The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-11-16
zne UuDan Question In Its Most
Serious Aspect.


dent Grants ''strong policy" in relation to
Cuba is certain to encounter in Great Britain.
The Times inclines to think that the PTesi-
dent does not mean what he says, and that
it is a mere diplomatic flourish with a view to
make personal or party capital 1.-The more
probable explanation, says the Times, lis that
President Grant is not unwilling 70 try
whether the prospects Of the republican
party or of third term can be frightened
by a spirited foreign policy" Itwould not
be possible for the most powerful organ OF
European opinion to express a more mortl-
flying view of the character Of President
Grant, or to say anything which would 50
lower him in European estimation A. this
Hypothetical explanation Of his attitude
toward Spain. 1t represents him as
prostituting the highest and most
solemn Of al lis public trusts
to the promotion Of sordid personal
ends II holds him up in the face Of Europe
as the Chief Magistrate Of great nation
who is 50 lost to sense Of what he owes TO
his country As to run the risk Of embroiling
its foreign relations for selfish party pur-
pose. II was a noble saying Of Webster that
tour party differences cease at the waters
edge !" but if the London Times estimate
Of President Grant is correct he
is not only capable Of degrading
the foreign policy Of the country
into 4 football Of party politics, but of caus-
ing the government to put on airs Of IN
meaning bravado and trifing with the M
tional honor by threats and demands which
he does not intend to enforce.
But it is the clear opinion Of the Times
that if President Grants high language to
Spain is not what we in America call bun-
combe" if he is not idly vaporing for politi-
cal effect at home, he has left Spain no choice
but to declare war and resist to the uttermost.
.King Alfonsos Minister'S" says the Times,
''could not even afford to daily with such
threat as that which is said to have come
from President Grant. They would be
forced to resist the summons, even if it had
come from Prince Bismarck instead Of Pres
ident Grant" Such an article, from such a
source, is calculated and is probably intended
to stimulate and embolden Spain to resist if
President Grant is in earnest and not merely
playing with fire" 1t is impossible for
the Spanish government to interpret
the Times article in any other sense
than as British encouragement to stand
on its dignity and defy the United States.
Spanish statesmen have not forgotten the
vigorous protests made by the Earl Of Malmes-
bury and Lord Russell against the acquisi-
ton Of Cuba by the United States. They
have not forgotten the official declarations
Of the British government that its posses
sions in the West Indies make the status Of
Cuba an object Of interest to England as
well as to the United States. They have
not forgotten the proposed tripartite treaty
by which Great Britain, acting in con-
junction with france, sought to bind the
United States never to acquire Cuba When
the Spanish Ministry find the leading organ
Of British opinion saying that they are bound
to declare war if President Grant means what
he says they will be apt to construe it as
evidence that they may count on the moral
support and, if it should prove to be needed,
the material aid of Great Britain in resenting
SO great an affront to the national honor Of
Spain. The strong expressions Of the Lon
don Times will encourage Spain to believe
that she would not stand alone in such a war
as General Grants language, if serious, must
necessarily provoke.
The Times is Of the opinion that in the
early stages Of such war the advantages
would be On the side Of Spain owing to her
better state Of preparation Weak and en-
1 fIf gseba
has more available fighting power at present,
for her fleet is ready, and it is really
formidable, while by turning the war against
the Carlists into a merely defensive
contest, King Alfonso could spare
large body Of soldiers for SER
vice in Cuba. The United States,
on the other hand, would have to equip both
an army and an effective fleet, and before
that could be done Spain might gain some
cheap glories." But these early successes on
the part Of Spain would be fatal to General
Grants hopes Of another Presidential nom
nation. A few Spanish victories next
spring, Just in advance Of the meeting Of the
Republican National Convention, would fall
as a disastrous blight on his chances. Even
in his own interest he had better keep out
Of such conflict. But this is needless
caution if lie is causing all this hubbub Of
uneasiness and excitement for mere bun
combe. Yet, if his language toward Spain
is idle bravado for electioneering effect, the
country will feel greater humiliation and
disgust than if it were sincere, since proud
and spirited people values its honor above
its interest.
What renders the present aspect Of the
affair 50 serious il the now ascer-
tanned fact that the public opinion
Of Europe, and especially Of Great
Britain, will support Spain and justify
her resistance to the demands of our