Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-04-06

much. And while recognition will not
have been accorded the act of Congress
will afford much encouragement to the
insurgents. will convince Spain that
unless she soon infiicts decisive defeat
upon the insurgents recognition proper
must inevitably come.
The question is not wholly one of ex-
rediency. In a certain and not incon-
siderable sense it is the duty Of nations
to accord belligerent rights to those de-
serving such recognition. and aside
from certain technicalities we are sure
it is generally believed that the Cubans
deserve such recognition. 1t is not
difficult to understand how many can
honestly believe that those technicali-
ties. such as the maintenance of sea-
port. should be observed in this in
stance, and that neglect to do so would
establish a dangerous precedent and
afford Spain ground for resentment
And it must be apparent to all that the
subject is of sufficient gravity to re-
|ceive the most careful consideration.
even when handled simply for the pur-
pose of an expression of opinion, as is
the case with Congress in respect to the
proposed resolutions.
1t seems impossible to divorce con-
sideration of Cuban bellgerency from
the fact that this country stands in a
somewhat peculiar relation to that
island. 1t is impossible, we believe. to
act toward Cuba as we would toward
a country in the eastern hemisphere.
Not that we think the majority of
Americans are for the annexation of
Cuba. If ever proper time for such a
step shall arrive it certainly has not
yet rJnquestionably this country
would interfere should any foreign
country other than Spain endeavor to
acquire Cuba. We should not inter-
fere If Russia should acquire Turkey
or any part thereof. But in case of
war between Armenia and the Porte
we would. according to the most con-
servative standards. recognize Ar
mcnia's belligercnt rights when that
country should demonstrate to us that
it had de facto government, such as
would constitute it, if left to itself a
state and capable of performing the
duties of state. We do not think it
at all unreasonable to assume that the
Cuban insurgents have such a govern
ment that. if left to itself, would be
state. True it has no seaport. but that
is not necessarily a requisite. Spain
occupies those but has possession of lit
tie else in the island. and the insur-
gents have been able to hold communi-
cation with the outside world and bring
in both munitions of war and Access
sions to her fighting force.
President Grant, although he did not
recognize the belligerent rights of the
Cubans, left no doubt that he should
do 50 had he then thought chat
the struggle was to be greatly
nation is it's own judge when to accord
the rights of belligerency either 20 a
people struggling to free themselves
from a government they believe to be
oppressive or to Independent nations
at war with each other" There ap-
pears to be little doubt that President
Grant wanted to recognize the irsur-
gents, hut was restrained by advice
from those whose opinions in liplo-
matte matters he regarded as better in
formed than his own and by the hope
that Spain would effect reasonable
compromises with her rebellious sub
jects. Furthermore it had not leen
demonstrated to President Grant, as it
must have been to President Cleve-
land. that there is no hope of peace and
prosperity in Cuba so long as Spanish
control is what it is now and what
Spain is fighting to maintain. Surely
the United States has some interest of
a purely selfish but proper nature, in
the peace and prosperity of Cuba. let
alone the sentimental interests in the
cause of humanity. =
For nearly three quarters of GEN.
fury the oppression of Cuba has been
a by-worl in the mouths of nations
That this oppression has been continued
unmitigated and. if we may believe
Spain, is to continue SO long as she re-
tains control of that island, constitutes
a fact that relieves presidents already
established in our relations with Cuba
and Spain of much of their Significance
Twenty five years ago there was
ground to hope this oppression might
be mitigated. Circumstances since
have made unavoidable the conclusion
that it will not be. Congress today
cannot justly act in strict accordance
with those presidents in view Of ex-
listing conditions.
1t was said of the Intervention of
(,roat Kritnip ropno opI TD,e.;o T.,