The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-05-29

Discussing the very delicate relations at
this slime existing between this country
and Spain, the London Globe makes the
/ following comments:
III Mr.. Cleveland really desires TO force
war upon Spain he can. Of course. do
so without difficulty. but We trust that
even the eXigencies OF an impending
| Presidential election Viii not drive him
10 the commission Of so great d crime.
Assuming az we are bound to assume in
deeault Of positive evidence 10 the con-
trary that lie does not contemplate that
course OF action. 1t will require lhe exer-
else OF considerable tact on his part 10
avert the danger even now. A revival Of
the awkward question Of compensation to
American citizens for losses caused by
the insurgents, which is SAID To he in
contemplation, might easily prove too
much for Spanish pride to bear at time
like this. when it has already been irIi-
tated almost beyond endurance. II war
is 10 be avertec this carrying on of
private war on the part OF citizens Of the
United States must be put TO a stop at
once
This is unfair and ungenerous also. II
the Globe does not know #, it ought to
learn. before It undertakes to comment
upon the case, that there is an immense
public sentiment in this country favora-
bic TO an active Interference by this coun-
try in Cuban affairs with a view to fore
ing Spain to grant cuba her indepen-
dence and that nothing but Mr.. Cleveland
and his administration stand between
Spain and the colossal power of this ma
ton. II there had been weak man or a
vacillating man in Mr.. Clevelands place
Spain would. months ago, have been
driven out of the island Of Cuba. lie
has been the brcakwater between her and
an intense public sentiment here that
would blot her out as nation il she pro-
woke it too far. Instead, therefore. OF |
contributing TO SPANS embarrassment it |
is Mr.. Cleveland that has presented il |
being ten thousand times greater than il |
is. Papers like the Globe should inform |
Themselves OF the actual facts before |
they strike ia the dark in this way.
1t may not Je timely to demand of |
Spain at this moment compensation TO |
American citizens for losses they have
suffered which she might have prevent
ca. but why should not this demand be
made upon her when the occasion is fit
tinG2 She refuses 10 concede that state
of war exists in Cuba. and she thereby
assumes the duty of protecting AmerI-
cans and their property in that island.
II Americans or their property have been
injured by the insurgents. wren it would
have been possible for her TO prevent the
injury. she is bound upon every Principle
OF international law to make them COM
pensauon. She could escape all such liza
biities by declaring a state Of public war
TO exist in Cha, but as she refuses 10 do
SO she must take the consequences of
her folly and pay our citizens when she
does not protect them. Great Britain
would demand this OF us If Englishmen
were made victims Of her foolish course
and we see no reason why America should
not do the same thing.
Our sympathies are all with the Cubans
In this contest. We feel satisfied that
Spain has oppressed and plundered them
until their lives are hardly worth the
living Nevertheless. we have a certain
sort Of sympathy with Spain also. We
'annot help feeling sorry for a nation !
hat has played such part as Spain has
u the worlds history when we see her
'educed 10 her present state Of debility.
But she insists upon playing the part
If great nation still. and If she claims
he place she must take with it its re-
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