Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-12-17
THE CUBAN SITUATION.

States during the past week by i'm
portant events connected with the war
between the Spanish and the rebels
in Cuba. General Maceo, the COM
mander Of the Cuban army was, killed
last week-at least it is so reported
and the friends of Cuba assert that he
was betrayed by a member of bis staff
and deliberately assassinated by Span
ish soldiers; they claim that the plot
was participated in by General Weyler,
the Spanish commander On the other
hand, the Spanish authorities vehe-
mently deny that General Maceo was
betrayed, and assert that he was killed
in fair fight. A dispassionate review
of the evidence does not substantiate
the charge that Maceo was murdered.
The facts Of the case, so far as reported,
indicate that with a small body Of men
he ran into body of Spanish soldiers,
who killed all of the party except DR..
Zertrucha, who is alleged to have been
the traitor. 1t may have been an am
buscade, but it has not yet been proven.
The death of Maceo, who was
leader of great ability and the central
figure Of the rebellion, caused great
rejoicing in Spain and among Spanish
sympathizers-indeed, his death has
been celebrated in a very heartless
and inhuman manner. We think
Spain has little cause for rejoicing,
however. The manner of Maceo's
death ha. stirred up the friends of Gu
ba all over the world, and the cause
of the patriots will gain much more
than it loses. An able man, General
Rivera, has already taken General
Maceo's place. Money, men and mu-
nitions of war are being offered Cuba
from every quarter, and there is no
lack of sympathy and help.
We sympathize with the Cubaus and
hope that they will succeed in throw
ing off the Spanish yoke. At the same
time, however, we do not believe the
time is ripe for interference by the
United States. No matter how great
ly We may deplore the cruelty Of the
Spanish soldiers and the oppression of
the Spanish government, these things
are evils which we cannot alleviate at
present. We have international obi
cations which should prevent us from
practically declaring war against
Spain. 1t would be easier to start a
conflict with European powers than to
stop it, and a war would probably
prove very disastrous and expensive
affair before we got through with it.
We believe, however, that our gov
eminent need not 60 to 50 much trou-
bic and expense to prevent expedi-
tons for helping the Cubans from
leaving our ports. 1t would be ex-
cusable if it sometimes slept with both
eyes shut.
The all-important question is, of
course, the attitude of the United
States government in the matter.
There are many hot-heads, some Of
them men of influence and high in Of
fetal position-Senators and Congress
men-who desire our government to
at once extend our services in aid Of
the Cubans. This means a war be-
tween the United States ana SPAN,
for the latter will certainly fight to
sustain its honor and to protect its
possessions. President Cleveland will
do nothing rash or foolish, and there
are probably enough conservative
members of Congress to prevent hasty
action by that body. But there are
great many persons in this country who
will urge by every means the recogni-
ton of Cuban independence by our
government. Bands of volunteers are
reported from many States, and or
ganized bodies are advocating inter-
ference by the United States.