Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-13
Difficulties. Encountered by Gen.
Campos in His Cuban Campaign.
HE OR THE GOVERNMENT MUST YIELD
Probable Effect of Ex-senator Ed-
munds' Views on the President.
WHAT HAS BEEN EFFECTED

The views of ex-senator Edmunds on the
Cuban question are considered of very great
importance-of SO much importance, indeed,
that republicans and democrats alike expect
to see them more or less reflected in the
Presidents deliverance and position when
Congress meets. 1t is remembered how
much influence the Vermont statesman,
though republican, has always had with
Mr.. Cleveland. In fact, there has been on
more than one occasion complaint about it
in democratic circles. Mr.. Edmunds about
foreign and legal questions, and Mr.. Sher-
| man about financial questions, have been
thought to take precedence at times of
democratic advisers at the White House.
The selection of E. ]. Phelps for the English
mission ten years ago was accredited to Mr..
Edmunds. an old neighbor and a warm per-
sonal friend. So, when the Vermont man de-
clares against more than the exercise OF
friendly Offices by this country as between
Spain and her colony, and specifically
to be sure of reaching the White House and
OF making profound impression on the
President.
The argument advanced by Mr.. Edmunds
against annexation is the same argument
that was advanced to The Star last week by
gentleman, democrat, who had just con-
cluded a thorough examination of the situa-
tion on the islaE, itself. The objection
urged in both cases is against investing with
American citizenship a population so little
prerared as that of Cuba is declared to be to
receive 1t.
Against Popular Sentiment.
But both of these men, it is observed-the
one from a study of the question at dis
tance and the other from a study of it at
close range on the scene-favor the tender
of mediatory offices by this government.
Win Congress ratify SO conservative a po-
elf inn1 inc.
prominent-more in accord with the rising
and sweeping tide of popular sentiment in
the country on the subject? If Cuba, single
handed, can bring Spain to negotiations for
terms. ought she not, is she not entitled, to
receive such support here as will enable her
to command her absolute freedom?
1t is said that the United States has all
reedy, though in no formal manner. exer-
ctsed offices In the struggle that have Injured
greatly to Cuba's benefit. This was done by
the prompt and emphatic protest uttered by
the American press when the notice was Civ
en- that Gen. Campos in pursuance Cf in
structions. intended to proceed against his
adversaries as II they were outlaws, entitled
to no mercy. Since that time, 1t is asserted
by those who have had good opportunities to
inform themselves. Gen. Campos has stood
almost irresolute and, in a certain sense, re-
tween two fires. On the one side were the
authorities at Madrid denouncing the revo-
lltfonists as mere murderers and plun derers
and calling for their determination by any
means that could be SEIZED and on the other
pressed humanity of the people of this coun-
try, who insisted that the Cubans were bat
Ting for high principle and for freedom
and must not be subjected to the punishment
meted out to men beyond the pale
Gen. CampOs Between Two Fires.
1t did not take Gen. Campos long. as the
story goes. to discover that public senti-
:nent in this country must be reckoned with
in whatever was done in prosecuting the
war in Crho FOR md
informed; the United States was close at
hand and full of restrained interest in
the struggle. Gen. Campos, therefore, has
been travelling with a heavy brake on his
wheel and making next to no progress at
all. He has, result, been losing pres
tige at home. He has not only failed to
meet expectations as a soldier. but has also
failed to bring the authorities at Madrid to
realization of just what his difficulties
are. He was expected even instructed, to
raise sort of black flag, and hang, draw
and quarter the whole revolutionary outfit
es fast as the more active and prominent
participators might be reached But he
has felt obliged to take another course, and
50 far his communications to the home gov
ernment explaining his conduct have lot
been well received. 1t seems still TO be de-
manded of him that he wipe out tn. revolt
in short order, and look to Spain. and to
Spain slone, for any suggestions to his
accountability for means employed
Somebody Must Give Way.
The prediction is made that either Gen.
Campos or the present government at Mad
rid must give way. They differ too widely
ever to work successfully together II inde-
pendence or autonomy under the Spanish
flag is to come, the present government
will fall. If Cuba is to be assaulted as an
outlaw, and If conquered denied ine right
of clergy, then another than Gen. Campos
must be put in command of the forces.
Spain's first soldier has found situation
l,ao nj do II mi nd NkIl a r.,
tempt to deal with, in the bloody manner
prescribed by tine existing Spanish ministry.
And, the question conas up, IL Gen. Cam
DOS retires for such a reason, what would
the United States say to the appointment Of
a successor to him pledged to do what the
ministry commands?