The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-09

The one point In the preslueH'
treatment of the Cuban problem which
excites something akin to sharpness OF
criticism is his clumsy attempt to De
Diplomatic with Spain. This portion
did not so clearly appear in the early
synopsis of the message upon which we
based our comment Of yesterday. Ihe
complete text contains some statements
fairly open to denial. as for example
when the president says the American
people "view with wonder AND ADMl-
RATION the cheerful resolution with
which vast bodies of men are sent
across thousands of miles OF ocean and
an enormous debt accumulated, that
the costly possessions of the gem OF the
Antilles may still hold their place In
the Spanish crown" The present
meaning of the word "admiration" Is
pleased or gratified observation and
there is no considerable number of the
American people who are either pleased
or gratified to observe Spain add to the
military strength with which that coun-
try seeks to perpetuate it's tyranny over
Cuba.
The respect" and regard" which
Mr.. Cleveland intimates obtain for
Spain among the American people, and
the full recognition" which we are said
by him to give to the Spaniards for
their splendid patriotism" and their
"chivalrous devotion to the national
honor" are amiable fictions-white lies
of diplomacy-which neither bind us
nor probably deceive Spain. 1t is this
led Senator Frye to remark that he
thought Mr.. Cleveland tried too hard
to argue both sides of the case. This
pretence of special friendliness at a
time when Spanish officials in Cuba are
jea pording the lives and destroying the
property of American citizens. and
when the public press and most of the
public speech of Spain itself are pas
sionate in abuse of the American peo-
PIE does not accord nicely with the hu-
NOR of the hour and might easily elicit
sharp and unjust protest If 1t had any
particular effect.
But with these minor exceptions
| which in themselves are doubtless part
| Of the technique of the game of state
craft, although Mr.. Cleveland used very
| few of them year ago when he sound
| ed the tom tom anent Fenezuela-the
| messages Cuban paragraphs sustain
| 1nlt 10, t;n,,
| One who is fair to Mr.. Cleveland must
admit that he has not only supplied
credible and therefore valuable data
| with reference to the status of the re-
volt in Cuba, but also given judicious
and conservative balancing of the vari-
Gus suggested propositions for Ameri-
can action looking to interference with
| the belligerents. lie could not with
any sense of proprety rush into the
breach with radical course which
| would involve the administration OF
his successor, nor could he with greater
propriety ignore the popular demand
for an authoritative statement of the
governments attitude. The president
message, in short, supplies needed in.
formation, shows that we have thus fal
kept clear Of hazardous ENHANCEMENT.
and leaves to Major Mckinley the tasl
of taking the final steps.
What these shall be can only be con-
jectured; but there does not seem tt
be very large alternative to eventua
Intervention, by force if necessary, fol
the protection of American interest!
and the safeguarding of American
honor.