The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-10-26

vigorous policy is on the eve of being in-
itiated with reference to Cuban affairs.
At the same time 1t is proper to state
that recent publications on this subject
have been rather of a sensational char
acter. There has been no significant
concentration of war vessels, for the
course which has been resolved upon is
not likely to lead to much consequence,
nor will it require any particular con-
centration Of our fleets.
The Large iron-clads are stationed at
points to which they were anchored
after conclusion of the great naval drill
eighteen months. ago. The Wabash,
the Colorado and other frigates of the
tirst-class have been detailed as receiv.
ing vessels, in pursuance of the policy
adopted by the Navy Department long
since, and entirely irrespective of any
considerations touching on the present
or future relations of this Government
toward Cuban officers. 1t is true that
equipped SO that they can be made
ready at short notice for sailing orders.
When The Virginius affair occurred it
found us almost totally helpless, SO far
as our navy armamenrs were concerned,
and the Secretary OF the Navy was COM
PEELED to work all the force at his COM
mand night and day for weeks, before he
was in a condition to meet the emer-
gencies. .
1t was then the determination that
the motto for the future should be "Sem-
per Paralus," and this sthe explanation
of the present disposition OF war vessels
off the South Atlantic coast. While, there
fore, there has been no attempt to men,
ace Spain by an exhibition of our naval
forces, the navy. is, and has been for
months, In a condition TO give good ac-
count of itself.
The views of the President in regard
to the conflict which has so long been
urged in Cuba have never been con-
cealed. Not only in his annual mess
ages to Congress and diplomatic corre-
spondence, but also In his private con-
versation has he indicated his opinion
lthat this Government should not stand
off and view the contest with passing ln-
difference. He has refrained from otli-
eial action solely through the influence
| of the Secretary of State, for there has
been no time within the last three years
that Congress would not have iudorsed
his recognition OF Cuban belligerents.
| One year ago the President used very
strong language in regard to this subject
in the original draft of his message; but,
subsequently, through representa-.
tions OF the Secretary Of State he was
induced to modify it. Latterly the Pres.
| ident has become more confirmed in his
views. and believes that it is neither
polite nor just for the United States to
remain longer silent. There is no doubt
that this opinion of his has been commu.
| nicated to the Government atsMadrid,
Notwithstanding this apparent dis
claimer, although it was of course
couched in more diplomatic terms than
first accounts seemed to indicate.
There is good ground for the belle
THAT i'll accordance with these views the
President, when he deems that the
proper time has arrived, will institute
such action as will secure the beginning
of the end of pillage and rapine, whicl
has run riot in Cuba. 1t is well know
to the President and the Governments o
Europe that it is in the power OF thu
United States to terminate. the contiic
in Cuba a. any moment and emancipatt
that island absolutely from Spanish con
troll. The only question to be consid
cred is whether tue President would bt
Justified by divine and human law. The
President thinks he would. AS for thu
idea of war with Spain 1t is perfect.
ridiculous. No nation can wage wa
without money. The Spanish Treasur.
is empty, and that Government can no
tralse a dollar in the money markets o
EurOOe,