The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1884-08-07
CUBA

One of the ridiculous stories OF the
day is tale which George w. But
Ter, the renegade nephew of Gen.
B. z. Butler, unfolded in Washing
ton newspaper the other day. 1t
was to the effect that a party of
wealthy Americans, amoag them
Ex-Governor Warmoth, of Louis ana;
August Belmont, Sam. B srlow,
Pierre Lorillard and James Gordon
Bennett, of New York, and ex<
Governor Leland Stanford and John
w. Mackay, of California, were en-
gagged in scheme to buy the island
OF Cuba for 500, 100000, turn it into
an immense sugar and tobacco plan
tation, work it with Chinese cheap
labor, and after a few years turn it
over to the United States, CONS
pensating themselves by retaining
certain rich plantations. Young
Butler being utterly irresponsible. a
confirmed liar and devoted
to sensation and wGisky the story
will find few believers. It is to be
regretted that some such excellent
luck does not befall the ill-starred
island. Spain has always ruled
Cuba as if it were the intention to
squeeze all the value from itlevery
year. The most cruel and corrupt
administrations have been in6ict. d
upon it; so vicious has keen the
treatment by the unnatural foster
mother that the latter long since
deserved to have her authority over
the beautiful island Wrested from
her. A long succession Of insurrec-
tions has occurred, but with the
exception of the one now in pro-
gress, all have been crushed with
an iron hand, Spain clinping to her
possessions with a tenacity that is
surprising in view Of the wicked
treatment Of Cuba. If the
mother country did not Prize
the island highly IL would
not resist so vigorously the attempts
of the people to free themselves,
and the several propositions that
have been made to buy Cuba would
have been received with degree Of
consideration. For half q century
America has kept a longing eye on
the neighbor island, and at times il
has seemed as if the United States
would have to get it. As long age
as 1s4S President Polk created sen
sation in this country by Offering
800, 100000 for Cuba. He had nj
Constitutional right to make thu
offer, and his action atoused gocC
deal of adverse criticism, but Their
is no doubt if Spain had accepted
the Presidents action would hav,
been approved and the none.
forthcoming. Spain, however
promptly rejected the offer, as sh
has all others since made. TIL
south, before the war, was anxiou
to annex Cuba, one object being t
obtain a rich agricultural territory
but the prime motive was Il
prevent the island falling int
hands which would emancipst
the slaves. Slavery still exists il
Cuba. though there is g law passe
by the Spanish Cortes in 1870, pro
viding for general emancipation
The Spaniards on the island, VIII
are all-powerful and influential
have opposed the measure SO strong
" as to defeat its operation.
Spain will never willingly relir
uuish its control OF the rich islam
from which she has derived so niue
wealth. The only way by whic
Cuba can throw off the Spanis
woke, is through the irregular assis
ance that America can extend
the patriots who, if not engaged
an insarrection, are ever plannin
one. II SPANS authority coul
once be thrown off and q govern
ment established, The United State
might then hope to gain iss coVete
prize. Bat this purchase scheme
undoubtedly pure fabrication.
A REPUBLICAN organ heads q