The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-10-27
CVRdN AFFAIRS.

world at large, and this country In par
tioular, have been waiting and watching
over that island border long enough to
require that the positive status OF things
there should be determined. IL it is war,
in the sense of international law, Spain
should be required to recognize it as
such, in order to give to the commerce of
other nations with that island the rights
that the laws of war would confer, as
well as to fix the obligations that they
would impose. Ifit is not war, but sim
ply brigandage on large scale, then
Spain must be required to suppress the
disturbance In the interests of commerce
and civilization.
1t is in view of this alternative posi-
ton of affairs that the subject is just
now receiving much and anxious discus
sion among the ssquid 'nuncs' at Wash
ington and In New York. Nothing very
definite in the way of facts. has come to
light; but various circumstances have
combined to render the matter interest
ing, If not important.
One announcement was made by cable,
from Madrid, that our Minister, Mr..
Gushing, had officially notified the Span
ish government that unless the insurrec-
tion in Cuba were suppressed by the 1st
OF January, 1876, the United States
would recognize the belligerent rights
OF the insurgents. The truth OF that
announcement was Immediately ques-
toned; and the validity of the dispatch
was denied. But subsequent informa-
tion has given more consequence to the
announcement than was at first con-
ceded.
On the other hand, by many persons
the subject is regarded as merely an
eiectioneering dodge devised by General
Grant and the friends of his administra-
tfon, as a kind OF a military ''bonanza"
which they could proftably work for
securing Grants third-term nominate on.
This, however, would certainly be found
delus1ve. War or no war, there is no
third term nomination of Gen. Grant
by the people OF this country now possi-
BILE. =
Nevertheless, whether this movement
is now inaugurated for mere political
purposes, or not, it must be admitted
thai Gen. Grant has heretofore shown
no small degree Of anxiety to have this
Cuban imbroglio settled in some form or
other. In this, Grant was right. In that
proposition ali mep concur. The skirm-
ishing and squabbling between the Gu
ban insurgents and the Spanish soldiers
have thus far amounted TO nothing more
than sbattle, murder, and sudden
death;" and of the first, but few; of the
latter, very many. Altogether, how
ever, have resulted in nothing but the
prolongation OF the strife.
This state OF things has been in exist
enee for a greater number of years
than our civil war lasted. ALL remem-
Der with what hot haste foreign nations,
in alliance with us, recognized the bel
ligerent rights of the insurgents of the
South in 1861. Even England scarcely
waited for the announcement of hostili-
ties; and the booming of the first gun
fired in our war had scarcely spent its
echoes before the Southern insurgents
were clothed by other nations with the
rights and prerogauyes Of recognized
belligerency. And are we to wait, and
continue waiting, with this civil war
protracted through indefinite years, des-
olating that fair island within sight of
our own coasts, deranging and demoral-
;1iu 10 Il
ing our public interests2
Whatever the special motive may be
prompting to this step on the part of the
Administration, we will not now stop to
inquire. We say, unhesitatingly, that
some action must soon be taken to put
stop to tle Turmoil, de vas tation and blood
she'd that have for years characterized
that Cuban strife. Possibly, General
Grant may be fully impressed with the
Importance Of this course of action
towards Cuba, without any of the
premptings OF ambition suggesting
third nomination for himself through its
instrumentality, as his enemies inti-
mate. But, whether this be so or not,
can n0b cDduge Tue EeSult III LHHt
regard. Some course Of action look
ing towards quieting Cuba is be-
coming necessity for the interests
of our own country and for Cuba herself.
But it is a snare and a delnsion to sup
pose that any such thing can work out
third term nomination for Gen. Grant.
And certainly it does not follow, that,
In order to bring about quietude in Cuba,
we must needs have war with Spain.
Spain is in no condition to fight any
body or anything. She is without money,
troops, friends, Or craftsmanship. She
is pauperized, demoralized and Bour-
bonized even unto the last extremity.
Her very weakness, however, like the
weakness of old age, should be her pro-
lection. But, Cu6a must be Quieted.
THE insurrection in Southeastern Eu-
rope against the Turkish Government
doas not snam ta hp hv auy mpana SIM