Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-11-15
CUBA AND FITZ LEE.

CUBA AND FITZ LEE.
The vivacious and vigilant gentlemen
who make their living by operating in
bonds and stocks on Wall street. and
who are ever on the alert for discoveries
that will affect the market. have
for some days past been trading on
Cuban war rumors. The free-silver cam
paign having come 20 an end, and the
foriff agitation being not yet ripe for
their purposes. they have made the
most Of sensational stories from Habana
and Madrid
It would seem that the Spanish au-
thorities suspect that Fltz Lees visit
home means something more than a
visit to his family. Amiabie and affec-
tionate. q family man, as our Consul
General is known to be, the Spaniards
guess that his Homecoming has in it
q concealed purpose, and II was doubt
less this idea that stirred General Wey-
Ter TO action. At any rate, 1t is no.
ticeable that no sooner had Fitz Lee ar
ranged to come home than Weyler took
the field in person with the great body
of his troops, and began what he calls an
active campaign against the rebels
Weyler doubtless fears that Lee will
urge the President 10 recognize the
rebels as bellig rents; hence he would like
to put down the rebellion before Presi-
dent Cleveland can tal1e any action Of
tho sort.
We think it more than likely that Fitz
Lee has had important communica-
tons 10 mako TO the President. We
consider 1t probable that he will advise
the President. 10 take some positive ac-
tion soon. Certainly. after maintaining
themselves for more than two years
against all OF the army and navy Of
Spain. the patriot Cubans are entitled
to the moral effect Of being recognized
as beIligerents. They can hardly claim
to have established their independence;
but that they have made good a claim
to belligerent rights cannot be denied.
except by the most obtuse system Of
red-tape reasoning. The patriots sway
IS over at least three-fourths OF the Is
land OF Cuba, and there is no disin-
terested person who has spoken on the
subject, so far as we know, who be-
lieves that Spain will be able to sup
press the so-called rebellion.
The method of warfare adopted by
Maceo and his compatriots is of that
character which made Colonel John S.
Mosby so formidable in Northern Vir-
ginia, and which enabled him TO outwit
thousands of Federals who were bent
upon his capture. So, 1t may be doubt
ed II the Cubans will ever consent TO
give Weyler battle In the open field 1t
would better accord with the policy
that they have heretofore pursued with
success should they disappear when
Weyler comes into their territory. But
II Weyler exposes himself in the open
long enough, he will doubtless find
himself suddenly attacked and may be
routed.
Fearing the effect Of Lees visit to
Washington, Weyler will doubtless take
great risks In hopes Of getting at and
severely Furnishing the enemy In short
the tirse has come for him to fight or
quit. Already Bolivia is on the eve Of
recognizing the lelligerents. We may,
therefore, expect 10 hear interesting
news from the ever faithful isle" be-
fore long. We may also believe that
our government will soon act, II the
Cuban struggle is not speedily brought
70 a close. But We need not conclude
that the recognition of Cuban beili-
Yerency by the United States would
bring on war between Spain and the
United States All the great powers of
Europe recognized the belligerency Of
the Southern Confederacy, and while
such action was distasteful 10 the United
States. 1t did not cause any open
rupture. And so It would be in
this instance-uniess, indeed. Spain
chose 10 take undue offence. But 1t is
argued by many that Spain. sinking I'M
der the det she is carrying. torn by
dissensions at home, and with Cuba
and the Philippines both In rebellion
would gladly welcome q quarrel with
our country, so that she might "let her
self down easily. G.. surrender
Cuba 70 US rather than to her rebel sub
1ects.
Well, this may DO Spanish idea OF
getting out OF trouble, but 1t would
be an odd way. II would seem that
Spain would prefer 10 come to some
sort Of terms with Cuba, and as far
as possible. retain the trade Of that
country However. It may be that We
little understand the workings Of the
Spanish mind They are a proud. and not
oyer-wise, people. and IL may DO
that they would sooner DO forced 70
terms at the muzzles Of our great guns
than at the points OF rebel machetes
OF this. however. we feel sure-that the
report which consul-General Lee has
made 10 the President win be found 10
take firm. yet conservative. view OF the
situation. And the President IL too