Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-12-08

ten wrought is drawn, and the disastrous
effects on the trade and commerce Of
the United States set forth; also the fact
that many Of our citizens have acquired
property on the Island which has become
greatly deprecated in value, as well aG
rendered insecure. Other nations are
likewise afflicted, though not ia the same
degree. The States thus suffering will
soon be compelled to consider what the
Interests of the people and their duties
toward themselves demand. Great
reluctance is expressed to interfere
in the affairs Of a friendly power.
Thus far all the resorts Of Spain have
proved abortive, and there is no improve
ment in the situation. Neither party
on the island has gained any advantage,
but the sacrifice of life and property con-
tinues. The insurgents, while holding
their ground, have not risen to the dig
nifty of a new power or established a
State with all its machinery Of govern
ment, to establish internal policies and
enforce laws or send a flag forth to
other powers. The definition of a State
and its constituent elements are given
at length. The Cubans do not come up to
the Presidents standard, and, therefore,
cannot be recognized even as belliger-
ents, although it is admitted to be doubt
full whether Spain, with all her power,
can ever subdue them. A recognition
under such circumstances would be in
consistent with facts, and would compel
the power that gave it to support by
force the government to which it had
really given only claim Of existence.
The conflict 10 Cuba, according to the
view of the President, does not reach
the dignity of war; therefore the Cubans
cannot be recognized as belligerents,
muchless as independent. The contest
is older, but not greater. The various
questions and complications that
might arise after recognition are
set forth at considerable length in
lawyer-like style. Recognition being
couclusively inadmissible, in the view
Of the President, it remains to consider
what course shall be adopted, should the
conflict not soon be brought to an end
BY the acts Of the parties themselves,
and should the evils which result there
from, affecting ell nations and particu-
larry the United States, continue. The
contending parties appear to have within
themselves no depository of common
confidence to suggest wisdom when pas
sien and excitement have their sway.
The good Offices Of the United States
we're rendered as mediator in the early
days Of the conflict, but they we're at the
time declined by Spain, with the declara.
ton, nevertheless, that at a future time
they would be necessary. No iutimation
has been received that in the opinion Of
Spain that time has been reached, and
yet the strife continues with its dread
+ horrors, and all its injuries to the inter
est of the United States and Of other ma
tons. Either mediation or intervention
seems to be the only alternative which
must sooner or later be invoked for the
termination Of the strife. One or the
other may be required at an early day,
and unless some settlement is arrived al
soon, the President promises Congress q
special message on the subject.
THE MEXICAN QUESTION.
Depredations by armed bands from
Mexico on the people Of Texas lea the
frontier continue; though the main OBJ
ject Of incursions is robbery, they fire.
quently result in the murder Of unsrmed
aud peaceably-disposed persons, and il
some instances even the United States
postofices and mail communication
have been attacked. Renewed remon
s%trsuces upon this subject have beer
addressed to the Mexican government
but without much apparent effect; tb,
military force Of this government dis
possible for service in that quarter is in
adequate to efectuallly guard the lint
even az those points where the incur
sions are usually made. An experiment
Of an armed vessel on the Rio Graudt
for that purpose is on trial, and it il
hoped that, il not thwsrted by the shall
lowness OF the river and other natura
obstacles, it may materially contribute
to the protection OF the herdmen o
Texas. The proceedings Of the join
commission under the convention be
tween the United States and Mexico o
, 4th Of July, 1868. on the subject o
? claims will soon be brought to a close
! The result Of those proceedings will thel
. be communicated to Congress.
NEW TREATIES
Have been made with Belgium and tb
+ Ottoman Empire.
e THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
The progress Of the adjustment Of th
Alabama claims before the Court o
Claims is stated. 1t is Of interest mainl
; TO claimants.
ALIENS.
The creation Of a special court is r,
n commended for the consideration an
d determination Of claims Of aliens againt
the government Of the United States.
D. OCEAN CABLES.
Recommendation are made for III
le protection Of the public against the e,