Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1896-12-24

| 9eance against the UHllcu otdtos shVui"
the Cuban republic he recognized.
They have none too high regard for
us now. Ever since the Cuban out
break. the Insurgents have received
not only sympathy. bat men and ma-
nitions of war from this country. In
defiance of law, numerous tiiibustering
expeditions have left our coast and car
ried assistance to the Cubans, while the
American press has stirred certain ele
ments of our citizenship TO the point
where they would heartily welcome a
war with Spain. The administration
has endeavored to prevent violations
of International law and courtesy, but
has been able to do but little in the
face Of the bitter anti-Spanish senti-
ment that abounds in many localities.
But the climax remains to be de-
scribed. When it became known that
the Cameron resolution was 10 be IA
vorably reported, Secretary Olney gave
out a statement that fell like a bomb
shell in the camp of the pro-Cuban
forces. He said that whatever the ac-
ton of Congress on the resolution, it
would have no effect on the executive
department. The president would not
recognize Cuba until he got ready, in
dependent of Congressional prodding.
The secretary maintained that the rela-
tions of this government with other
governments, at least so far a the rec
ognizine, or the Withholding of rccog-
uition, was wholly within the authority
of the executive and that Congress had
no right to interfere. He claimed that
these matters are presidential prcroga-
tives He also rather unwisely took
occasion to sneer at the senators and
who assumed the right |
to hurry along recognition. Mr.. Olney |
is a very pugnacious and determined |
man and loves nothing better than a |
fight.
The Cuban senator's" viewed this |
position with dismay. At first they
frothed ut the mouth and declared that |
If the resolution passed and was not /
obeyed by the president he would be
This, of course. is impos-
sible in the short time that remains Of
his term. They denied that Congress
was not sovereign in this matter and 1
that it was a special prerogatiye OF the
president. The secondary effect was,
however, to discourage pressing the
resolution in view of the trouble that
would arise.
Some congressman assume that Con-
gress, being the sovereign power, has
the right to do anything There is one
limitation to its authority and that is
the constitution. That fundamental
law provided that Congress could do
certain things and could not do certain
other things. II divided our govern
ment into three branches and placed
certain prerogatives within the power
Of each that the others could not inter
Iere with. Thus. the president has the
right to appoint foreign ministers. by
and with the consent of the Senate. Ii
would be impossible for Congress, by
act or resolution, to take away that
or limit it in any way The
supreme Court would declare such
measure unconstitutional
Secretary Olney claims that the right
o recognize foreign governments is al
90 an executive prerogativc. If he is
the Supreme Court would
nave to determine. for this is the first
inc the question has been raised and I
rood authorities ditler-thcn no act of
congress is binding upon the president
n this matter. lfit is not a presidential
,rerogativc then he would be COM
lelled to execute. however distasteful
I might be to him
III liiNLiNal NhtNt Will Ut 10 Udl0
he question up until McKinleys inau-
at least, when affairs in Cuba
nay be viewed in a different light.
From what we have been able to
earn of the situation, we believe that
he administration has acted wisely
md well and that Congress should
cave the Cuban question in its hands
Without attempting to acquire any
powers that might appear to be an in
'aSion of the executives prcrogatives.
bradford.
Miss Maude Harris is at home for the $
holidays. /
Mrs. l.. M.Peaslee mas returned to Prad.
ord for the winter. {
Miss Emma V. Eastman is at home for Z
be Xmes vacation.
The schools ia the village have two
yeeksi vacation heoinninC neo ~