The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-01-20
CAN'T ALLOW 1T.
Rumored Purchase of Cuba by
Great Britain,
Stirs Up Government Circles at
Washington.
Message Expected from the
President at Once,
RECOGNIZING CUBA
AS a Belligerent Power and a
New Republic.
a q
RECOGNIZING CUBA
Observation-Disclosures of Troops
in Southern States
ARE NOT EXPLAINED.
War Department Disclaims Re-
spOnSibility for Them.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20-A crisis has
been reached in the Cuban war. Recog-
milton of the belligerency of the patriot
army by the United States is imminent
President Cleveland is said to have
prepared proclamation, which may be
issued today. or in the Immediate future.
The President, it is declared, intended
to recognize the insurgents last week,
when he learned of the recall of Marsh
al Campos, but, under the circumstances
the executive thought that such recog-
milton would be regarded as inopportune
and unfriendly to Spain, and he there
fore withheld the important doc
ument, pending the appointment of
successor to Campos.
Within the past 4S hours, however,
President Cleveland is said to have
learned that Spain. despairing of sue
cessful termination of the war, had offer
ed to sell Cuba to Great Britain.
Rumors to this effect were circulated
in the east last night, and spread like
wildfire over the country. The rumors
seem to be confirmed by dispatches
from Florida.
The governors of the southern states
according to these advices, have been
requested by the war department
to prepare the state militiamen for i'm
mediate service.
Troops are already beginning to move
in Florida. The belief is held in some
quarters that the flying squadron of
Great Britain is destined for service in
American waters. If this is so war will
result. The cession of Cuba to Great
Britain would be resisted by the United
States to the last ditch.
Official information from the White
house is lacking, but it is evident that se-
riOus complications are at hand. Senor
Palma, head of the Cuban party in the
United States, wires from Washington
"Our case is complete. The president
and congress will recognize the insur-
gent cause"
Senior PALMA adds that it is not neces-
sary that the insurgents should hold
port, but that as matter of fact, General
Gomez has taken half a dozen ports in
the past week. leaving the Spanish army
penned up in Havana.
The president, it is said, will issue a
proclamation Immediately. Authorities
agree that the executive, and not con-
gress, should take thes initiative Con-
8
President Cleveland has hesitated to
take important steps while the official
head of the revolution in this country is
enjoying the protection of American
citizenship. Secretary Olney has not
felt so much embarrassment from this
cause. He has been for some time in
favor of immediate recognition,
ident on. but Mr.. Cleveland
being naturally cautious, has moved
with great deIiberation. It is under
stood he had prepared to issue a proc
lamation recognizing the insurgents
when he learned of the recall of Can
tain General 'Campos,. For prudential
reasons, and to avoid the charge of
rrecipitancy, the president is said to
have withheld the important announce
ment.
Something has transpired within the
past day or two. however, to change his
policy, if advices are accurate.
1t is rumored here that Spain has Of
fered to sell Cuba to Great Britain, and
that negotiations for the cession of the
island to the British crown are now pend
ing. Spain, it is said, has abandoned all
hope of quelling the insurrecton.
A report has it that the president may
go beyond the original proposition, and
recognize the independence of Cuba.
This, however, may be taken with large |
8 oA0 Vi SdAis ucT0 lS a QlSLlQCtlOQ De-
tween independence and beIligerercy. |
Beiligerency can be recognized when in |
surgents have established themselves on |
a basis of apparent permauency by hav-
Ing military establishments able to
cope with the armies of the par.
ent country, and have established |
a form of government Independence on
the other hand, according to the princi-
pie and invariable practice of the United /
States is recognized "onIy when the Ie-
gal government of another nation. nv ito
establishment in the actual exercise of
political power, is supposed to have re-
ceived the express or implied assent of
the people,"
The president, according to this YER
sion of the story, learned of the proposed
deal, and, after a conference with Senior
Palma determined to nip it
In the bud. by recognizing a state of
war In Cuba and enforcing belligerent
rights as laid down in international law.
ne hasty order for troops; if they really
nave been given. can mean but one
tning, to wit: That the United States
VIII resist any attempt on the part of
SPSln to emerge from war by ceding