The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-07-02

TnE TNDEPENDENCE or CUBA.
There are Inconsistencies and criminal-
ties about nations as well as individuals
which are sure to bring down punishment
upon the guilty. OF all the offenses which
humanity is subjected 10. none does more
real injury and yet commands less atten-
ton, criticism and denunciatiOn than that
of an improper regard for the rights Of ma
tiOns or people struggling to obtain that
liberty and independence which God in
tended man to enjoy. But there is q differ
ence between the sins of nations and indi-
viduals: the first are punished here upon
this earth; the latter in the world to come.
1t is bad enough that some poor creature
is suffered TO pine away and die for
the lack Of the common necessaries Of life.
We have whole volumes written to show
the ''inhumanity of man to man" and the
best methods for relieving distress, and
placing the suffering sons and daughters OF
privation and want in condition to enjoy
more of the blessings of life. Such efforts
can never receive too much praise. Their
authors are worthy of all cOmmendation +;
and we doubt not that the angelic hosts
from the resplendeps battlements of heaven,
if they are pern,sf % look down upon the
striving MULTI sarth, wave their am
brosial wings their harps of gold
with such aftis11G tDuches as to fill the
arches of the New Jerusalem with the most
enhancing music in appreciation of the
efforts to Danish pain and pour in
the oil and wine of happiness and
hope. But when whole people strive not
only for the neccessaries of life, but for the
privilege of being the architects of their
own fortunes and sacred honors. of life,
liberty and happiness, of how much more
Importance become their prayers to the ma
tions of the earth to grant them such rights
as strengthen their claims for recognition,
for having shown such consistency and in
ternal power as manifest ability, stability
and wisdom to guide, protect and defend
nation or people aggregate humanity, and
by their numbers appeal with the voice of
a multitude for the rights and privileges
which every people should enjoy. Our
own declaration of independence which
struck the key note of the rights Of the
people in their struggles for self-gov-
eminent, has met responsive echo in the
hearts of all people, who deny the divine
rights of kings. 1t has become the voice of
struggling humanity whenever the few
have reached forth the mailed hand of
power to crush out and trample under foot
their liberties. And it will ever be heard,
borne upon the surging waves of the count
less multitudes of the earth in their Crap
pie with the minions of place during their
efforts to establish government with such
safeguards as will preserve the liberty of
the person, of the press, of the pen, and of
religion. But the injustice of the nation
alities is that they do not mete out the same
measure to the weak people that they do to
the strong and powerful. The law is not
enforced in the one as in the other. Rights
are not acknowledged which would give in
creased power; and they are compelled to
carry on the struggle against great odds
and "a the face of difficulties which
surround them because not recognized
as a distinct government. The United
States stand charged with this great wrong
in the case of Cuba. she has, for four
long, weary years, sustained conflict with
one of the most bigoted and tyrannical gov
ernments on the earth Sand 'aIs1odgh withih
a year or two that gdfernment has chosen
a Republic, still the war is carried on with
all the relentless fury and hate which
marked its commencement. Cuba still
stands erect, still gives blow for blow, and
win not yield to the arrogant demands of
Spain. Some of the best blood of the
island has been shed by the butchers of the
mother country; but so far from intimida-
ting the survivors, they retaliate upon
their cowardly foes and press them within
narrower circles. There is no sign of yield
ing; and still the United States government
looks on with apparent indifference and gives
no voice of encouragement, when by re-
cognition an end might be put to the bloody
struggle. Surely according to the law of
nations, Cuba is entitled to be free; for she
has shown power to sustain the govern
ment of her choice against all corners.
How long will this unnatural state of af-
fairs continued How long shall the blood
of patriots water the soil2 How much more
must be accomplished before the Cubans
shall be considered as entitled to indepen-
denceG How can the people of the United
States celebrate the centennial, when con-
sclous of such great wrong to peo-
pie who are fighting almost within
hearing of her shores for liberty and
independence Just so sure as nations are
punished for their sins in this world, the
United States will be punished should Cuba
be overpowered by her enemies.
We therefore trust that the government
viii not be slow to render Cuba such sub
stantial aid as will enable her to triumph
and maintain that form Of government
which her people declare to be essential to
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
GOV. KEmPER, COL. MOSBY AND
PRESIDENT GRANT.
The Richmond Enquirer calls upon Gov.
Kemper to state how far the report is true