New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-10-31
Cuns.


The active and intelligent Washington
correspondent Of the American Press Asso-
citation has the following opinion Of ~
probable action of our government ON the
question of Cuban recognition: a a1s lH
There Is authority for the statement that
more vigorous policy is ON the eve of
being initiated with reference to Cuban af-
fairs. At the same time it is proper to state
that recent publications on this subject
have been rather of Q Sensational character
There has been no significant concentr alton
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 concentration Of our fleets. The
large iron clads are stationed at the points
to which they were ordered after the con-
months ago. The Wabash, the Colorado
and other frigates of the first class have
been detailed as receiving vessels in the
pursuance Of policy adopted by the
Navy Department long since, and
entirely irrespective of any consider
alton touching ON the present or
future relations of this government toward
Cuban affairs. 1t is true that the vessels
| indicated are armed and equipped, go 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 orr navy armaments were con-
cerned, and the Secretary of the Navy was
| compelled to work all the force at his com.
mand night and day for weeks before he
was in condition to meet possible emersen.
| cies. 1t was then determined that the
motto for the future should be semper para
tbs, and this is the explanation OF the
present disposition of the war vessels of
the South Atlantic coast. While, therefore,
there has been no attempt to menace Spain
by any exhibition of our naval forces the
navy Is and has been for months in q con-
ditiOn to give good account of itself if
called upon.
The views of the President in regard to
the conflict which has so long been waged
in Cuba have never been concealed. Not
only in his annual messages to Congress and
diplomatic correspondence, but also in his
private conversation has he indicated his
opinion that this government should not
stand sleot and Wow the contest with in
difference. He has RETAINED from official
action solely through the influence of the
Secretary of State, for there has been no
time within the last three years that Con-
gress woald not have indOrsed his reeogni.
ton of Cuban belligeTency. One year ago
the President used very strong lapsuaee In
regard to this subject in the original draft
Of his message; but subsequently, through
the Representations of the Secretary of
State, he was induced to modify it. Lat
terly the President has become more con-
firmed in his views 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 communicated to the government
at Madrid, notwithstanding the apparent
disclaimer, although it was, of course,
couched in more diplomatic terms than FIRST
accounts seemed to indicate. There is
good ground for the belief that, in accord
anee, with these views, the President
when he deems that the proper time has
arrived, will institute such action az will
secure the beginning of the end of the
pillage and rapine which has run riot in
! Cuba.
1t is we'll known to the President and to
| the governments of Europe that it is in the
| power OF the United States to terminate the
| conflict in Cuba at any moment and eman-
cipate that island absolutely from Spanish
| control. The only question to be considered
is whether the President would be justified
by divine and humane law. The President
thinks he would. As for the idea of q war
with Spain, it is perfectly ridiculous. No
nation can wage war without money The
Spain treasury is empty and that govern
| ment can not raise q dollar in the money
markets Of Europe.
| Tho means by which the war against the
Cuban insurgents has been carried on have
been supplied exclusively in Havana. Not
a cent has come from Spain. No more can
be raised in Havana. This lie, in brief, the
situation as it now exists: That the Presi-
| dent will, in comp .ratively short time
take decisive action, may be anticipated;
that whatever he does will involve us in
any war with Spain is next to impossible,
although an Insignificant push or two is not
unlikely.