Omaha daily bee., 1896-03-06
SPANS HOUR HAS STRUCK
End Of the Government Founded by
Ferdinand and Isabella at Hand.
HENRY R0CHEFoRT PRoNoUNCES DOOM
Famous French Republican An
nounces Cubn's Independence nnd
the Downfall OF the Dynasty
Now TottcrinE to Ruin.

Copyright. 1896 by Press Publishing Company
PARIS, March 5.--(New York World Cable
gram-Specal Telegram.)-No living French
man has suffered more for the cause of
liberty than Henry Rochefort, the veteran
editor of the Intransigeant. Few French
writer's exercise so widespread an influence
over the masses of their countrymen. To
the World CORE spondent he said today:
when l was at Monte Carlo last year,
soon after my return from six years In
England, met Ambassador Eustis. The
Cuban nsurrecton had just begun and we
freely discussed the insurgents chances.
Even then Mr. Eustis believed recognition
of their belligerency would be only ques-
tion OF time. l went even further, and eX-
pressed my conviction that the insurgents
would secure not only recognition as bel
legirents but independence.
IL escaped from New Caledonia just as the
last Cuban nsurrection was being suppressed
The story of that long massacre made deep
impression on me. Men who will risk their
lives on a second venture Of that kind so
soon after the suppression of the first must
be ripe for freedom.
II do not think the people of the United
States would stand idly by and see under
tragedy. If the recent resolutions in con-
gress really represent public opinion, Presi-
dent Cleveland cannot postpone action in
definitely. What could Spain do?
ONLY ONE END POSSIBLE.
mo doubt any intervention would be re-
| garded by Spain as a declaration OF war, but
| what could Spain do? She would lose Cuba
| Immediately, for a few thousand American
| troops and an ironclad or two would seriously
| inconvenience her. There could be no doubt
| about the outcome. Spain would be badly
| beaten in Cuba and out of it. The moment
| the United States decided to act the insur-
gent ranks would be sweled by thousands of
| recruits who have been waiting to join the
winning side.
Then Spain has no money. The Cuba war
| has baen costing her a mill.on pesetas (s25O,-
0OO) a day l doubt whether she would even
| fight The Spaniards are brave and tena-
| cious but nowadays nations cannot hgh'
| without money"
would France help herr" the CORE
| spondent asked.
The whole body of intelligent opinion in
| France Is with the insurgents. The gal
liant fight made by the Cubans endears them
| to all lovers of freedom. Everything In
| France that now counts for anything Is OF
| their side. The influence of the reactionar!
journals, like the Figaro or the Debats is
| nil for even II they do not care to wounc
Spanish susceptibility by praisng the at
ttude of the United States, they are toe
l circumspect to openly espouse the Spanish
cause. e..rsFrenchmen in general are delighted
| to see the American congress act as II Il
doing. They. only wonder It has not don'
SO earlier. ~.
..One thing seems certain. The loss o
Cuba and the expense Of the wal, will brint
1 about a revolution in Spain. The dynast!
4 hap been lettering for some time. An un
successful struggle against the United State
would certainly result in the overthrow
the Spanish monarchy. 1t would be splen
did If Cuba were to destroy the spanlsl
throne at the very time Abyssinia bid
fair to spoil the appearance OF the nous
of Savoy 'Vve la Republique.'
REPUBLICANS IN PLENTY.
But" queried the World correspondent
sis there any organized republican party i
Spain? CASTELAR, and Sagasta are both mon
archists, and is there no danger that spai
may attempt to purchase French support b
concedng the Canary Islands or by maxim
some other concession"
There is no danger of France selling he
support to Spain," answered M. Rochefor
you must not forget that France is no.
definitely republic Even If the govern
ment should attempt anything of the kint
the country would not stand 1t. Besides,
now have liberal ministry, a ministr
moreover whose existence depends on ou
J support Berthelot Ohe foreign minister
too 10 an old and tried liberal who Will neve
consent to bolster up Spanish tyranny. h
. has none of Hanotaux's This predecessor) COZ
servative leaning. So long as the Bourgeo
ministry lasts there will be no attempt
Join hands with Spain.
, "Yes, there is an organized republican part
in Spain strong enough to form govern
, ment If occasion should offer. Ruiz Zorril
unhappily, is dead, but there would be I
want of leaders. CASTELAR, does not coun
He Is like Ribot or Dupuy in France-witho'
enthusiasm afraid of progress. Sagasta
still worse He has lived on government ps
for years. lie receives $500 month as II
price Of his loyalty. There are the Carlists n
t doubt but believe they can be bought.
= But if you wish to know my innermo
thought, here it is: Spain will lose Cub
but she will not fight the United States, ar
= in the general turmoil and reaction folloy
: ing the loss OF Cuba the Spanish dynasty W
1 come to an untoward end Amen"