The herald., 1896-01-26

~ think the Cuban insurgents are entitled
to recognition as belligerents by the United
States government. They have established
a quasi government and have shown, after
many months, their ability to resist all of
the armed forces that Spain has placed in
Cuba. They need only arms and amuni-
ton to establish their superiority in the
island, and l see no reason why our gov
ernment should not make it possible for
merchants to supply them. Spain recog-
nized the belligerency of the southern con-
federacy almost before the echo of the
guns at Fort Sumter had hdied away, and
it would surely be the treatment of the just
and merciful to return good for evil
months for days. Il will not be necessary
for the United States government to go any
further. The Cubans will establish their
independence to the satisfaction of the
united powers of the world if we put adj
init their belligerency. My opinion is very
decided ou the point of the transfer of Cuba
to European power. 1t certainly would
be in defiance of the principles laid down
i'll the Monroe doctrine and would be a
menace to the peace of our country and
sooner or later involve us in war. If fight
ing is to to done it may as well be for a
principle of our rights as in defense of our
peace.
Herman W. Hellman, vice president
Farmers and Merchants bank, said mo,
the United States government has sufficient
to care for in attending to home affairs,
and should not take the affairs of Cuba up
for consideration. Our country cannot, of
course, at this time, recognize Cuban indie
pendence. Spain will, not transfer her
possession to England or to any other ma
ton. But if she decided to do SO, 1t is more
than likely that our government would
stand an equal chance of acquiring Cuba
with other nations"
S. s. Burdett. tho attorney, said: "Al-
though l YVES born and raised under the
English flag. having resided in Ontario,
Canada. my first 2 years, am thoroughly
convinced that the change of heart eXpe-
rienced when l foreswore allegiance to the
British crown was due to my great admi-
ration for American institutions and the
universal air of liberty that permeates
every branch of government in the United
States. | believe that the United States
should recognize the belligerency of Cuba
and even go further and recognize her in
dependence. Spain should not be per-
mtted 10 transfer Cuba to the jurisdiction
of any old world power"
Hon. &. E. Thom, eX-mayor of this city,
said: "The United States should at once
recognize the beilgefency of Cuba. The
matter of recognizing their independence
is one open for consideration, but the
United States government should not per-
nit Spain to transfer her claim OH Cuba TO
any power Oh the face of the earth. The
Monroe doctrine is IN existence, and we
will apply il to Cuba or any other locality
that comes wi hin it's meaning"
Hon. H. T. Hazard ex-mayor of
the city, said: "As soon as the Cubans
establish government, adopt con-
stitution and seat of government
they will be entitled to our recogni-
ton as be-iigerents. They have shown
their ability to successfully resist the Span
sh rule, and are therefore entitled 10 some
RI hol IT.
would he premature to consider their inde-
peudence at this time and l am not in
favor of any official action OH The part of
our government. President Cleveland has
endeared himself to every true American
citizen by his action in the Venezuela
matter. 1t can no longer be said that the
"Monroe Doctrine'' is not a part of our
national policy. 1t is to our country what
the balance of power is to Europe. Neither
are part of any writ en- law that all
nations are bound to respect, but by COM
mon consent both command the respect
OF all nations. Since the time of Monroe
we have maintained his doctrine and we
are in a position to command it's respect
now. If the flying squadron is in
tended for Cuban or American waters it
will surely involve us in a war with Eng.
land in which all of Europe will take parl.
The vast possessions of England which in
times OF peace are source of great COM
mercial strength would then be a source of
great weakness. We would be worsted for
a time, but it would only be question of
time before we should extend our borders