The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-08-01
Porto Rico stretches along its southern side.

We are informed on unQueStionable nu-
thority that during the late civil war in
Hayti, when LEGITIME was hard pressed by
HIppoLYTE, then supported by the United
States, 1t was not mainly on the supper. OF
France or of England that LEGrTiME sought
TO rely. He also made approaches to
Spain. He represented to the Spanish
agents the paramount Interest Spain had
in preventing an American establishment
on the shores of Hayti. On this ground one
OF the ab.cst old school politicians OF spain.
the Marquis DE VEGA DE ARMIJo, then
Minister OF Foreign Affairs In the SAGAsTA
Ministry was in favor OF assisting LEd1T1ME
in such n way as to supply him underhand
with sufficient means to put down his rival,
that is to say, with a smallamount OF pecu-
mary assistance and such help as could be
rendered by few experienced officers
and gunners. But DE VEGA DE ARMIJo was
overrulcd. Spain was afraid OF aroueing
American hostility, and in order to avoid
possible trouble. her politicians came to the
conclusion that it was more advisable to let
events tako their course. On the other hand,
with view to the probable occupation OF
tho Mole ST. Nicolas by the United States,
the Spanish statesmen determined to frr-
tify the hatbor OF Baracoa, on the north
east OF Cuba just west OF Cape MaysL
We have now sugge> ted what may I've re-
cardcd as the most sensible line Of policy
open to the United States in tho Antilles.
1t consists in the careful selection OF two or
more strategic positions, and III their
permanent occupation, thus anording
place OF rendezvous to our fleet in that
quarter, and at the same time securing to
American influence an almost controlling
authority. 1t might be said that such
policy would be almost borrowed from Brit
isl presidents. Before the British occupa-
ton OF Egypt, England had an established
line OF fortresses in the Mediterranean
reachng from Gibraltar to Malta, and
thence to Cyprus: and again pursuing the
same policy first. class fortress was con-
structed at Alden. The old argument
that tho United States Is an exclusively
continental power has become stale: and
il proof OF this Is needed. the truth will
be found by inspecting the map o. the Pa
cific Ocean. There lies q long line OF islands
stretching far out into tho northern part of
that sea. They are ours under the Alaska
purchase, and may prove Of immense value.
Still more in point are the Sandwich Islands,
the sphere OF American influence. 1t is
hardly necessary to add to these precedcnts
the recent transactions relating to tho
Samoan Islands.
In broad contrast with the steady and pro-
gressive policy so successful elsewhere,
| comes the enumeration Of many failures in
our diplomatic relations with the Antilles;
and this is perhaps mostimpressivelya ppar-
ent in regard to our Cuban policy. When the
| Cuban instruction. that followed the over
throw Of Queen IsABELLAs Government
was proclaimed at Yara. the United States
professed principles OF absolute neutral
ity; then little later. under Mr. FIsH's mar
row-minded management. the Administra-
ton confined itself to the maintenance Of
our treaty rights, and to clearly expressed
advice tending to bring about the abolition
OF Cuban slavery by the act OF tho SPANS h
authorities. From the overthrow Of the
| Cuban insurrection, with our tacit completely,
to the appointment OF Mr.. BLAINE rs Secre-
| tary OF State, the same rules Of conduct have
been asserted; aud every idea of departing
from them has been doomed to failure.
AS for the views OF Mr.. BLAINE in favor
OF a more active policy, especially in Cuban
|
tain doubts. To the careful observer who
looks beneath tho surface, this is remark
ably evident; and among many indications
we will now point out one. 1t is well known
in Washington that there are certain large
claims OF individual citizens Of the United
States which have been outstanding against
Spain for great many years. Such claims
have been pressed with vigor under former
Administrations; but since Mr.. BLAINE has
been in office, it has been subject OF com
ment and even OF adverse criticism, that h,
has hardly urged the immediate settlement
OF any OF them. But those who thus blame
the Secretary OF State have not understood
his method. Far from surrenderlng the
rights OF American citizens. he believes in
their enforcement; but he proposes to oh
tain the result which lie keeps in view. b!
means OF a general line OF conduct having
Cuba for its objective point: thus the claim:
Of American citizens form only one of the
important accessories in q broad and com
prehensive plan.
On the other hand, it may be supposed
that the result of last fall s elections has in
duced Mr.. BLAINE to modify his design in re-
gard to Cuba. After the crushing defeat OF tn,
| ncpuDllcuu lul ~ a. I'-'S pulls IL" iudy AuN {
been inclined to believe at first that his stay
in Office might be considerably shortened
and therefore he has since naialy restricted
himself to tho application and extension o
his reciprocity idea. Sundry powers have
come to share his views on that subject
but none ranks in Importance with SPAR
since it has adopted reciprocity in regard t,
Cuba; and now that closer commercial rela
tions are established between the United
States and 1.-THE great Spanish colony. what vii
be the probable consequences of the rec!proc
ity scheme? According to much-quoted au
thorities, closer commercial relations be
tween neighboring countries, States, co!
onies. or peoples bring about political union
Many authors see in commercial leagues or
ganized on this continent. beginning or
handspring for the establishment of a more
perfect union. The same remarks hav,
been made as to the German Zollvereil
OF 1Si1. According to great man.
writer's, it contributed greatly to pre-