The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-01-22

speedy and satisfactory ending 10 made
OF the.strife that is devastating Cuba. A
disastrous conflict OF more than seven
years duration has demonstrated the ina
bility Of Spain to maintain peace. On the
island lying at our door, desolation and
destruction Of life and property has been
the only results q the conflict. It might
be that this inability results in large
degree from the unhappy condition OF
\ Spain at home, TO some extent from the
distractions which are dividing her peo-
pie, but the fact remains. Added 10 this
is large expanse OF ocean separating
the peninsula from the island and the
want Of harmony and Of personal sympa-
thy between the inhabitants OF the terri
tory of the home government and those
OF the colony, the distinction OF classes
in the latter, between the rulers and sub
jccts, the want Of adaptation Of tho an
cient colonial system OF Spain 10 the
present time, and 10 the ideas OF the
people OF every reading and thinking
country. Great Britain wisely has re-
laxed her old system Of colonial depend
ence, and is reaping the benefits in con.
tentedness and the peaceful prosecution
Of the arts Of peace and commercial in
dustry in her colonies, which under re-
straint might have questioned and resist
ed the power OF control from distant
government and might have existed, US
does Cuba, chronic condition Of insur-
rection, turbulence and rebellion. In
addition 10 all this, it can not be ques-
toned that the continued maintenance, in
tho face OF DEGREES and enactments 10 the
contrary, OF a compulsory system Of slave
labor is cause OF disquict and Of excite
ment TO n large class in the island, as
also in the United States, which the gov
ernment OF Spain has led us by very
distinct assurances 10 expect should DO
removed, and which the enlightened
Christianityof the age condemns. The con-
test and disorder in Cuba affects the
United States directly and injurously by
the presence in this country Of the parti-
zans Of the revolt who have fled thither
in consequence OF tho proximity Of the
territory rs to political asylum, and
who by their plotting are disturbers OF
the public peace. The United States has
excrted itself to its utmost for seven years
to reprcss the unlawful acts on the part
Of these self.exiled subjects Of Spain, re-
lying on the promise Of Spain to paciiy
the Island. Seven years OF strain on the
powers Of the government to fulfill all
that the most exacting demands Of one
government can make under any doctrine
or claim OF international obligation upon
another have not. witnessed the much
hoped for pacilcation. The United
States feels itself entitled 10 be relieved
Of this strain. These severe measures are
injurious to the United States and often
in conflict with public law which colonial
officers havetaken to subduo the insur-
rection and the Indifference and ofttimes
the offensive assaults upon the just sus.
capabilities of the people Of the United
States and their government which have
characterized that part OF the peninsular'
population oil Havana in which it has
been sustained and upheld, il has not
controlled, by the successive Governors
General, and which have led to the disre-
gard Of the orders and DEGREES, which the
more enlarged wisdom and more friendly
councils Of the home government had EN-
acted, the cruelty and inhumanity which
have characterized the contest both on the
part Of the colonial government and Of
tho revolt for seven years, and
the destruction OF valuable prop
critics and industries by arson and
pillaGe, which Spain appears unable, how
ever desirous to prevent and stop in MI
island three thousand miles distant from
her shores, but lying within sight Of our
coast, with which trade and constant in.
tercourse are unavoidable arc causes Of
annoyance and OF Injury to the United
States, which it could not be expected TO
tolerate without assured prospecto of their
termination. The United States has more
than once been solicited by the Insur-
gents to extend to them its aid, but has for
years hitherto resisted such solicitation,
and has endeavored by the tender Of its
good offices, in the way Of mediation, ad-
vice and remonstrancc, to bring to an end
a great evil which has pressed sorely
upon the interests both Of the govern
ment and Of the people OF the United
States; also upon the commercial inter
ests OF other nations. A sincere friend
ship for Spain and for her people, wheth-
er pcninsnlar or insular, and an equally
sincere reluctance to adopt any measures
which might injure or humble the ancient
ally OF the United States, has character
lied the conduct OF this government in
every step during these sad and distress.
ing years, and tho President is still ami
mated by the same feelings and desires,
above all things to aidher and her people
to enter and move upon the path Of safety
and repose. 1t will be remembered that
the President in the year 1869 rendered
the good Offices OF the United States for
the purpose Of bringing to close the
civil war in Cuba. This offer was
made delicatcly, in good faith and
friendship 10 both parties to
the contest. General Ptimas, the rep.
resentative OF the Spanish government,
while recognizing the good faith and
friendship with which this offer was
made, replied:
eve can better proceed, in the present
situation Of things, without even this
friendly Intervention. A time will come
when the good offices OF tho United States
will not only DO useful, but indispensable
in the final arrangements between Spain
and Cuba. We will ascertain the form
in which they can be employed, and con-
iidently count on your assistance"
The United States replied that its good
offices for that object would be at any
time at the service Of the parties to the
conflict. This government has ever since
been ready thus to aid in restoring peace
and quiet. The government Of the United
States has heretofore given expression to
no policy in reference to the insurrection
in Cuba, because it has honestly and
sincerely hoped that no declaration Of
policy on its part would be required.
The President feels that longer reti-
cence would be inconsistent with the in.
terests Of both governments. Our rela-
tions with Spain are in that critical posi-
tion that another seizure similar TO that
ofthe Virginius, other executions OF citi-
zens OF the United States, other wrongs
Of less Objectionable character even than
many which have been already suffered by
our citizens with simple remonstranccs,
and possible even some new acto excep-
tionable severity in Cuba, may suddenly
produce feeling and excitement which
might force events which this govern
mcnt anxiously desires to avoid. The
President hopes that Spain may sponta-
IL. l.. III