The San Francisco call., 1896-12-20
CUBAN INDEPENDENCE.

The action of the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations in unanimously adopt-
ing decision to report to the Senate a
joint esolution recognizing the inde-
pendence OF Cuba brings us to crisis in
our relations with the war now raging in
that island. AS soon as the report OF the
committee is made to the Senate that
body, the highest in the great councils of
the Nation, and specifically charged bv
the constitution TO act with the President
In all foreign affairs. Will have to decide
one way or another what course it shall
take toward Spain and toward the
Cubans.
The resolutions adopted by the commit
tee declare in the first section that the
Congress of the United States recognizes
the independence of the Republic of
Cuba, and In the second section that the
United States will use its friendly offices
with the Government of Spain 10 bring to
close the war between Spain and Cuba.
Ii the Senate adopts this resolution it
Will remain for the House of Representa-
tlyes TO decide whether Mr.. Cleveland
shall be left free in his policy of inactivity.
or shall be forced either to take action in
recognition of Cuban independence. or
defy the will of the Congress of his own
country.
That the American people are willing
and ready TO acknowledge the independ-
ence of Cuba is beyond all question. If
such recognition would be of any benefit
to the Cubens the people will support it
cordially. 1t is more than doubtful. how.
ever, whether such action on our part
would be in the least degree helpful to the
patriots of the island. If it did not en-
broil US with Spain, it's effect would be
wholly moral. 1t would give the Cubans
the right to equip priyateers and bring
their prizes into our ports provided the
Cubans were able to equip vessels of that
kind. 1t would not, however, give them
a right to have such warships constructed
at our shipyards, nor would it give them
the right to supply their ships with the
munitions OF war at any port in this eoun-
try.
While the benefits to Cuba of our recog-
milton of her independence would be prob
lematical, the disadvantage to ourselves
would be certain. We would lose the
right of holding the Spanish Government
responsible for all damage done to Ameri-
also lose the right of shipping munitions
of war to the Cuban patriots. These facts
are well understood in Congress, and they
will go far to make the House hesitate to
adopt the resolutions, even if they should
pass the Senate. AS was said by leading
member of the House Committee on
Foreign Relations, the Senate has ceased
to be the conservative branch of Congress.
and we must look to the House for pro-
lection against rash action of any kind.
The independence of Cuba is the desire
of the American people. They are willing
to do much to bring it about. A con-
siderable number of them are even willing
to engage in war with Spain for that
purpose Nevertheless, we believe there
are few who are willing to take risks of war
at this time. The existing administration
will soon go out of office, and in every re-
spect 1t would be better for Congress to
leave the incoming administration free to
act as may be best when it begins its
work. For that reason if for no other we
believe public sentiment will be averse to
any basty action at this time. Congress
should leave the question to the decision
of the incoming administration, and then,
| if conditions justify it. the country will
cordially support the new President in
taking any action he may deem necessary
to establish the Independence of Cuba,
even at the risk of war with SPAIN.