The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-12-08

S Cherry Pect0ral. 5
8 ss.asssss ss .ss.s 8 asts-a=.-,s
from $50, ooo, 900 to s5o,Oo0,ooo Of Ameri-
can capital are invested in plantations
arr in railroad, mining and other busi-
ness interests on the island. The volume
of trade between the United States and
Cuba, which in 1889 amounted to about
So, 000, 600, rose in 1898 to about 100000
600, and in 1894 the year before the
present instruction broke out, amounted
TO nearly S96, 900, 900.
CUBAN-AMERICAN
Besides this large pecuniary stake in
the fortunes of Cuba, the United States
finds herself inextricably involved in the
present contest in other ways, both vexa-
tious and costly. Many Cubans reside in
this country and Indirectly promote the
insurrection, through the press, by public
meetings, by the purchase and shipment
of arms by the raising of funds and by
other means which the spirit of our in
stitutions and the tenor of our laws 90
not permit to be made the subject or
criminal prosecution. Some of them,
though Cubans at heart In all their feel
ings and interests, have taken out papers
as naturalized citizens of the United
States, a proceeding resorted to with
view to possible protection by this great
country, and, not unnaturally, regarded
with much indignation by che country
of their origin.
YANKEE SYMPATHIZERS.
The insurgents are undoubtedly en-
courased and supported by the wide
IF
country always instinctively feel for ev-
cry struggle for better and freer govern
nent, and which, in the case of the more
adventurous and restless clements Of our
population leads, in only too many in
stances, 10 active and personal particl-
patton in the contest. The result is that
this government is constantly called up
on to protect American citizens, to claim
damages for injuries to persons and prop
erty, now estimated at many millions or
dollars, and TO ask explanations and
apologies for the acts of Spanish officials
whose zeal for the repression OF rebel
lious sentiments blinds them to the i'm
munitles belonging to the unoffending
citizens Of a friendly power.
FILIBUsTERING.
It follows from the same causes tina.
the United States is compelled to active
|
unlawful expeditions, the escape Of which
the utmost vigilance will not always SUI
flee 20 prevent These inevitable entan-
clements Of the United States with the
rebellion in Cuba, the large American
property interests affected and cons1d-
erations Of philanthropy and humanity
in general, have led to vehement de-
mand in various quarters. for some sort
of positive intervention on the part OF
the United States.
REMEDIES PROPOSED.
It was first proposed that belligerents
rights should be accorded TO the insur-
gents. a proposition no longer urged, be-
cause untimely, and, in practical opera
ton, clearly perilouS and injurious to our
own interests. 1t has since been and Is
now sometimes contended that the in
dependence of TIE insurgents should be
recognized ButSimperfect and restrict
ed as the Spanish government of the is
land may be. no other exists there I'M
less the will of the military officer in
temporary command of particular dis
trict can be oignified as species of gov
eminent. 1t is now also suggested that
the United States should buy the island,
suggestion possibly worthy Of consid-
Grafton if there were any evidence OF
desire or willingness on the part of Spain
TO entertain such a proposal 1t is urged,
finally. that, all other methods falling,
the existing internecine strife in Cuba
should be terminated by our interveil-
ton. even at the cost of war between the
United States and Spain, a war which
its advocates confidently prophesy could
be neither large in its proportions or
doubtful in its issue. The correctness Of
this forecast need be either affirmed nor
denied. The United States has, never
theless, a character to maintain as a ma
| ton, which plainly dictates that right
and not might should be the rule Of its
conduct Further, though the United
States is not nation to which peace is
necessity, ii is, in truth, the most paci-
| fic of powers and desires nothing SO
much as to live in amity with all the
| world. Its own ample and diversified do
| mains satisfy all possible lodgings for
| territory preclude all dreams of con-
| quest. and prevent any casting Of covet-
Gus eyes upon neighboring regions. how
ever attractive. That our conduct TO-
wards Spain and her dominions has con-
stituted no exception TO this national dis
position is made manifest by the course
| of our government not only thus far dur
| ing the present instruction. but during
the ten years that followed the rising at
Yara in 1858.
SPANISH GRIT.
No other great power, IL may safely be
said. under circumstances of similar per-
| plexity, would have manifested the same
| restraint and the same patient endur-
ance.
1t may also be said that this persistent
attitude of the United States towards
Spain in connection with Cuba will I'M
questionably evince no slight respect and
| regard for Spain on the part Of the
! American people.
They n truth do not forget her connec-
ton with the discovery OF the Western
| hemisphere, nor do they underestimate
, the great qualities of the Spanish people
nor fail 70 fully recognize their splendid
/ and their chiyalrous devotion 10 the ma
| tional honor. They view with wonder
and admiration the cheerful resolution
with which vast bodies OF men are sent
| across thousands Of miles of ocean. and
| an enormous debt accumulated that that
costly possession. the Gem OF the Antilles
| may still hold its place in the Spanish
4 crown.
| CONCEDED GRIEVANCES.
And We: neither the government nor
| the people Of che United States have shut
| their eyes To the course of events in CTIba
or have FILLED TO realize the existence Of
| conceded grievances which have led To
| the present revolt from the authority of
| SPAN. grievances recognized by the
queen regent and by the corfes voiced
| py the most patriotic and enlightened of
| spanish statesmen without regard 10 mar
| ~ renonstrancs. and acknowledged by
| reiof;aS proposed by the executive and
approved by the Legislative, hrsr,eF, % -.