The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1896-01-14

ment that men must have their hair |
cut and adopt European costumes
in their dress. These changes of
costume were made in japan some
thirty years ago, and with good re-
suits. Corea is simply following
her example, and it will not be
many years before China does the
same, it being the first step towards
bringing her vast population with
in the influences of modern civili-
cation.
VERY little is known here of the
great rebellion now going on in
Cuba, except what is communicate
ed to the press mostly through
Spanish sources. Some of the
readers of the STAR may not be
aware that the existence Of the
rebellion will indirectly have con-
siderable effect on these islands, in
asmuch as the price OF sugar in
Europe and America will depend
for at least this year and the next,
on the continuance of the Cuban
rebellion, somewhat as the price of
cotton was affected during the re-
bellion of the slave states. The
two last crops of sugar in Cuba
have been about one million tons
each year, or one-seventh of the
worlds production, The best in
formed judges estimate that the
Cuban crop for 1896 will not ex-
coed 500, 900 tons, owing to the
fact that the rebels have forbidden
the grinding of cane till the war is
ended, and the crop may be even
less. The rebels have been able to
enforce this order by burning the
cane fields and sugar mills of those
who have disobeyed it. AS result,
there will be a shortage in the
worlds supply Of sugar from Cuba.
The fact that the rebels are able to
enforce their mandate, furnishes
evidence of their strength.
This is not the first rebellion that
has taken place in Cuba. In 1868
one broke out, which lasted ten
years, and is said to have cost the
Spanish Government $500, 900, 900.
The present revolt began about a
year ago, and seems to have spread
all over the island, and increased il
strength, till now more than hal
of it is overrun by the rebels, who
carry on a guerrilla warfare, occa-
sionally engaging in pitched battles.
At latest dates their forces were APP
preaching Matanzas and Havana.
But as 80, 900 fresh troops fromSpain
have recently arrived, it is doubt
full whether the rebels will be able
to take either of these important
ports, which are strongly guarded
by the Spanish war ships and forts
The New York Indepsnaenf Of q
recent date has an interesting SYM
postum on the Cuban situation, in
which ten contributors give their
views pro and con, and throw some
light on the causes which led to the
rebellion, and the rights of revolu-
tionists, who demand recognition
as belligerents. On this latter point
one of the ablest New York law
yers, Mr.. F. R. Coudert, states his
views, and what is the law in this
respect. We quote a few para
graphs, as they bear directly on the
question:
In law, the recognition of belligerency
is the recognition of the fact that war
exists. War does not exist in a country
simply because certain number of sub
jects or citizons has reDelled against the
authorities. Rebellion does not always
rise to the dignity of revolution
AS a general proposition, it may
be said that, unless the citizents or sub
jects in rebellion have acquired some
area of territory, some considerable
town or some seaport which they may
call their own and hold against their ad-
versarles; or. to put it differently, until
they are in a position where they
receive foreign visitors and negoti.
ators, under their own authority and
protection, and exercise acts of power
exclusive of the mother country-until,
| say, this occurs, they are not usually
in position TO demand recognition.
a = Unfortunately for her and for
those who sympathize with her efforts
to attain self-government, insuTgent
Cuba has, thus far, no ships, no legisla-
ture, no regular navy, no one territory
OF city which she is holding permanent
ly against her enemies. On
the whole, it may be said, leaving out
our sentimental leaning, and our admir-.
alton for much bravery against odds,
the insuTection must make more
Roadway in fact. before it shall
have earned its title to recognition.
The effect of the re-
cognition of the belligerancy would be
to offer aid and comfort to the strug
Cling people by giving them a recogniz-
cd status, TO enable them to negotiate
loans abroad, employ cruisers al sea,
aud, in various other ways, permitting
4 20 nf 70, tlxr Of