The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-11
OUR CUBAN POLICY.

The reports from Washington con-
corning the policy of President Cleveland
and Secretary Olney in the Competitor
case are conflicting. The kilograms
coming through the press associations IN
dicate continuance Of the nerveless, do
nothing policy that has characterized the
course of the administration since the
beginning Of the war. while the tele-
grams sent by Washington correspond
ents of prominent Western papers say
the President and Secretary have taken
decided stand and warned Spain that
the summary execution of the sentence
imposed by the court-martial on the
men captured on the Competitor will be
followed by serious consequences. 1t is
to be hoped the latter reports are correct.
1t is now an ascertained fact that at least
one of khe men captured on the COMPETE
tor, John Milton, is native-born Amer
lean citizen. The others are Of Spanish or
Cuban birth, though some of them claim
to be naturalized American citizens. AS
to Milton there is no doubt. He has lived
in Kansas. and is known in Chicago.
Congressman Woodman, of Illinois,
gard to him on Saturday but got no sat
isfaction as to what the administration
intended to do. The Secretary assured
him he would exert his best efforts to Sc
cure a respite of Millions sentence and
get him a civil trial. When the Illinois
member reminded the Secretary that he
had been told the day before that the
men had already been granted a respite
for week and promised a civil trial. the
Secretary replied evasively that the
Spanish authorities in Cuba were not
disposed to respect American authority,
because they were impatient at what the
American newspapers had been saying.
and because the leader of the Competitor
expedition was a notorious character and
suspicion attached to thpse who accom-
panied him. This looks like a lame ex-
cuse for not protecting an American cit
izen. Milton says he was going to Cuba
in search of news, but. whether this is
true or not, he had not borne arms nor
committed any overt act against the
Spanish government. AT the worst he
was only possible or prospective insur-
gent. Moreover, what difference does it
make as to the duty of the government
to protect it's citizens whether the Span
ish authorities in Cuba dislike what the
American newspapers are saying or not?
No doubt the authorities feel very bitter
against the United States, but that is no
reason why an American citizen and civ
ilian not guilty of any military offense
should be tried by a court-martial and
sentenced to death for being found in
bad company. A Washington dispatch
indicates that the government is giving
.~omuch we,g.st and Importance to tech
meal points raised by the Spanish au-
thorities, such as that the treaty between
| the United States and Spain guarantee
| ing protection to American citizens APP
plies only TO those residing in Cuba This
| government should not accept such a
construction Ct the treaty: but, treaty or
no treaty. it should protect its citizens.
| Again. 1t Is explained that the Latin
code. which constitutes the law of Spain,
recognizes what Is called municipal
piracy" and that the Competitors men
were convicted under this charge. But
| the Latin code cannot stand against the
law of nations. and that recognizes no
such crime.
The case is one that calls for prompt
and vigorous action. The people are
very tired Of the administration kid
glove manner OF dealing With Spain and