The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-04
THE OUTBREAK IN CuRA.

While the Cuban revolution has not
reached a. stage to warrant the belief
that it will become general it seems,
nevertheless, to be something more than
a conspiracy Of banditti, IA Spanish
authorities allege. News reports. which
undoubtedly pass government censor
ship, are vague as to the condition of
affairs and uncertain as to tho cause OF
the outbreak. Dissatisfaction over re-
cent elections to the Spanish cortes and
burdensome taxation are said to DO the
reasons 1t is probable, however, that
these are excuses rather than causes,
for the purpose of arousiug to action
that neverdying prejudice against
Spanish rule in Cuba. 1t has
been known for some time that
sympathizers Of tho insurgents at Key
West and New York we're quietly en-
couraging insurrection and planning 10
give material aid. Tho watchfulness OF
our government has thus far prevented
the departure of expeditions from our
shores. but the activity OF Spanish
authorities on the island would indicate
the fear Of a well planned revolutionary
movement.
The progress Of this uprising will be
watched with eager interest by those who
have often urged the annexation of Cuba
to the United States. For many years
this has been an oft recurring question.
In 1S4S our minister to Madrid under
tho authority of President Folks adj
ministration, made an offer Of 100000
600 for Cuba. This was refused. In
1854, our ministers at London, Paris and
Madrid held a conference, and in a man.
ifesto urged the necessity of Cuban an
nexation with this government. They
even went so far as to suggest posses
sion by force if no other means could be
found. -Four years later, the matter
was again discussed in the United States
senate and negotiations for the purchase
we're commenced, but subsequently
dropped. Our civil war put an end to
the discussion, but it was revived later
under the administration Of President
Grant and the direction of Hamilton
Fish, then secretary Of state. No def
mite offer, however, was made by our
government and negotiations have never
since been opened for the purchase.
During this long series of discussions,
the Spanish government has been forced
to hold Cuba with an iron hand. The
revolution of 1868, ending with the cap
ture of the Virginius, was a period of
horrible atrocities. The rebellion was
subdued only after Spain had found it
necessary to shoot helpless prisoners,
burn homes and carry the war against
women and children. Since that time
there has been no uprising in Cuba
which could be properly defined as a
revolution. 1t seems, however, that the
horrors of the past were not forgotten
and that an inherited sentiment against
Spanish domination is ready to assume
fighting form. The policy of the United
States is plainly to keep it's hands off
and maintain neutrality with Spain by
careful observance Of the treaty. The
interference of our government in 1870
by offering to arbitrate differences be.
tween the revolutlonists and Spanish
authorities arouse a jealous hatred
which wrecked it's vengeance on the
crew of the Vlrginius. Subsequent re.
lations between the two governments
we're not friendly until recent years
The cordiality of Spain seems, however,
to have reached a climax when it's good
offices were shown this year in honor Of
the Columbian celebration.
It is, therefore, the most opportune
time to discourage any attempts to as
sist revolutionists. The Hawaiian ques-
ton furnishes sufficient food for thought
to those who favor the acquisition OF
new territory. Whether the annexation
OF Cuba is desirable is an open question
under favorable condition, but it ought
not to be considered during the present
agitation.