The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-03
Vote the straight Republican Ticket.
suEnMAN OK CUBA.

The feeling exhibited By the Spanish peo-
ple al the attitude Of the United States
need cause neither surprise nor alarm
The most phlegmatic nation under the
sun could not fail TO be stirred by such
language as the congressional resolutions
employ. and 1t might be expected ihat a
race so excitabie and proud would resent
what they no doubt consider aninterference
In their AFFAIRS Al this distance IL looks
laughabls that the supposed sffront to a
nation should be resented by the stoning
or a few windows. but when the mob sets
enthusiastic it's demonstrations very often
take the form Of smashing things.
Not even the Cubans are more In need
Of sympathy just now than the Spanish
ministry. Not only must they refrain
from taking official cognizance Of the reso-
buttons until they are presented TO them.
but they must follow diplomatic usage and
express regret for the attack upon the
American consulate at Barcelona. The
people will neither ignore the one nor ad-
nit the necessity OF the other. 1t can be
imagined what denunciations will be
hurled al the heads OF the Spanish queens
ministers.
The consequences to follow presentation
of the resolutions 10 tho Spanish govern
ment interest Us most Just now. Under
any circumstances they would be received
with consideration, but there is no doubt
that John shermaa's support Of them will
lend a moral weight they might not other
wise have had. Sherman speaks with a
knowledge OF the situation. He visited
Cuba in 1857. and even then declared that
IL was in a dsplorable condition. and he
expressed the opinion from what he vas
told by Cuban Americans and by Span
iards that the island was In a condition OF
Unsurpassed revolt The natives. he
said, were nearly 20 a man in favor OF an
ncxation, but sherman was not impressed
with the desirabni,y OF acceding to their
wishes. lie visited Il at a season when. 20
use his own words, II looked like a coun-
try OF perpetual summer. as unlike the
United States as Egypt sherman said
that the serfs of Russia were not worse
slaves than the cusans to Spain. Their
condition was pitiabls but they realized
that they we're unfitte1 for selfgovernment
and needed the guidance and control OF a
strong power.
SheTmaR's plan for an smelioration OF
her condition. due 70 a great extent TO the
annual daft upon her resources TO the
amount OF sis.coa. 900, was to secure reel
procity treaty with Spain, so that our
goods might be shipped there. In that
way her native riches could be developed
and insure greater prosperity. one re-
mark he made has an especial interest At
this time. Cuba" he said. is under cur
eye: We would probably never let any
ether nation than Spain own the island.
but 80 tong as Spain owns IL she is well
come to Il. ~ she viii Only let us sell our
goods on equal or better terms than the
Cnhans can get hem for ELSEWHERE
This suggestion may lead 20 discus
sion ~ the Cuban question on a purely
commercial basis. and result IN Spain paw
iug the way for a consideration OF re-
forms "a The administration OF the island.
which shall spHsaSe ;hs Cubans. while
seeming 20 the people 81 Spain to he in
the interest or the mother country.
The proposition Of Spanish seauen 20 re-
vive privaseergag SHOWS how slow that
nation - 10 accept the new order OF ,hinxs.
They seem 70 i've in IRE DAYS ~ 80 years
aga when letters GO mar1ue were recsg-
missed Instruments q naval warfare. There
| f. oomhinattoe Of chIvairy and robbery
| on the high seas under th~ Esilss os pa
! triotisn. which brings hack 20 memory
! she rou'ances 81 the Buccaneers.
There IS little fear or vgsr between the
two countries. Spain Nil and a wsy 70
avoid such a coas'ct Csea vil - better
| OF ua3 the rnlte3 States Nil have rem
/ deFes liberty 4 service