The times., 1897-06-07
Hone for Cuba. i.

nope
Through all the dark days OF doubt,
chagrin and indignation that in this coun-
question. this journal never has doubted
that the gathering tide OF public senti-
ment and determin alton before long would
force the Administration to action. We
nave felt assured that, left to himself,
President Mckinley would not have al
lowed the horrors and atrocities of the
Spanish war against hospitals, women and
children tc continue d week after he def
initely understood the national demand i'll
the premises.
Unhappily we have been but too well
advised as TO the nlalign influences that
have surrounded him, and which have been
exerted by people to whom he is Under
the greatest political obligations We
begin to think that he sees the futIlity of
longer listening to these evil counsellors, in
view of a widespread revolt against the
foreign policy Of the Government. in tha
ranks of bis own party; a revolt already
threatening party destruction in Ohio and
a serious menace to The tariff measure SO
dear to bis hopes.
On these accounts we are inclined to
tEInk that the President means to develop
Cuban policy to some degree in oonso-
nance with American sentiment. AT least
it will be conceived and advertised with
such spectacular features as to promise
for IL general popularity in the eyes OF
its creators. If persistent newspaper re-
ports on The subject are well grounded, Mr..
Mckinley coutcmplates offering the media
independence and an indemnity it is said
that e proposes allowing Spain thirty days
in which to answer In case Spain should
show a willingness to treat, there is talk
that one or two European nations may be
asked TO Join with US In effectng q settle
ment
Nothing could be much more reprehcnsi-
ble than such q movement The Cuban
question is en- American question, pure
and simple. IL might be convenient for
the government OF the British holders of
the Spanish Cuban bonds To have hand
in the negotiations; but to allow that
would be to establish one more viciozs
precedent Europe must keep its hands
off from this hemisphere. II Intermediates
other than the United States are needed,
we have many American nations which
the Cubans and ourselves can choose from
or course mediation by this Government
must be based upon agreement with the
government of the Republic OF Cuba, ana
we do not believe that Cisnefos or Gomez,
the Liberator, or the Cuban constituent
assembly would consent to any interrosi-
ton by European nations not parties to
the war.
President Mckinley is credited with the
design, in case Spain should reject his
friendly overtures, of recommending recug-
milton of Cuban independence. That would
form the proper and logical beginning of
the policy rather than an action TO be Ia ken
after the delays that diplomacy SO well
knows how TO secure.
The announcement Of the new departure,
as outlined, ght help the tariff bill, and
might cneck the Republican insurrection in
Ohio To some extent; but, even to accom-
plish these things, it would have to be
coupled with definite understanding g that
the Cubans are not TO be saddIed with an
enormous debt for the benefit of the Span
ish bondholders and the Sugar Trust. 10 be
productive of confidence.
The American people still stand ready
to back President Mckinley in anything
that is honestly and disinterestedly Anaeri-
can, noble or humane. Their suspicious
have been fearfully aroused by the belief
that, up to this time, the voices of the
Spanish bon dholders and of the Sugar Trust
have dearened the ears Of the Admins
tration to the cries OF humanity and to the
demands of national honor. There must be
peace and independence in Cuba, but the
universa. sentiment of this people will
brook nothing short OF peace and indie
pendence with American and with Cuban
honor.