The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-12-19
WOULD BENEFIT CUBANS.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 1S.-The action of
the Senate committee on foreign relations
to-day, in agreeing to report the Cameron
resolution recognizing the Independence of
the republic of Cuba, has naturally led
to inquiry as to how such recognition, If
completed, would affect the position of the
insurgents. Inquiry of competent authori-
ties goes to show that such recognition,
from a legal point of view. would be of
greater value to them morally than in the
addition of any substantial and actual
privileges to those they now possess. This.
moral force probably would manifest it.
self first in enabling the new republic to
float loan in the markets of the world
and thus obtain the sinews of war in
abundance, for, with the powerful backing
given by this implied expression of
faith in the ability of the insurgents to
achieve and maintain their independence.
there can be little doubt capitalists woulG
take up such an attractive loan Then the
Cubans would be represented in Washing
ton by a fully credited minister and lega-
tion in place of the unofficial representa-
ton they are now obliged TO be content
with IL the Cubans can manage TO float
few war ships or even privateers, their
flag would admit them to United States
ports under the protection o. the neutrality
laws. though Ii is true our government.
having in mind the Geneva award could
not tolerate the fitting out of such priva-
teers originally in our own ports. How
ever. the privateers could bring their prizes
into our ports and would no longer be kept
from the seas bv fear of denunciation as
pirates. Furthermore, as this recognition of
independence would involve the recogn-
tion of a state of war neither the Spanish
government nor the CubanS would be per-
mitted to equip ships or military
peditions In the United States and this
country would observe strict neutrality to-
ward both parties. just as it did between
China and Japan in their late war
One i'll effect upon the United States it
self of the proposed action would be the
total loss of all of the claims for indem-
nifty for American property destroyed dur
ing the insurrection. which now may lie
against Spain, for our action would relieve
her at once of responsibility. AS the Span
iards themselves, however. are prepared to
prefer large claims against the United
States for the damage wrought by flibus-
tering expeditions. this loss, in measure.
may be offset. OF course. toe, by recognize
ing the jurisdiction of the CubaEs over
their island, we should be able to hold them
responsible for further losses of this char
acter.
ever, are theoretical in value. What the
insurgents undoubtedly expect and ardent
ly wish for, In the opinion of the State
Department people. Is the precipitation of
"A war between the United States and
Spain, as the latter power more than once
the recognition of independence of Gu
bans-would be an unfriendly act. and such
authorities as Wharton concede that il
would be sufficient for casus belli. An in
teresting precedent in this line, and. by
the way. one supporting the assumption
action of government in recognizing
the independence OF Texas.