The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-02-22
OUR RELATIONS WITH CUBA.


Sympathy with Cuba has taken a very
active and threatening form. With two
speakers such as Frye and Morgan. rep
resen,ing both OF the great political par
ties and spanning the country from Massa-
chusetts to Alabama. to stir up congress.
some sort OF resolution is most probable.
1t will hardly take the form OF a recosni-
ton OF the Cuban government, but IL viii
be strong enough 10 encourage the Cubans
and strong enough 10 irritate Spain. The
result VIII be an earnest diplomatic CORE
spondence between the two countries. with
consequences which are Inevitable, al
though they may be deferred.
The annexation OF Cuba Is probably out
OF the question for very many years. even
II IL should ever become desirable. Public
sentiment on that subject has been very
much the same throughout our history.
and . reluctance has always been mani
tested TO undertake the government or de-
Tense of territory beyond the shore line Of
the United States. The task OF defending
the vast boundaries OF the United States
wealthy nation. and there seems to be no
corresponding gain for the anxiety and
expense attending any effort in time of
war to extend protection 10 islands lying
far from our coasts and even farther from
our material interests.
The attempt made by Grant In 1870 10 ac-
quiro San Domingo was defeated through
Summers antagonism 10 Grant. but II Is
fortunate for this nation that the unpieas-
antness occurred. Grant had gone so far
OF the republic OF San Domingo. and con-
gross authorized the appointment of three
commissioners 20 visit the island and as
certain the wishes OF the people as TO an
nexation. Their report was favorable. but
public opinion had become cooled on the
subjec, and u has never been revived.
Even more could be said for the annexa-
ton of Cuba. II is more wealthy in those
products which would be commercially
profitable to this country than the other
island. The business relations between the
two are much more intimate and congo
NAL The military Importance is scarcely
less, although tho relative position is not
so advantageous. a. a naval station II
would facilitate home operations on the
Gulf.
But nil these advantages would be at
tainahle by the independence OF Cuba,
without imposing upon us tho responsible
lty OF governing race which, brave and
patriotic as II is. must remain alien 20 our
own. The United States has several times
reached out and brought wsAhin its folds
areas occupied by the Latin races. hut
louisiana. Texas and California have
yielded 20 influences OF the Anglosaxon
race. Arizona and New Mexico have been
eutstrirped by half dozen Of the states
peopied by Germans. Scandinavians. irish
men and Rritons: and even Oklahoma. a
territory taken ont Of an Indian reserva-
tson. Ia forging ahead beneath the spur of
a progressive race.
No doubt soil and climate have some
thing TO do With the change. bat not
much. Texas IL more southerly than eth
er Arisoaa or New Mexico. and IS as un-
desirable as either in many parts. bat
where its bosom has offered welcome there
the Anglc-saxon has nestled and thriven.
Cuba free is all that American sentiment
or advantages need ask: and that Il seems
likely 10 secure without our help. Recogui-
ton would do much 10 assure as the good
viii Of the patriots. but. having In view the
possibility OF future complications. IL may
be wiser 20 limit sympathy TO friendly
words antii government is established IN
accordance with the law OF nations.