The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-03-01
CUBAN BELLIGERENCY.

It was distinct gain for the Cuban
cause when the humane Campos was
displaced as captain-general of the
island, and General Weyler, known as
the Butcher" appointed to succeed
him. Enlightened judgment should
ment that this mans unsavory repu-
tation in the last Cuban rebellion
would awaken the sympathy of civil
lied nations in behalf OF the Cuban
insurgents; and especially was it likely
to arouse the sympathy and the sup
port of the United States. Vigor IN
suppressing Instructions is doubtless
to be commended, but wanton cruelty,
and brutal savagery such as could be
charged against General Weyler in
suppressing the last Cuban rebellion.
and renewed almost as soon as he ar
rived on the island in the present war,
could do no other than iniure the
cause of Spain. There was nothing,
perhaps. which did so much to win
sympathy for the Americans during
their rebellion against British authority
than the proposition Of the English
ministry to employ the saYages of
America to aid the English armies in
their work Of sUbiugation. Both Pitt
and Burke so played upon that pro-
position in parliament that the minis
try which made it was not more than
half supported even in England; it sent
a chill of horror throughout Europe,
and fastened American independence.
So this change in Spanish leaders,, this
discharging a humane soldier for this
General Weyler, 1.-THE Butcher" with
a view, perhaps, of terrifying the
Cubans into submission will result in
great good to the Cuban cause. 1t
has doubtless FASTENED by some
months the recognition of the Cuban
insurgents as belligerents by the
United States. For after the emphatic
action of the United States Senate on
Friday in passing a resolution to recog-
nize the Cubans as belligerents, and
rendering the good offices of the United
| States government to bring about the
recognition Of the Independence of
Cuba, there can be no doubt but what
the other branches of our government
will also act favorab1y upon the pro-
position, and the belligerency of the
struggling Cuban patriots so far as
the United States are concerned may
as well be looked upon as a reality.
Nor can we think the independence
of Cuba is far off, for Spain is SO
isolated in the European alliances that
she can secure no assistance from sis
ter nations to aid her In the event of
war with the United States; and to
undertake war with the United
States single handed, is not to be
thought Of Spain will do well just
now to listen to a suggestion made by
a London Times editorial. "Her posi-
tion," says the journal referred to, in
speaking of Spain, "is one Of such
difficulty and delicacy that she may
we'll command the sympathy even OF
those Disappearing the recent history
of Cuba. Distasteful as almost any
course, save an obstinate continuance
of the struggle, must be to the ma
jority of the spaniards, it may per-
haps be advisable to consider whether
home rule for Cuba is not the best
solution"
We hope that such may be the con-
clusion arrived at by Spain: we are
sure it will come to that in the end
and a voluntary yielding to the In
evitabIe, without being overpowerAd
by force, may still save some humilia-
ton though the hour for its savoring
Of grace passed months ago