Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-10
THE CuH.N CRISIS.

1t would seem that our relations with
Spain touching the Cuban issue are ap-
preaching a more acute crisis than has
developed at any time since the present
struggle for independence on the Island
began. There are several conditions and
circumstance that point In the direction
indicated. To begin with Mr.. Morgan's
Joint resolution demanding belligerent
rights FOR Cuba will doubtless start an
othsr heated agitation OF the Cuban
question IN Congress. and whether II passes
or not, much may be said in the debates
that viii be calculated 20 incense .he
Spanish Government. Further the re-
opening Of the question by Congress IS
likely to lead 20 Incorporate utterances
on the part OF the Spanish people and
press that can hardly fail Of Increasing the
feeling against Spain among the masses
in this country.
Should the resolution pass the Presi-
dent could not lay it upon the executive
table indefinitely, as is competent with
concurrent resolutions, such as the Cuban
belllgcrency resolutions adopted by Con-
gress last month. Under the Constitution
70 would have the same status as an act
Of Congress and would have 10 be treated
in the same way.
OF course, II is impossible TO say with
certainty what the President would do in
the event Of the passage Of the resolu-
ton. He IS very much inclined 10 a policy
Of his own on most questions, and so far
his Cuban policy has been conciliatory
and his disposition has been TO "go slow"
HIS appointment Of General Lee TO be
Consul General TO Habana has been ac-
cepted. both at the North and the South,
ard by the Republican as well as by the
Democratic press as an evidence Of a
desire 10 inform himself thoroughly as
to the situation in cuba and the claims
Of the reyolutionists 10 belligerent rights
before committing himself decisively upon
the bclllgorency issue. Aside, however
from any influence the Morgan resolution
and IT'S discussion might have In increas-
ing the tension between this country and
Spain and forcing 4 determination Of
the issue. q complication has arisen that
in Itself is pregnant with the danger Of
prccipitating a crisis. ~ not actual hos
Titles. We aluIe 10 the Competitor i'm
cident. The latest news regarding this
matter Is that all Of the prisoners taken
from that vessel have been sentenced TO
DEATH and there can hardly be a doubt
that If the sentence IS executed upon tie
American citizens among the prisoners
there will be trouble. Indeed. 10 IS not
going too far TO say that any delay or
Iulv-dallying about according the Amcri-
cans all the privileges recognized by the
rules OF civilized warfare may bring on
trouble. 1t will be remembered that in
SO. when tho Virginus affair occurred
the people Of this country were clamorous
for war. although they had but recently
2asecd through a terrible conflict and
fully appreciated what war meant Pa
uence and Cancellation ayerted hostili-
| ties then. and Spain made all the repara-
ion demanded But the American people
are IN no mood now TO listen TO the
apostles Of patience and Cancellation.
| They are infinitely more wrought up over
| he stories OF Spanish atrocities in Cuba,
and infinitely more inclined TO assert the
power OF the nation to protect the rights
OF its citizens abroad than they were in
1913. They are infinitely more inclined TO
give the Cuban revoluuonists practical
proof Of their sympathy than they were
Il that period. When these consdera-
lions are weighed. the gravity Of the situ-
alton and the possibility that the Presi-
dent may find It necessary to inaugurate
"a vigorous Cuban policy can be well I'M
lcrstood.