Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-11-25
NOT FRIGHTENED BY SPAIN
Mr.. Chandler Outlines What Might Happen
in Case of War. .,s,
Spanish Navy Would Never, Return
Home-Tfme Ripe for Recognia-
ing Cuban Independence.


the United States. He is inclined to agree
with Senator Lodge that the lay for the
recognition of belligerency has passed. At
the same time he appreciates the fact that
whatever is to be done must proceed from
the executive and not from Congress-
There will be too little time during the
short session to pass any resolution look
ing toward the independence of Cuba, even
were 1t a desirable thing to do. 1t would
excite nerce opposition and so there would
De no use IN attempting it. Besides Presi-
dent Cleveland already has the resolutions
adopted at the last session Of Congress
requesting him to exercise his good offices
Tor the achievement of Cuban independ-
ence.
Senator Chandler has no fear of serious
consequences for the United States in
case We choose to recognize either inde-
pendence or belligerency.
If We recognize belligerency.' he said.
Spain would not go to war abo 1T 1t I'm
less she We're carried away by a frenzy
of passion. If were to recognize ride
pendence there would be no call for us to
go to war unless Spain attacked us. We
should simply lie back and await events,
making every possible prepar a,ion, of
course, for any emergency. Suppose Spain
attacks us. In order to do so she would
be compelled to leave her own coast un-
defended and her colonial possessiols at
the mercy of an enemy's fleet. While her
navy was centered upon New York we
could do her infinite harm. Doubtless She
could injure us at the beginning, for it
would he impossible thoroughly 10 protec t
our entire coast, but the injury she might
do us would be insignificant in comparison
with what we could inf1ict upon her by
retaliation. Her navy would never go
back to Spain. We should simply wipe 1t
off the face of the seas. Our Pacific squad
ron would sail direct for the Philippine
Islands with any number of transports
from the Pacific slope. and we should soon
be in complete possession there. That part
of the business we could leave entirely to
the Pacific squadron and to the people CT
the Pacific states, while the eastern part
of the country and the rest Of the Tavy
attending to the Spanish fleet and the
Spanish possessions in the West Indies.
With the declaration of war how long
would 1T take for Americans to overrun
Cuba and Porto Rico? 1t is folly Cor Spain
to talk about going to war with the United
States. Within two months her navy would
be destroyed, her colonies would all De
in our possession and her own territory
would be mercy.
Senator Chandler believes that If the
Cleveland administration were to show
Cuba the way to freedom it would go out
of existence on the 4th of March in a
blaze of glory.
Views of Senator's.
The New York Journal today published
the replies of a number of United States
Senators to a question addressed to them
by the Journal whether they we're in favor
CT Congress at an early date passing a
joint resolution which shall be mandatory
on the President ito protect the struggling
Cubans from being exterminated by the
Spanish
Answers of varying tenor were received.
Senator Ledge of Massachusetts, said:
I'VE have come to the point where we
must either recognize the Independence Of
fNrJt,s, fryIn &c
as the pres sent administration is doing. and
allow this ruinous and terrible war to go
on unchecked a our very threshold"
Senator Chandler said:
My own private opinion is that this
government should take some immediate
steps to stop the horrible Spanish atrocities
that being inflicted upon the Cubans.
If we simply declare Cuba shall
be free believe Cuba would be free and
there would be no war; either
Senator Proctor was decidedly IN favor
of any measure that will put an end to the
present condition of affairs"
Senator Carter questioned the wisdom Of
any agitation of the subject during the
coming session of Congress.
Senator Mitchell urged caution and the
avoidance Of steps that might lead to war
with Spain.
Senator Cockre,l expressed ignorance of
the probable action of Congress upon the
Cuban question, and Senator Vest uttered a
Ike sentiment.
Senator Kyle said: "Yes most certainly.
1t is shame to our civilization that we
have permitted for two years such cruel
ties to be practiced by the Spanish govern
ment upon the native Cubans struggling for
such liberty as we now enjoy.
Senator Faulkner said: IT hesitate to ex-
press an opinion as to the true policy Of
the government at this time until l learn
more definitely the situation through the
official report of Gen. Lee and other infor-
nation in the possession Of the State De-
partment."
Senator Bacon favored such action as
would speedily end the war.
Senator Pasco and Senator Call advo-
Gated recognizing the independence of Cuba
as free republic and Senator Blackburn
expressed the same idea.
Senator Lindsay said he preferred to
await information that may be conveyed
by the Presidents message before replying
to the question.
Senator Allen said he favored recognizing
the full political independence of Cuba
and, il necessary, would pass such a resolu-
tion over the Presidents veto.
Senator Morgan said the conscience of
the country was shocked by the cruelties
practiced in Cuba. and he would not be
surprised II the public sentiment should
outrun the administration and involve this
country in war with Spain.
Senator Perkins urged delay in action un-
til full information should come to hand.
Senator Pugh thought the Cuban question
an executive one entirely. Senator Wilson
would recognize the belligerency Of Cuba
on the subject. Senator Tillman favored
granting belligerent rights. Senator PETER
thought the President was acting within
the strict usage of nations. Senator Haw-
ley was non-cOmmfttal and Senator Blanch-
ard was for recognition.
Senator Morrill, said: Il do not care to
express an opinion a future action of
Congress on the Cuban question until we
have heard what the President has to say
on the subject. 1t is possible that he is in
possession of facts that will have an i'm
portant bearing upon the future policy of
municate that Information to Congress
either in his annual message or a special
message to be devoted to the Cuban ques-
ton alone"
Senator Burrows counseled waiting for
events in Cuba to point the way for action
by this government.
Gen. Miles Return.
Gen. Miles, commanding the army has