Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-26
SEIZURE OF THE BERMUDA
What the Friends Of Cuba Complain Of in
the Government
Wishes of the People Are Plain-Ef-
feet of Belligerent Rights
ON Both Sides.

The seizure Of the ship Bermuda in New
York harbor happens at an opportune time
for the illustration of the point for which
the friends of Cuba in Congress are now
contending. The law invoked is the neu-
trality law. but the parties injured are
those for whom the people of the United
States feel the Hvel.est friendship and really
desire to assist in their struggle for liberty.
Is it not time, therefore, that Congress
take some action calculated to prevent SO
palpable miscarriage of the popular will?
Complaint of Cuba's Friends.
The friends of Cuba complain that as
matters now stand the United States Is not
q neutral, but is forced to be an active ally
of Spain for the suppression of the insur-
gents. This government is a conscript,
fighting in the Spanish ranks and against
its friends and neighbors. 1t cares nothing
about Spain proper. There is peace be-
tween the two countries. but that is all.
They have nothing in common. But in
this matter of Cuba the United States is
called upon to play the part of the most
with all possible promptness. If it loved
Spain like brother, and prayed daily for
its success, 1t could do no more. This land
Is sown with Spanish spies. The friends Of
The Spanish minister at this capital has
only to press button, and the whole ma
chinery of this government revolves to
Spain's advantage. Speaking in the YER
''pudden'' for Spain. The old monarchy
has not found as soft thing in a hundred
years.
Effect of Belligerent Rights.
There Is nothing, the friends Of Cuba
urge. that calls for this. Why not put the
government in an attitude of agreement
with the known wishes of the people: Why
not, at least, give the Cubans an equal
chance on these shores2 Why should the
government longer remain In leading
strings to Spanish officials. and move at
their bidding against the cause for which
the people feel SO warm an interest? If
the Cubans had been in the enjoyment Of
beiligerent rights. the New York officials
would not have been available as deputies
for Minister de LONE in this Bermuda
matter The Cubans could have invested
their money and put to sea without moles-
tatton. Spain could buy a ship in any
American port tomorrow and fit it out
against Cuba without having to answer to
anybody. And yet Americans want Cuba
to win in this struggle.
Possible Benefit to Spain.
This Is the Cuban side of the controversy.
The demand is that the peoples wishes be
partly expressed. at least, in the law. AS
no ties Of blood, or commerce, or political
aspirations exist between Spain and the
United Stetes-nothing that calls for an
undue manifestation of love or loyalty on
the part Of this country for Spain-and as
ties of Eeighborliness, and commerce, and
political aspirations do exist between Cuba
and the United States, let the way be
cleared for action that will relieve the
United States from the further necessity
of warning against its interests and earn
est friends. Spain, even in those circum-
stances, would fare we'll. 1t could buy in
these markets as the Cubans openly would
do. 1t might even benefit IN a new and
important way by such legislation, for, re-
Heved then of the duty Of directing the
police machinery of this government, Min
lister de LONE could call in his army of
spies, put guns into their hands, and send
them to Cuba to take the field openly like
men.