Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-27
That the United States May Help
the Cause of Independence.
CONFLICTING NEWS OF TEE SITUATION
Spain's New Captain General and
Increased Military Force.
THE REBELLION SPREADING

American observers are becoming con-
virced that one side or the other Is IN
dulging in some tall lying" about the sit
uation in Cuba. In the dispatches OF one
day will appear a statement from Spanish
sources to the effect that the rebels are
few in numbers and poor in purse and
spirit; that the rackets will soon be over.
In the dispatches of the next day will
appear statement from Cuban sources
to the effect that the revolt is spreading;
that it is most formidable, and that sue
cess is almost assured. The Spanish news
comes as a rule from Havana by way of
Madrid. The captain general of Cuba. for
publication, assures the home authorities
that he can handle the malcontents. The
Cuban news is sent out from some Florida
port or from Philadelphia, and is well cal
culated in every way to sustain the hopes
of Cuban sympathizers in this country.
The good time Is coming, and the boys are
requested to wait only a little longer. This
feature of the contest, indeed, is being ably
conducted, and both sides are using cleo
tricity with the utmost lavishness. 1t will
be a wonder Ii before the struggle Is over
the money expended for deadlier ammuni-
ton.
Spain Sending More Troops.
Meanwhile, whatever it may mean, Spain
is sending more troops to Cuba, a new cap
tain general has been appointed for the
island and a new campaign, for some rea-
son, seems to have been mapped out
Probably the most important feature Of
this maneuver is the appointment Of the
new captain general The friends Of Cuba
in this country are canyassing that with
interest. A change of ministry, 1t Is held.
would not alone have carried that at such
a time The post Is highly important. 1t is
true, and naturally goes to some friend
and supporter of government. But here
was an official dealing with an outbreak,
with knowledge of its character and ex-
tent, familiar with all the ground, and pre-
sulnably intent on restoring order. why
should he have been disturbed and new
at the temporary disadvantage Of new
man?
What the Cubans Think.
In Cuban circles this is accepted as con-
elusive evidence that Spain recognizes in
the present struggle new condition in
Cuba. She has come to see that far more
than the ordinary effort must be put forth
If she Is to bring the rebels under. Neither
old plans nor old commanders will answer.
Old commanders are liable to be lax, and
especially where they have several times
triumphed over an enemy. They are not
likely, in such circumstances, to note the
recuperative growth of that enemy, and
they are liable suddenly to be worsted A
new man for new campaign, and Spain
sends him over What his parts as an
official may be nobody seems TO know. 1t
is not necessary. of course, that he himself
should be soldier, or should take the
field in person. He Is supplied with trained
fighters from home. Still the friends of
Cuba believe that this man is expected to
do unusual things and that he embodies in
as for civil office, and therefore they will
ncte his first movements with extra atten-
ton.
Don't Fear the Result.
But they profess not to fear the result.
If Spain is increasing her force and renew
ing her official blood on the island the
Cubans will grid up their loins with double
care The game will work both ways.
Cuba will take leaf out of Spain's book.
She, too, will put new men In the field and
plan new campaigns. The Cuban blood is
expected to be fired by the presence and
the performances of the new officials, who,
coming on the scene full of the traditions
about the rich ''pickings" on the island.
are expected to carry themselves offensive
ly and oppressiveiy toward the Is NATIVES. YES:
old officials, having Jared sumptuously for
some time, had grown somewhat moder-
ate. The new officials, 1t is predicted, will
so increase the local discomfort and drive
hundreds of fresh recruits to the Cuban
camps.
Possible Effect of Pestilence.
1t Is a grim sort of service the Cubans
are expecting of their climate and their de-
fective sanitation. This involves, too, the
probable attitude of this country in the
premises. If the establishment of large
military camp on the island populated
should lead to an epidemic of yellow
fever, how long could the authorities of
the United States afford to remain mac
tive? Would not they be obliged to inter
at the door of the United States.
And how could the United States in
terfere without in effect assisting the
Cuban cause? The onense would be
Spain's The complaint would be against
Spain. The demand would be for the abate-
ment of the plague, and that indirectly
would call for the breaking up Of the pesti-
lential camps. And If Spain reduced her
force she might lose the day. And if the
Cubans carried the day, and then proposed
to transfer the island to this country. Spain
would charge that the combination had
been Cuba, Yellow Jack and the United
States, and that the three cards had swept
the board.
The Cuban Hope.
Cuban sympathizers take little interest in
the coming change in the Spanish embassy
here. Whether Senor Muruaga or some
other diplomat watches the case for Spain
at the State Department is not important
in their eyes, They do not believe that mere
diplomacy here or at Madrid can be made
effective against them now. The appeal is
to arms the forces are in the field, and the
Cuban hope is that, sooner or later, either
in protecting her shipping at sea or the
health of her South Atlantic ports the
United States may be brought to extend
her good offices to the cause of Cuban in
dependence.
THE AMMEN RAM