New-York tribune., 1896-12-31
A BOOMERANG For SPAIN
REPORTS THAT THE POWERS ARE AS
sUMlNG A THREATENING ATTITUDE.
THESE STORIES WHICH ARE BELIEVED TO ORIG
MATE IN Madrid. LIKELY TO STRENGTHEN
CUBAN SENTIMENT IN coNGREss-EuRoPE
AID TILE MONROE DOCTRINE.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE

CUBAN SENTIMENT IN CoNGREss-EURoPE
AND THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.1
Washington. Dec. 30.-Opinion is rapidly
strengthening among Senators and Representa-
tives that the reiteratiOn in many quarters or
the statement that certain European Govern
ments will sustain Spain in any contest with
the United States because of the genera! Eu-
ropean opposition to the Monroe Doctrine. will
/ increase rather than relieve the pressure IN
Congress for some radical declaration of policy
toward Cuba and Spain. The general belief i'll
Washington is that the report Of actual or IN
timated suppor. of Spain by Germany, Austria
and France comes from hign Spanish authority
and its reiteraton is accepted as an indication
that the Spanish Government expects to intIini-
date Congress Quite the contrary effect is ike
ly to be produced The suggestion that Eu-
ropean Powers will make their objection 10 the
Monroe Doctrine the excuse for assisting 10
maintain Spain's power in Cuba. as against any
interference the part of the United States
is extremely repugnant 10 the prevailing sent'-
ment in Congress.
The mos. earnest efforts being made by
the friends Of Spain and by the Administration
TO restrain Congress- The influence of the
leaders in the House of Representatives and a
[
favor Of the independence of Cubs that it would
be better to allow the matter to go over until
after March I. to be dealt with b. the new Ad-
ministration contribute to the plan of inaction.
But the impression that European Powers are
assuming a threatening attitude in the matter
will again strengthen the hands Of the Cuban
svmpathizers. If il is to be made a test OF the
Monroe Doctrine. involving the right OF foreign
Powers to acquire possession of territory in this
continen, now held by other foreign Powers.
Congress will be found practically unanimous
in support of q firm and perhaps aggressive
policy.
The suggestion made in foreign dispatches
that Spain anticipates. In connection with an
agreement with the Cleveland Administration
for the autonomy OF Cuba. the establishment or
a commercial treaty Is regarded here win some
surprise. The idea conveyed seems 10 pe 'nal
Spsin will be compensated for any loss or dignity
she NAV suffer in the pach cation OF Cuba by
the advantage of reduced duties. or perhaps free
entry to this country Of the chief products OF
Spanish provinces. and that patriotic or human-
/ tartan impulses of Americans may he overcome
by the reciprocal extension of privileges 10 GER
tain American products. This suggestion proves
irritating to certain elements in Congress Ihey
find something extremely offensive In the ap-
parent assumption on the part or spain thal,
between a feeling Of fear of the foreign Powers
and a natural commercial instinct, the American
peonle may he diverted from any active Interest
in the fate Of the insurgents ara lose an semi
mental sympathy with IN" cause OF H"'i'S'
II Is certain that TO adjustment between ,he
Cleveland Administration and Spain which IN
wolves Il commercial treaty can be Tade cree
tive. The Senate. II may be assumed wou.u
not ratify such a treaty. and the necessa,s
legislation TO give to Spain the ADVANTAGES she
may desire at American ports could not be got
through Congress.