The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-19
Ex-senator Platt Gives His
Views on Matter. )
Does Not Think We are On the
Brink of War With Spain.
Ex-Governor Flower Does Not Expect
Troublc-General Woodford Talks.

Z
Thomas z. Platt has given out the fol-
lowing on the Cuban resolutions: "The
action taken py the Senate COMMITTEES on
foreign relations seems to have caussa
excitement among In vestors, simply be-
cause the action was unexpected and not
because 1t materially changes our rela-
tions with Spain. The resolutions de-
clares in favor OF the recognition of the
Cuban patriots as a republi which 10
going little farther than giving them
the rights of blligerents, 40 i understand
ii, and favor the friendy intsrcession of
the United States to bring about peace
ful settlement OF the war between spain
and her colony.
"Without entering into . discussion
whether the second position Is tenable
no matter how desirable 1t may be, the
first having been taken, IL seems to me
that there is 80 much to learn and 90
many steps to be taken before this
government is committed, that the
assumption in some quarters that We
are fac ng q critical situation 10 not war
raptsd by tue facts.
"In the first place. we do not know
how nearly unanimous the action OF the
Senate committee was. This matter now
has to 20 to the Senate, and then We will
have all the facts. The action OF that
body, 1t is safe TO assume, will NOT be
| taken hastily, but rather after very full
and careful discussion. The Senate 10
| not hot headed body. Should II psss
| the Senate, which no one is warranted In
| predicting, the resolution then goes to the
House, which has already In q time Of
international excitement proved itself to
| be conservative and under wise leader
| ship.
"The rights of Spain and Of Cuba alike
| will be carefully weighed and while pu b.
lie sentiment is momentarily 10 an sx-
cited state, I do not think that we are on
the brink of war or any nearer to 1t than
at any time since the trouble In Cuba
5egan."
Th leading fnanciers and business men
OF New York we're, as q rule, cautious
| about expressing an opinion on the
| Cuban resolution. Their attitude in the
main was indicated by former Governor
Roswell p. Flower, who said: 81 do not
know what the circumstances are in Cuba
OF the form of government which exists
there. I should prefer to De9guided by the
State department. because think its IN
formation IL authentic. II all the stories
about butch cries in Cubs are true they
appeal to my sympathy just as strongly 40
the treatment of the Armenians in Tur-
key. 1 know Congress go well that be
lieve il will take from now to March Z
to pass this resolution, and when 1t has
been passed, IL the State department has
no further news from Cubs Of different
character, 1 should expect q veto of it
from President Cleveland"
A few took strong ground against the
passage OF the resolution. George r.
williams, president OF the Chemical Ma
tionaI Bank was one of these. He said:
"It seems to me that..the resolution is an
unwise interference with the Affairs OF
Spain and that tho time for its passage
has yet TO come. 1 certainly think such
an important measure should be delayed
until the time is ripe for It. TO adopt
tho resolution would now be forcing mat
ters and would do spain an injustics.
think the Presidents statement In Ms
message that right should come before
might is good. IL this resolution - car
ried out II would result In war. The
Spanish are . lighting people and they
are not going to give up Cuba without
struggle"
General Stewart L. woodford ssids
"Tbe present condition of Cuba 10 ois-
grace to our civilization. Cubs lies 90
near our coast that we cannot secaps
moral rssponsi bility for this condition
whatever may be our legal obligations. 1
believe that the United States should
interfere and compel peace and order In
Cubs. II the proposed senate resolutions
will practically secure this result then !
| Continued on Page a.