The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-01-10


sorry Over the Ruling Powers 1t is tn
Custom of Other Countries, Directly In
eerested, to Accord Them Recognition
as BeIlirerents-In Case Havana Should
Matter OF Necessity for the United
States to Take a Hand.
Washington, Jan. 9.-The exciting
news from Cuba, or rather the albsenc+
of definite news as TO the situation there
coupled with the apparent prospects
that the insurgents are threatening Ha-
vana, led today to more serious con-
sideratfon of the question of recogn1-
ton of the belligerents by congress than
at any other time since the Cuban trou-
bles began.
While there had been UP TO this time
a good deal of talk Of an authorized na-
ture, and by men whose talk was con-
sidered as largely for home consump-
ton, the progress which the insurgents
seem to be making leads the thoughtful
members of congress, and especially
those of the foreign affairs committee,
to seriously consider what their duty
will be in this matter. 1t seems to be
now conceded that should the lnSur-
gents succeed in capturing Havana, or
pe,l1aps any of the important parts of
Cuba, the demand for recognition of the
belligerents as such could scarcely be
further delayed.
The experiences of the United States
In this matter during the civil war were
shat the confederates were recognized
by European governments Immediately
after their first important victory, the
battle of Bull Run, and those familiar
with the customs of this character say
frankly that should the Cuban insur-
gents capture Havana further delay
would be impracticable.
SHERMAN FAVORS IT.
Such a prudent and experienced states
man as Senator Sherman is quoted as
saying that in case Havana should fall
into the hands Of the insurgents the
United States would unquestionably ac-
cord them recognition as a belligerent
power.
ut is the CUSTOM" said Senator Sher-
man, talking of the matter, whenever
insurgents gain decided victory or ad-
vantage which seems to give assurance
of ultimate success to accord them this
recognition. The capture of Havana
would be at once such a victory as
would warrant, and even require, this
action
Senator Morgan, former chairman Of
the committee on foreign affairs, is also
quoted as saying:
According to the neutrality laws of
the United States it would be necessary
for the government to recognize the
belligerency Of the Cubans should they
gain such a victory as the capture of
Havana"
These statements from the present
Republican chairman and recent Dem
ocratic chairman of the senate COM
mittee on foreign affairs are considered
as extremely significant. Both gentle
men are thoroughly conversant with the
laws and customs in matters of this
character, and their frank expression
IS having tonight a good deal of weight
with other members of congress, and
should the intimationS Of Cuban sue
cess at Havana be confirmed the pres
sure for recognition by congress would
be so great that probably it could not
be withStOod
On the other hand there is strong pres
sure being brought upon congress by
large business interests in opposition to
action Of this kind. Communications
from prominent business men Of the
eastern cities especially are pouring in
upon the influential members of con-
greSS, and especially upon the chair
men of the house and senate committees
on foreign affairs urging that action Of
This kind would be disastrous TO many
citizens of the Unietd States having
property interests in Cuba. These inter-
eSts are very large, amounting to many
millions Of dollars.
MILLIONS AT STAKE.
Many citizens of the United States
have, within the past few years, in
vested large sums in sugar estates, min
es railroads and other valuable proper
vested is difficult TO say, but the amount
would probably he equal to the sum
asked for by the United States govern
ment to supply the gold deficiency Of
The treasury. The Bethlehem Steel
Works of Pennsylvania and other inSti-
buttons of that character have establish
ed works in Cuba for handling the waltz
able native ores, capitalists of the great
financial centers of the east have in
vested large sums IN railroad enter
priSeS, and sugar estates, worth many
millions Of dollars, are owned by citi-
ZenS of New York, Boston and New Or
leans. Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Chica-
go. The owners Of these valuable
properties are 10 a man averse to rec
ognition. The reason is briefly told IN
the fact THAT so long as Spain holds
THAT THE troubles there are not a war
between herself and a belligepent power,
but merely a, riot or Instruction, the
Spanish government will be responsible
for property destroyed by the insur-
gents, as we'll as by her own tronns SO
soon, however, as the United States
government should recognize the belli-
gerents, claims of this kind would be Of
no further value.
The sugar estate Of Cuba seem to be
the especial object of attention by the
insurgents and are being destroyed in
many cases TO prevent the Spanish gov
eminent from receiving a, revenue there
from. That these estates are being
subjected 10 the torch. even although
owned by citizens of the United States.
is conceded by President Palma of the
Cuban revolutionary committee in this
country.
President Palma, accompanied by
Secretary Quesada. Manuel Sanguilly. |
and Hor3tio Reubens. called at the |
state department today and were about !
The capitol urging recognition Of the !
belligeTents. They admitted in their |
conversation with Secretary Olney and |
members Of congress that much prop /
enty owned by citizens Of the United |
States WAS being destroyed by the in |
surgents, but insisted that it is being /
done in he cause Of liberty"
NECESSITIES OF LIBERTY.
President Palma, who has for wears
been resident Of the state Of New York /
and naturaliZed citizen of the United |
states, said that he had been appealed /
20 by citizens Of this country, some of /
whom he knew personally, 10 protect
their property in Cuba through his in /
nuence as president Of the Cuban reyo-