The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-07
Our Duty and Spain's Peril with
Reference to Cuba.

which has been u consistent and ag-
gressive friend of Cuba. but it presents
from official sources forecast of the
probable consequences of American
recognition of Cuban belligerency which
tends to shake ones confidence in the
wisdom of such a step.
The Spanish government. it points
out, now insists that peace reigns in
Cuba, in the sense that no constituted
government exists in opposition to the
sovereignty Of Spain. The logical Sc
quel of this position is that no block
ade can be declared of Cuban ports.
American property must be protected
on the island by the exercise of the po-
lice powers of Spain. American citi-
zens must he tried for alleged offenses
by the civil tribunals. and American
merchant vessels cannot be interfered
with unless they are actually engaged
in the landing of munitions of war for
the purpose of treasonable attempts
against Spanish sovereignty. Our po-
sition, the Post contends, would
change for the worse under interna-
tional law in all these particulars the
moment we saw fit to recognize that
state of war existed in Cuba, and that
the government of Spain was no longer
responsible for the maintenance Of
peace and order in the island.
Spain would acquire, under the law
of nations, the right of search of all
American vessels onsthe high seas for
contraband of war. Spanish gunhoats
would be justified in lowering about
American port and in ordering every
vessel which left the harhor to heave
to and be searched for contraband ar
ticles. The question what constituted
contraband and the question how far
the Spanish officers should go in their
search would be likely to arouse fric-
tion with American captains and per-
haps even provoke the Interference of
some hot headed naval officer of the
United States. THE rule regarding
what constitutes contra band of war
hts" says the Post, never been fully
settled in the courts of international
law. The Spanish government would
undoubtedly insist in the present case
that provisions came within the defini-
tion. because they would contribute
to keep the insurgent forces in the
field. 1t would go against the grain
SO acutely with many American mer-
l. l..
date of Spanish gunboat that 1t is
feared that some of them might refuse
to do so and invoke a broadside from
the Spanish guns. Such an event
countries that the utmost spirit of for
bearance by the two governments
would hardly avert war"
We cannot disguise the fact that such
consequences as these would be more
serious than most thoughtful Americans
would care to incur save as a last re-
course. The information in possession
of the state department at Washing
ton is said to be that Spain has agreed
to end the rebellion within the present
uiS 10 W say, btIOTt next
July-Or recognize the right of the Unit
ed States to view the uprising as one
coming within the legal purview of bell
ligerency. If this be true, our present
administration will be, to wait a rea-
sonable time, and then, If things be not
better, to act in defense of imperilled
American interests.
Under an act of the legislature passed
two years ago it is possible to raise |
in this county by special tax for road
sum not exceeding $780,
900 per annum. If there is a popular
demand for such a levy and expendi- |
ture, and 1t reaches their notice by |
interview. letter or petition, |
the present board of commissioners |
Will no doubt gladly start the legal |
machinery in operation. There cannot |
be two opinions as to the need of good |
roads In Lackawanna county. but we |
are not sanguine that the public Is yet |
to put its hand into it's pock-
ct and lay down the requisite price.
When Mr.. Cleveland on Saturday
was introduced for the first time to
Mark Hanna, we wonder If he did not
regret the turn of fate
which took from him at a critical mo-
ment the Democratic Hanna, Daniel
Manning-a loss from which he can
truthfully date his own political de-
cline.
There is very little doubt among
those whose business calls them fire.
quently among the local courts that
if quiet steps were to be taken by the
proper authorities to ascertain whether
jury fixing has yet assumed q place
among the lost arts. 1t would be an in
luiry productive of good results.
The Wisconsin state Republican COM
mittee has audited it's accounts and
thrown open its books. The Pennsvl-
iania committee could do the same but
there would be little to show. 1t
handled less money this year than dur
ng any prior presidential year since
he Republican party was founded.
1t is announced that Toronto labor or
will urge the enactment by
he Canadian parliament of legislation
which will prevent Americans from
in Canada. We guess such a
aw would do small harm compared
with one returning the compliment.
Mr.. Clsveland's message consists. 1t
$ said. of 1900 words, of which prob
ibly more than 1900 are in review of