augusta (Ga.l Chronicle, Nov. 22l
The opinions of public men. aud especially those
OF members OF Congress, upon the all-absorbing
Cuban question, are looked 1or with great eager
ness 3y the pubic. Yesterday our reporter called
upon Hon. A. II. stephens, Representative to Con.
gress from this the Eighth Georgal district, who
is stopping in Augusta for a short time before
leaving for Washington city, and is the guest OF
Mr.. 5. Marcus, for the purpose OF obtaining his
views upon the prevailing topic. We found him
suffering from severe headache, but nevertheless
readily disposed to converse.
REPoRTER-what do you think about this Cuban
affair, Mr.. Stephens
Mr.. srEpHESs-well, am frank to say that I am
for Cuba Immediately. il not sooner. | consider
the virgnus affair the greatest outrage OF modern
times There is nothing at all analogous to 1t, ex.
cept, perhaps, that upon vessel-the Eldorado |
think 1T was-during Pierces ad minIstratlon. in
1854. wanted the administration then to take
possession OF Cuba.
KEPoRrER-Do you think there will be any war
with Spain arising out OF the complications
Mir. STEPHENs-I do not. think Spain will offer
every apology and place herself In the position OF
the lame man who IS unable TO leave his house,
and whose dogs Jump over his fence and
rend his neignbor's sheep. She Will simply
saw | am unable TO restrain the volunteers
you must do with them as you please. | am In
favor OF suspending the neutrality laws. II
this were done so large force OF Americans would
"
opposition would be overawed and peaceful ac-
question oft secured. These Spanish volunteers
IN Cuba show by their recent acts tnat they are
nothing more than pirates, ana they should be
punished accordingly.
REPoRTER-Won' the United States lose consid
eraby by the stoppage OF import duties on Cuban
products in case OF the acquisition OF the island p.
MIR. STEPHESs-Of course the import duties VIII
cease upon this country taking possession Of cuba,
but the revenue nom the island Will be far greater
then Than now, especially II anything ike the tarin
IN force BY the spanish government Is kept up
Inc revenue 70 the latter rom this island was
S2o,000,000 annually before the war.
REPoRTsR-Il the United states acquire Cuba the
products oi The latter WILL OF course, be cheaper in
this country
Mr.. sTEPHRss-Yes; and am in favor OF cheap
cigars and cheap sugar. II Cuba were once ours
its & resources would be developed TO an immense
extent ana It's production largely increased
Mr. stephens went on to say that the
movement Tor taking possession OF Cuba
AT TINS time, and in view OF the recent
unparalleled outrages, was desirable for more
reasons than one. One OF the most i'm nor
tant was that IL would furnish a common oropnd
lor al the people Of the Union to meet upon rec
onche party dlnerences and level down sectional
anlmostles. lhe fact OF the business IA he said
atne united states heretofore has been holding
Cuba down winnie Spain skinned her y o
REP0RTER-lt Is probable that Congress win
take the matter In hand Immediately upon Assem-.
bling?
NE. STEPHESs-Yes. Perhaps no less than ofty
resolutions will be offered upon that aud the cur
reDcy question the first day.
REPORTER-Wi not the Louisiana matter also
excite much attention.
Mr. STEPHENs---I have no idea that it will.
Mr.. Stephens then made some general remarks
on the virginius outrage, which he condemned In
the most unmeasured terms. lie was unqualified
W AlS aentlueRts Ia favor Vi this government TAX