Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-09
THE CUBAN QUESTION.

The position of Mr.. Cleveland with re-
spect to Cuba IS being sharply criticised
by Republicans and Democrats both. But
there is on the part Of these directors a
noticeable neglect TO take into considera-
ton the fact that on this question the
President is much better informed than
the public is.
There can be no doubt OF the fact that
the President selected General Fitz Lee
as Consul General at Habana because OF
the latter's fitness TO investigate and re-
port upon the state of affairs existing
upon the island. Lees standing as
military man is high. and in important
stations of civil life he has also proved
that he has fine judgment The President
sent Lee to Habana free 20 see for him
self and to express his opinions candidly.
That Lees report had a great influence
upon the President and Mr.. Olney we can
not doubt. Other consuls at Cuban
ports sent in reports. too, but we can
not but believe that that of the Consul
General carried greater weight than any
or all Of the others.
Mr.. Cleveland and Mr.. Olney not only
had the benefit of the written report OF
General Lee. but they had personal inter
views with him, and were at liberty 10
cross-question him as freely as they
pleased. AS a result of all this we find
Mr.. Olney making this significant state
ment in his annual report;
$50 far as our information shows.
there is not only no effective local govern
ment by the insurgents in the territories
they overrun. but there is not even a
tangible pretence 10 establish admins
tTation anywhere. Their organization, con-
fined to the shifting exigencies of the
military operations of the hour IS
nomadic, without definite centres, and
lacking the most elementary features OF
municipal government. There nowhere
appears the nucleus Of statehood"
Now, here is an important statement of
fact that is uncontradicted save by the
excited declarations of the Cuban agents
in this country. Could It be expected
that the United States would recognize
any such government as that? No;
but warning IS. nevertheless, given Spain
that the present evil state of affairs in
Cuba is so intolerable in the sight of
Americans lHdl We Will iDl NUN iolibtl
wait for her pacifcation of the island
This country therefore, proffers its
friendly Offices for the establishment of
Cuban autonomy under Spanish sovereign
~. and Spain seems disposed to con-
sider the proposition. We repeat what
we said upon this subject yesterday:
II Spain knows what is good for
herself, she will accept this offer Of me
diation. If she does not, public senti-
ment in this country in behalf of Cuba
will soon become many times stronger
than 1t now is. and, carbohydrates
he Instruction Is soon suppressed-our
government will be forced to take a more
advanced step than is now proposed.
And we add that the manifestations
Of disappointment with the Presidents
message are but so many additional
warnings to Spain to treat with the Gu
bans ere II is too late TO do so.
Weyler must forthwith suppress the in
surrection, or Spain must grant Cuba
home rule--or the United States viii
take a hand in restoring peace and pros
perity 10 the island.
In brief. this country desires Spain TO
conclude war, and do it promptly
otherwise, wen do 1t ourselves.