The San Francisco call., 1896-12-13
THE CUBAN QUESTION.

The Cuban problem has been promptly
brought to the front in the Senate, but
not in manner that will give satisfaction
to any great number OF the American
people. The speeches made by Senators
in favor OF Cuban Independence have been
full of expressions of sympathy, but
wholly lacking in suggestions of any
policy of decided action. Even Senator
Cullom, who made the most elaborate
speech on the subject and was most fiery
in his declal ations, had nothing definite
TO advocate. ALI that he could say was
this:
The wisdom and discretion of an American
President and Cabinet can safely find way
to determine the trouble without imperiling
the interest of our country or our people. l
have little choice or preference as to the par
ticular method. but do want, and I know the
public expects, settlement on humane and
Just basis. The United States can do no less
than to initiate this effort for humanity and
liberty.
1t is easy enough for a Senator to say
that an American President and Cabinet
can find way OF bringing about the inde-
pendence OF Cuba without mperling any
interest of this country. but the admins
tration would no doubt be better pleased
if some Senator would point out just how
this task is to be accom- plished. Senator
Cullom was right enough in saying the
country expects settlement OF the pro-
longed war in Cuba ON humane and just
basis, but up to this time the public has
not been informed by any statesman OF
way in which these expectations can be
speedily realized.
1t is conceded on all sides that the
problem is not one easy of solution. 1t
can never be solved by sentimental ap-
peals nor by any horid defamation con-
cerning the rights of humanity and the
duty of the American people to maintain
them in all parts of this hemisphere. The
practical issue seems to be the simple one
of whether we shall enter into war with
Spain to establish the independence of
Cuba. 1t is to that issue the Senators
should direct themselves, and if they are
not going to deal with it definitely, they
had better leave the subject alone.
1t is not at all probable that the Spanish
Government would abandon Cuba under
a simple threat of war on the part OF the
United States. The Spaniards would fight
to some extent if for nothing else than to
crafty that national pride which is one
OF their most salient characteristics. Our
interference, moreover, no matter on wha;
grounds it might be based, would not re-
ceive sympathy in Europe. aid We can
hardly believe that Senator Cullom was
serious when he declared: I'VE shall
not stand alone in the warfare which may
follow in behalf of common humanity.
Nation alter nation will make a joint
cause with US in such struggle"
The war in Cuba has been prolonged un-
til it is now rapidly becoming struggle
of determination between foes so emb
tered they have ceased to regar the rules
of civilized warfare. 1t is to our interest
as we'll as to the welfare OF humanity that
this struggle should be checked, and the
people of that beautiful island secured in
the blessings which peace gives to indus
try. The American people will welcome
with adness any declaration of National
policy which tends to bring about that re-
suit. They are tired, however, of mere de-
clamations on the subject. The Senators
should either formulate plan of action
for the Government to pursue, or should
turn aside from the issue and devote their
time to a consideration of those questions
of nome politics which are now awaiting