The Portland daily press., 1896-11-30
FOLLY TO INTERFERE.

Interviews With Prominent Men on Our
Duty to Cnba.
New York, November 28.-In order to
test, as far as possible, the conservative
sentiment Of this country with regard to
Cuban affairs, the Times caused to be
prepared a terse query which was sent
to several representative men of Ameri-
ca. The substance of the query was:
"What course should the interest and
the duty OF the United States lead it to
pursue toward the Cuban insurgents p"
A number Ut interesting answers have
| thus far been received. Professor Wool
sey OF Yale, an expert on International
law, writes-l do not conceive that we
| owe any assistance to Spain in crushing
it's insurgents. Nor is it clear that it is
a case for intervention on the ground of
humanity, in behalf of the insurgent.
Though there seems to be plenty of saw
| agery on both sides, there la no evidence
| OF such cruel oppression of a weaker race
| as TO warrant interference, while with
the political grievances of Cuba, of
course, We can have nothing to do, un-
less they closely and clearly affect our
selves. Our onIy1duty, then, is to abstain
from taking part in the contest, that is,
to observe our own laws.
of interfering in the Cuban question ?
Matters are all going our way. 1t is set
tling itself. OF course, we look forward
to the day whom the American continent
is TO be owned and governed by Ameri-
cans. This is the law of detstiny, but no
need of our interference. The stars in
their course fight fur us and all we have
TO do is to keep hands off and await the
inevitable end. Cuba is Lost to Spain,
but we can't afford to mix in their fight
now. We've just come victorious out of
one great diplomatic fight, the Venezu-
elan question, and that should satisfy us
for the present. l think it would be fol-
ly to interfere.
Rev. G. G. McCabe, bishop of the Me-
thodist Episcopal church, writes-The
United States would run no risk of get.
ting the worst of it III a war with Spain
Spanish soldiers are no match for Eng
lish or American soldiers. Yet, if posi-
bic, we must avoid war. We want to
see Cuba free, but let us be careful to
avoid war with Spain or any other coun-
try, If possible. Spain has been going
down since the days Of the Inquisition.
Her people are cruel, bigoted and intol-
Grant. The spirit of Philip II. still
rules Spain. Cruelty and cowaraice are
linked together. Public schools turn out
better soldiers than bull fighters. IF
Spain will ever make up her mind to
| 1lbtCu w tAO OOuuetl6 Ol HuCl I06n
Castelar,. she may rise again and may
yet have glorious future.
Death of Colomo.
Key West, Fla, November 2S.-Passen
gers by steamer Olivette report that Gen.
Weyler left Havana yesterday. 1t is re-
ported that IS, 600 insurgents are awaiting
ON the road to Mariel to intercspt and
give him battle. One hundred and forty
three prisoners were deported today. Sew
enty mine we manigos and the balance
suspects. Fourteen were arrested TO-DAY.
tried by drumhead court martial, CON
victed and entenced. Coloma. whiIe
being held to execution on the 26tb was
slapped in the face by Spanish official
for trivial remark. He died game. His
last words we're "Cuba Libre." The
passengers also report that Orpa Melton
Is very sick and ill treated, EIGHT
hundred Spanish soldiers were b1ouoht
into Havana Yesterday. G, B. Pen,iletan