Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-27
THE CASE OF G UBA
Extraordinary Conditions to Precede the
Reoognitioa>ofHer Bslligerent Righta
Now the r,H'e for an Expression of
Sympathy Not When the In
.ura eat. Have Won.

The conditions which must precede the
recognition Of The belligerent rights Of the
Cubans as prescribed by certain public men
are regarded as somewhat extraordinary.
They seem to relate more to the recognition
Of the independence Of a country. If the
Cubans. without artillery or single fight
ing ship. could take Havana and drive the
Spaniards everywhere into the sea, they
would probably care little. If anything, for
an expression at this time by this govern
ment. or by any government.
A country struggling for freedom Is like
a man struggling for independence. Real
service to either must be timely to be effec-
tive. And this comparison gives point and
application to the celebrated correspondence
that passed once upon a time between DIR.
Samuel Johnson and Lord Chesterfield.
A Cnse In Point.
The bluff old doctor, after a few years of
struggle with poverty and obscurity in Lon
don. projected his great dictionary. The
work was to bring him fame and fortune,
but he stood absolutely in need OF patron.
He must be introduced and a patron found.
Lord Chesterfield. then in the full blaze OF
his unique glory, was recommended. DIR.
Johnson, accordingly, addressed letter to
his lordship setting forth the project. and
rendering dedication. he likewise called
as the ante room. Finally, losing hope and
patience. he went about his work without
,, further regard to his lordship and. as he
proceeded, public interest In him became
When the learned Of the town began dis
cuss!ng the dictionary Lord Chesterfield
warmed up. He suddenly remembered the
authors proffer of dedication, and he de-
cided that he would be pleased with the
honof He so addressed Dr. Johnson, and
in reply received one of the best deserved
and most singing rebukes In all history
After reciting his first experience with his
lordship. DR.. JOIN son said:
rs not a patron, my lord, one who looks
with unconcern on a man struggling for
life IN the water. and when he has reached
ground encumbers him with help? The
notice which you Rave pleased to take OF
my labors. had 1t been early, had been
kind; but it has been delayed till / am in
different and cannot enjoy 1t; till l am
solitary and cannot tmpart 1t; till l am
known and do not want it. l hope 1t Is no
very cynical asperity not to confess obliga-
lions where no Ienefit has been received, or
to be unwilling that the public should con-
slider me owing that to patron which
Providence has enabled me to do for my
self. Having carried on my work thus far
with so little obligation to any favorer of
learning, 1 shall not be disappointed though
I shall conclude it. If less be possible. with
less"
1t Is hardly necessary to add that the pub
lie applauded DR.. Johnson. and that his
career from that time on was all the more
eminent and prosperous because of this fine
display Of manly spirit.
Shall the Parallel Be Applied
Is 1t difficult, the friends of Cuba are ask
ing, to apply this bit Of history? Cuba is
poor and struggling for independence. She
is ambitious toftake place as nation. She
has turned togthe United STATES for sym
pathy and assistance. Shall her letter
longer be ignored? Shall she longer fail to
get beyond the freezing confines of the ante
chamber? If soy, shall the United States
come forward later and grant recognition
when recognition is no longer needed or de-
sired? Shall the rebuke In Lord Chester
fields case become in order in this case?
Cuba, even with justification. would prob
ably not copy DIR. Johnsons letter. She will
turn here at any time. Her stiny is here
But the United States. 1t is insisted. ought
not even to deserve such rebuke