National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-06-18
TIE PAST AND TIRE PRESENT,

THE PAST AND TIE PREsENT.
Is It possible that can be in error in supposing
that these true American views are Just as appli-
cable 70 the condition Of our county now a1d 80
infant republics In our hemisphere warning for
freedom and Independence Of European control,
| themP Is It to be supposed that what this en-
lightened and far-seeing Statesman said In very
famous debate in Congress, in ls2e, is no longer
of any value to his couDtrymen or 70 the world?
Let me cite the extract referred to: AZ
sour own course during this contest between
Spain and her colonies is we'll known. Though
entirely and strictly neutral We were in favor Of
| early recognition. Our opinions were known to
the allied eovereigns when in congress at Aix-la-
Chapelle in 1918, at which time the stfairs Of
Spain and her colonies were under consideration;
and probably the knowledge Of their sentiments,
together with the policy adopted by England,
Prevented any interferenee BY other Powers at
that time. Yet We have treated Spain with scru-
pulous delicaey. We acte ID on the case as one OF
civil war. We treated with tho new governments
as governments de Iaeto. Not Questioning the
dlenee II she had the power, she yet held 1t to be
our right to deal with them as existing govern
m n IN fact when the moment arrived at which
ion Of Spain over them, her ancient colonies was
at an end. Our rights, our interests and our duty
all concurred at that moment to recommend the
recognition OF their independencep II
will now consider briefly the question Of Cuba
have no unkind remarks to indulge in in regard
to the late dispute between the Government OF
Spain aud that Of the United States touching the
affair Of the Virginius. 1 thought at the time
ana yet think, that our Secretary Of State, Mr.
Fish, exhibited much ability and diplomatic tact
in that delicate and difficult affair." and such be-
lieye to be the general opinion OF the country. 1t
was one Of those troubles which must be perpet-
uelly recurring so long as Gu ba remains o slavish
dependent Of Spain and the unfortunate people OF
thai island continue to sigh for freedom 1t Is not
certain that we shall always have in the Depart
ment Of State o man Of Mr.. Fish's dexterity and
vgor and II is easy TO see that hereafter, should
the Independence Of Cuba remain unrecognized,
collisions With Spain may recur Of far more Sc
rious character than any heretofore experienced.
But to proceed. That portion Of the population
Of Cuba now In q state OF revolt against Spanish
authority, or rather who have been driven BY in
tolerable and long-continued oppression into q
defence Of their natural rights Is by far the most
refined, the most Intelligent and most Influential
part Of the Inhabitants u this island.
n 81 SO REVIEW OF TIE CONTEST.
The struggle for freedom ana Independence
form s
though constrained 10 some extent, by the empe-
rious exigencies Of war, 70 assume an energetic
Ss they have synced by their acts and
declarations sn intense affection for the people Of
the United States, and q profound respect for
S our ss .ssly the @
abelish CHS institution and took active measures
for the suppression Of the Internal African slave
-trsde-stiiL regret to say, 20 some extent car
ried on IN . most disgusting and brutal manner
by freehooters Of the ocean, Of various nations,
commenced in unholy and audacious fellowship
Within the last SIX years many battles have
peen fought bstwesn the mereenary and rufianly
myrmidonfof Spain and the gallant and perse-
yertnX soldiers Of freedom. Heaven has propi-
tionsiy Srniled upon the oppressed sons Of Cuba,
VINO In almost every battle have been Triumphant
over their mercilefs persocutors. During the
nrst Jour years Of this Wars Spain Is estimated by
MI Siokles, our late minister, % many as 90, 200
OF the monsters In human shape whom she has
sent across the ocean for the preparation of
rayage and bioodshed. The army OF the Pal
sedfs, now arrayed In defence Of freedom, amounts
stationed mainly In the Esstern and Oamsquey
states and part Of Cinco Vellas, under the Com
mend OF Major Generals Garcias, Gomez and
others; and this army increases IN proportion TO
the number Of arms received, while the Spaniards
obliged TO garrison the large cities eznnot place
an equal number in the field.
The war In Cuba 10 kept in progress on the part
Of Spain almost exclusively By soldiers Of trans