The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-22
SEATTLE. WEDNESDAY. JAN. 2e
SHALL WE RECOGNIZE THEM.

Congressman Mcmillan. OF Tennessee,
announced in Nashville on Monday that
President Cleveland would In a few days
send a message to congress recogfiizinS
the cubans as belligerents. Inasmuch as
Mr. Mcmillan is a very close friend OF the
president, great deal Of weight has been
given to his latest public utterance. At
any rate, IL seems certain that this gov
eminent will declare Itself one way or the
other in the very near future. Some of
the strongest Cuban sympaihizers in con-
sress are bringing strong pressure to bear.
and. In response 10 resolutions that have
been introduced. 1t VIII be very difficult
for the people OF the United States. either
through the executive or legislative
branch OF the government. 70 refuse TO
take definite and decided stand on this
question.
There is a great deal to warrant our
recognizing the Cuban insurgents, and
there IS quite as much TO influence us IN
refusing TO take such action. Insurgents,
revoutionlsts and rebels are 10 be Tecog-
niEed when they have actually set up some
sort OF government and by force OF arms
have made themselves de facto power.
In large measure the Cuhans have done
this. They practically control the island
today. and. while they may not possess
the sesports or large cities. II cannot be
denied that they seem to be the ruling ele-
ment from one end OF the country to the
other.
The United States has very wisely re-
Trained NJ TO this time from giving any
aid 10 the revolutionists by official com
fort or otherwise. This is in keeping with
its record OF the past. It was not until
thirteen years after the first outbreak Of
rebellion against Spain that this govern
ment placed Itself formally on the side OF
the South American republics and inciien-
tally proclaimed the Monroe doctrine
Some OK the republics had been recognized
as independent states. but In TO Instance
was recognition accorded until the Span
Ssh forces had been entirely overcome and
the new governments had practically be
come established ana held undsputed pos
session OF the domain supposed 10 be under
their sway.
The present case IS somewhat different
tiAtf tAatst ~ tathAA - NAtA Aftti% a. EENtt-
dents. Uum the last few months the IN
surgen,s held nothing except little Wild
territory at the extreme east OF the island
They held 10 towns. had not approached
the seaboard. and mad not accomplished so
much In the way OF an uprising against
Spain as was recorded in the last rebellion.
aud yet that last rebellion had progressed
FULLY eight years before the United States
began seriously 20 take al interest in n
Within the last month. however. import
ant changes have occurred. The insur-
gents have gained everywhere. The home
government seems practically powerless.
anJ with the exception % a few strong
seaports where spain can land troops. tho
island appears 70 belong TO thu Insurgents.
The question IS. have they eoos enough %
warrant recognition
II IS - prohlcin which should Re SOLVED
not hastily bat with dellhera;ion. TIE
Cuban cause has as Il deserves. the strong
sympathy os the people e the Unltea
States. bat Il IS not well % allow oar SYM
rathiez % run away Vfta cur judgment
unIsss We are SURF Of TIE failure :, ar As
prece3onts ans t1s rules 81 International
law are concerned. they cut very ut;ls
figure IN Tire case. Nearly all these rules
have grown ont ot settlements Tor TIE n.
Glyldaal aggran3izement e nations. n
which might. and not right. vas sought.
sna there IS 10 particular reason why We
should re bcuna ~ a SET et decisions which
have been made dicti through iatcrust,o1al
deals and d,ql5uatic eAlcansry. We sho4.d
pursue tie even tenor ef our way aa1 fol-
low eut tie eogss wAieA !Gsslcs. h@1.An-