The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-10-12
Eplt0mizes the Foreign Policy
of the Union
CUBA AND SPAIN MAY FIGHT
Without Fear of Interference by the
United States
orga nization In Aid of Insurgents Illegal and
Expressions Of Sympathy Discourse
eous, Says Mr.. Harmon


WASHINGTON, Oct. H. A state
ment was cabled from Madrid today to
the effect that the United States govern
ment has lntimated to the Spanish min
lister here that there is need of prompt
action on the part of his government in
putting down the Cuban insurrection. 1t
cannot DO confirmed at the state DEPART
ment. The officials would neither confirm
nor deny the truth of the report, though
their manner indicated disbelief in its ac-
curacy. 1t is thought quite probable that
representations may have been made to
Spain Of the wisdom of an aggressive and
active operation against the Cuban insur-
gents, but it is thought thar the United
States go yernment did not make these
suggestions and, if made, they came
from Minister De Lone and were based
on his personal observation of the trend
OF sentiment in the United States, and
his knowledge of the purpose OF the
friends of the insurgents, who will pre-
sent their cause vigorously soon after the
Assem- bling OF congress.
1t is learned that Senior De LONE, lSpan-
ish minister. had short interview with
Secretary Olney yesterday. in the course
answer to the secretary's inquiry, that
operations in Cuba will be conducted
with greater vigor hereafter. AS the
president must certainly make some ref
erence to instruction in his annual m as
sage to congress in December. it is nat
ural that Secretary Olney, upon whom he
must rely for information, should take
steps to gather data upon which to base
Judgment for probable future events.
1t may be set down as beyond belief
that Secretary Olney has made state
ment to the Spanish minister in the ma
tuYe of a threat to intervene between
com batants in Cuba at this stage, for this
would amount to reversal of policy OF this
government in such matters.
While it is true that President Grant
did, as indicated in his messages to Con-
gress, entertain belief that Intervention
in the then progressing rebellion in Gu
ba would be justifiable, it is also true
that this view never was acceptable to
Secretary Fish, and it has not secured
the adherence OF international lawyers.
The whole weight of authority is decid-
eddy adverse to the assertions by a neu-
trail nation of right to say when war
between two com batants has progressed
to point where it must oe stopped.
It may be recalled that some such
proposition was made during the last
stages OF the China-Japanese war, but ii
never went further than the exercise oil
the good offices of the interested nations
to bring about peace. which function il
entirely distinct from direct interven-
ton. The question is also separate from
that of the recognition of the bslliger-
ency OF the insurgents, which, accord
ing to our policy and practice, mast be
determined purely by the facts in each
case. 1t is pointed out here also that the
cirGum stances at present are different
fiom those surrounding the last Cuban
rebellion, when President Grant took his
stand, in that the rebellion dragged
along for nearly ten years, while the pres
ent instruction has been in progress les:
than year, or not nearly as long as oul
own rebellion.
Whatever may have been the inspiring
cause to Spanish activity against the in
surgents (whet,er Minister de Lomes
represe n to tons Of the previously form ed
determination of the heads OF the Span.
ish government). it Is known officially
that Spain is about to open a campaign
of far greater energy than any thus far
taken.
The wet season has prevented the move
ment of troops and the maintenance oil
an aggressive campaign. But the dry sea-
son begins about three weeks hence, and
this will be- the signal, it is said. tor an
extensive movement. A Gordon consist
ing of double line of gun boats will sur
round the island to prevent the landing
OF arms or ammunition for the insurg-
ents, and without arms from outsi de
sources. it is believed they soon will be
helpless.
The new boats about to arrive in Cuba
will not be- far short of twenty. Several
of them were recently sent from the
United States. About twelve built in
England are now on their way. Several
more were constructed in Spain. They
are very small, not much larger than a
steam yacht, but are we'll armed and are
of such light draught that they can run
in the keys" that surround Cuba. They
will form the inner Gordon around the
island. Outside will be the second cor
don made up of the Condo de Venuito
and other large ships which Spain as
in Cuban waters.
With the island thus cnt off from with
out, General Campos will look after the
fighting within. 1t is said by the Spanish
officials that this forward movement will
change the entire aspect of the conflict
from one of minor skirnishes to extern
sive battles. The sentiment among
Spanish authorities is that a decisive for.
ward movem ent is essential and the com :