The McCook tribune., 1896-12-18

truth, the most pacific OF powers ana desires
nothing so much as TO live AT amtty with all
the world It's own ample and diversified
domains satisfy all possible iongings for ter
ritory, preclude all dreams of corqCes and
prevent the casting of any coyetous eyes
upon neighborinE regions, however attract
i've. That our conduct towards Spain and
her doninions has constituted no exception
to this national disposition Is made manifest
by the course of our government not only
thus far during the present insurrection but
during the ten years that followed the rising
at Yara in 1868. No other great power. it
NAV safely be said, under circumstances OF
similar perplexity. would have manifested
the same restraint and the same patient en-
durance.
1t may also be said that this persistent at
titude of the United States towards Spain in
connection with Cuba will unquestionably
evince no slight respect and regard for
Spain on the part of the American people.
They in truth do not forget her connection
with the discovery of the Western hemis-
phere, nor do they underestimate the great
qualities of the Spanish people, nor fail to
fully recognize their splendid patriotism
and their chivalrous devotion to the national
honor. They view with wonder and admira-
ton the cheerful resolution with which vast
bodies of men are sent across thousands of
miles of ocean and an enormous debt accum-
ulated, that the costly position of the gem OF
the Antilles may still hold its place in the
Spanish crown. And yet neither the govern
ment nor the people of the United States
have shut their eyes to the course of events
in Cuba or have failed to realize the exist
encc of conceded grievances which have led
to the present revolt from the authority of
Spain grievances recognized by the Queen
Regent and by the CortcS, voiced by the
most patriotic and enlightened of Spanish
statesmen, without regard to party, remon-
strated by reforms proposed by the execu-
tive and approved by the legislative branch
of the Spanish government
It is in the assumed temper and DISPOSE
ton of the Spanish government to remedy
these grievances, fortified by indications OF
influential public opinion in Spain, that this
government has hoped to discover the most
promising and effective means of composing
the present strife, with honor and adyan-
taCe to Spain and with the achievement OF
all the reasonable objects of the insurrec-
ton
1t would seem that if Spain would offer to
Cuba genuine autonomy, measure of home
rule which. while preserving the sover-
eirnity of Spain, would satisfy all rational
require ents of her Spanish subjects, there
should be no Just reason why the paclfica-
ton of the island might rot be effected on
that basis. Such a result would appear to
be in the true interest OF all concerned. 1t
would a once stop the conflict which is now
consuming the resources of the island and
making il worthless for whichever party
NAV ultimately prevail. 1t would keep in
tact the possessions of Spain without touch
ing her honor, which will be consulted
rather than impugned by the adequate re-
dress of admitted grievances. 1t would put
the prosperity of the island and the fortunes
of its inhabitants within their own control,
without severing the natural and ancient
ties which bind them to the mother country
and would yet enable them to test their ca
pacity for self government under the most
favorable conditions.
1t has been objected on the one side that
Spain should not promise autonomy until
her insurgent subjects lay down their arms
On the other side, that promised autonomy.
however liberal, is insufficient, because
without assurance of the promise being full
filed.
But the reasonablcness of a requirement
by Spain, of unconditional surrender on tn e
part of the Insurgent Cubans before their
autonomy is conceded is not altogether ap-
parent It ignores important features Of
the Situation-the stability two years dura-
ton has given to the inSurrection; the feaS-
ibility of its prolongation in the nature OF
things, and as shown by past experience the
utter and imminent ruin of the island, unless
the present strife IS speedily composed;
ABOVE dll, the TANK ABUSES WHICH dll
in Spain, all branches of her government
and all her leading public men concede to
exist and profess desire to remove. Facing
such circumstances, to Withhold the proffer
of needed reforms until the parties demand
ing them put themselves at mercy by throw
ing down their arms, has the appearance of
negleCting the gravest of perils and inviting
suspicion as to the sincerity of any pro-
feSsed willingness to grant reforms. The
objection on behalf of the insurgents-that
promised reform Canot be relied upon-must
of course be considered, though we have no
right 10 assume, and no reason for assum-
ing, that anything Spain undertakes to do
for the relief of Cuba will not be done ac-
cording to both the spirit and the letter of
the undertaking.
Nevertheless, realizing that suspicious
ahI precautions on the part of the weaker
of two Cembatants are always natural and
not always unjustifable, being sincerely de-
sirous in the interest of both as well as on
its own account, that the Cuban problem
should be solved with the least possible de-
lay, it was intimated by this government to
the government of Spain some months ago
that if satisfactory measure of home rule
were rendered the Cuban insurgents, and
would be accepted by them upon guaranty
of its execution, the United States would en-
deavor to find way not Objectionable to
Spain of furnishing such guaranty. While
uO utHullS ISSpOuSc 10 tulS lulIu1dIlOn udS
yet been received from the Spanish govern
ment. it is believed to be not altogether un-
welcome, while, as already suggested, no
reason is perceived why it should not be ap-
proved by the insurgents neither party can
fail to see the importance of early action
and both must realize that to prolong the
present state of things for even a short
period will add enormously to the time and
labor and expenditure necessary to bring
about the industrial reCuperation of the
island. 1t is therefore, fervently hoped
on all grounds that earnest efforts for head
ing the breach between Spain and the in
surgent Cubans, upon the lines above indi-
Gated, may be at once inaugurated and
pushed to an immediate successful issue.
The friendly Offices of the United States,
either in the manner above outlined or in
any other way consistent with our constitu-
ton and laws will always be at the disposal
of either party.
Whatever circumstances may arise, our
policy and our interests would constrain US
to object to the acquisition of the island or
an interference with its control by any other.
1t should be added that it cannot be reason
ably assumed that the hitherto expectant
attitude of the United States will be indefi-
nitely maintained.
While we are anxious to accord all due re-
spect to the sovereignty of Spain, we cannot
view the pending conflict in all its features
and properly apprehend our inevitable rela-
tons to it and its possible results without
considering that by the course Of events we