The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-08

toned, and Notwithstanding that strong
evidence exists OF autual completely Of
Turkish soldiers in the work of destruc-
ton and robbery.
The facts as they now appear do not
permit us to doubt the justice of these
claims, and nothing will be omitted to
bring about their prompt settlement.
4 number of Armenian refugees hav-
ing arrived at our ports, an order has
lately been obtained from the Turkish
government permitting the wives and
children of such refugees to join them
here. 1t is hoped that hereafter no OBJ
staele will be interposed to prevent the
escape of all those who seek to avoid the
perils which threaten them in Turkish
dominions.
Our recently appointed consul to Err
zerum Is at his post and discharging the
duties Of his office, though for some un-
accountable reason his formal exequatur
from the Sultan has not been issued. /
do not believe that the present somber
prospect in Turkey viii be long permitted
TO offend the sight of christendom. If so
mars the humane and enlightened civil
ization that belongs to the close Of the
nineteenth century that it seems hardly
possible that the earnest demand Of good
people throughout the christian world for
its corrective treatment, will remain un-
answered.
THE CUBAN SITUATION.
The insurrection in Cuba still continues
with all its perplexities. 1t is difficult
to perceive that any progress has thus
far been made towards the pacifcation Of
the Island or that the situation of af-
fairs as deprecated in my last annual
message has in the least improved If
Spain still holds Havana and the sea-
ports and all the considerable towns, the
insurgents still roam at will over at least
tWo-thirds of the inland country. If the
determination of the Spain to put down
the insurrection seems but to strength
en- with the lapse Of time, as is eyinced
by her unhesitating devotion Of largely
increased military and naval forces to
to task. There is much reason to believe
that the insurgents have gained in point
Of numbers and character, and resources
and are none the less infexible in their
resolve to succumb, without practical
they took up arms. If Spain has not yet
re-established her authority, neither have
the insurgents yet made good their title
TO be regarded as an independent state.
Indeed, as the contest has gone on, the
pretense that civil government exists on
the island, except so far as Spain is able
TO maintain it, has been practically aban-
doned. Spain does keep on foot such
a government, more or less imperfectly in
the large towns and their immediate SUI
burbs. But, that exception being made.
the entire country is either given to
anarchy or is subject to the military oc-
cupation Of one or the other party. 1t is
reported, indeed, on reliable authority,
that, at the demand Of the commander-in-
chief OF the insurgent army, the putative
Cuban government has now given up all
attempt to exercise it's functions, leaving
that government confessedly (what there
is the best reason for supposing it always
to have been in fact), government mere
ly on paper.
Were the Spanish armies able to meet
their antagonists in the open, or in pitch
ed battle, prompt and decisive results
might be looked for, and the immense SUI
periority of the Spanish forces in num-
bers, discipline and equipment, could
hardly fail to tell greatly to their ad-
vantage. But they are called upon to
face foe that shuns general engage
ments, that can choose and does choose
its own ground, that from the nature of
the country is visible or invisible at pleas
ure, and that fights only from ambuscade
and when all the advantages of position
and numbers are on it's side. In country
where all that is indispensable to life in
the way of food, clothing, shelter is SO
easily obtainable, especially by those
born and bred on the soil, it is obvious
that there is hardly limit to the time
during which hostilities of this sort may
be prolonged. Meanwhile, as in all cases
Of protracted civil strife, the passions Of
the combatants grow nose and more in
famed and excesses on both sides become