New-York tribune., 1896-12-30
FROM THE MAIL
INTERFERENCE IN CUBA.
A CORRESPONDENTS VIEWS OF THE ciRcrM
STANCES THAT WOULD REQUIRE IT.

CORRESPONDENTS VIEWS OF THE crRcrM-
STANCES THAT WOULD REQUIRE IT.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Will you grant space for short re-
joinder TO Mr. Ashmore's letter concerning the
Cuban situation, in which he refers to my letter TO
your paper of few days ago?
The sentiments contained In Mr. Ashmore's letter
are entitled to unqualified respect the EXPIRES
sion OF Christian feeling. But cannot refrain
from suggesting that the world is constituted
the question OF International comfy IL entitled TO
very serious consideration perhaps to greater con-
sderation than any other In matter OF this char-
acter And indeed. the violation Of one OF the prin-
cpal tenets in the rules OF international intercourse
is likely to result in consequences Of the gravest
nature. quite adverse the teachings of Christian
ity.
We have had many reports from Cuba. all OF an
indefinite character. referring the one hand to
alleged crueties the part OF the Sraniards. and
the other to wanton destruction OF property and
life on the part OF the insurgents II must not be
forgotten that the Cubans Spa niards well as
those against whose authority they are now under
arms and the propensities of both contestants are
practically Identical AZ far as these propensities
therefore, constitute a factor In estimating the
iruthfulness of the current reports. neither Side
has the advantage. As a matter OF fact the re-
ports referred to lack confirmation and are contra
diccd or materially qualified almost as often a.
tnc! are circulated. so tHdt IL MAY w ''''i'
averred that outside Of the broad outline OF pas.
events the general public Is completely in the dark
to what has actually happened in Cuba during
the last eighteen months or two years.
The argument appears to me to reduce Itself to
the following: The inhab OF certain Spanish
provinces have rcvolted against the governing
authorities. II Is in the first instance quarrel
between the parties Immediately participating. and
does not concern the outside world IL. however.
atrocities are committed one side or the other
both sides OF a character calculated 10 shock
he lar unrl a
rules Of civilization. and If the commission OF
these atrocities is proved by acccptahl" evidence.
then tho rules OF nernationa, comfy are reversed
aud Ii becomes the duty OF outside powers TO inter
fcrc In the interests OF universal civilization and
humanity: but with qualifications, II is conceiVaDlc
that Interference might carry with IL such serious
consequences that whatever benefit might accrue
to some would be outweighed by the damage re-
sutirg 10 others believe that no one would a6-
VOc.te interference such terms.
Patriotism signifies regard for the wefar" OF tnc
mother country. ard or BODY or men Is
justified in exposing the citizens Of this country 10
the uncertain fortunes Of war by asslinng IN"
quarrel Of another unless II is established beyond
peradvcnture that humanity ard civilization i'm
peratively the sacrifice. Above all things.
let us have PROOF and delih"ration, and let Us not
follow n will'o-thewlsp that MAJ lead ~ headionG
into the mire. 'ltAEI.fS 'ANfo
New York. Dec. =. ls".