The record-union., 1896-12-08

authority, and that the putative Cuban
Government exists only on paper, ana
that both sides are now engaged IN a
wholesale annihilationo of property under
which the Industrial value Of the island
must soon be wiped out.
The Journal: The space which
President Cleveland devotes to the re-
ciprocal relations of Cuba, Spain and
the United States in his last message to
Congress indicates that he is not wholly
insensible to the agitation of the ques-
ton which has long progressed in this
country. But his conclusions show be-
yond a doubt that he will leave to his
successor the honor Of taking the first
step to assure Cuban liberty.
LONDON PRESS COMMENT.
LONDON, Dec. THE STANDARD"
tomorrow will say, in commenting on the
Presidents message: It is dignifled and
full Of common sense. 1t deserves and
doubtless will obtain the serious study
OF the European Powers. The Stand
ard" is of the opinion that the message
will excite bitterness in Spain, who,
nevertheless, must make up her mind
TO listen to friendly counsel. Spaniards
may be excused If they detect a tone Of
menace. The condition Of Cuba will
certainly not induce impartial observ-
ers to say that menace is unwarranted.
The paper dwells on Mr.. Cleveland's s
pointed reassertion of the Monroe doc
trine in the paragraph reading: What
ever circumstances may arise, our pol
icy and our interests would constrain
us to object to the acquisition of the
island or any interference with its con-
troll by any European Power
1t sees in this the intention of the
United States to claim a virtual pro-
tectorate over the continent and the is
lands thereof. This, it adds, is large
and bold policy that is not quite free
from danger, as Spain is not the only
power with which the United States
might thereby become embroiled The
paper expresses the opinion that If Spain
found a powerful friend in Europe to
help prevent Cuba from passing from
her hands, the objection Of the United
States, based on the Monroe doctrine,
would not be of much account For
tunately, there seems to be no real risk
that the Monroe doctrine will cause
further disputes with Great Britain.
In conclusion, the STANDARD" refers
to the passages referring to the passing
of the Venezuelan dispute, and says
that the dignified language of the mes
sage where it refers to Turkey shows the
Powers that they can be assured of the
cordial support of the United States in
executing corrective measures in that
country.
The Daily News is chiefly impressed
by the section Of the message referring
to Cuba. 1t admits that the Americans
cannot be permanently Indifferent to the
disastrous war, but says that while the
intentions of President Cleveland and
Secretary Olney may be ever so good,
European opinion is not favorable to
the latest version Of the Monroe doc
trine, and Spain will have some influen-
tial support if she holds out for it.
The "Chronicle'I will say in a leader
on the same subject hat the alternative
before Spain is really to either satisfy
the Cubans or have Cuba taken from her
forcibly. In conclusion the paper says:
1--WE advise Spain in her own interest to
sell Cuba quickly. but he would be no
friend of the United States who would
advise the latter to buy the island"