The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-09
9ailn Easle
NJ. NJ. MURDOCH. Editor
IN CLOSE QUA RTERS.

The views and recommendations or
President Mckinley touching Cuba and
snain. and our dIuties as a nation 10
both. seem so emilaently sound that a
universal acceptance Of them as rule
of action would seem certain. The pres
.dent not only unreservedly iald tne
matter in its entirety before the Amerl-
can people, but gave his reasons lor lne
conclusions at which he had arrived.
Yet the chances are that majority OF
congress hold to another view. There Is
q deem and widespread feeling among
The neonIe of the United States over the
ettitude of this government towards
Cuba. This feeling OF sentiment does
NOT arise from the material Damage
sustained by the people of this country
WIN have property Interests in Cuba,
nor because of the destruction OF our
commerce with that island. 1t is rather
a matter ~of sympathy for the Cubans
in their struggle and a feeling of indlg-
nation over the drastic methods en-
ploved by Spain in its vain attempts 10
crush the rebellion Spain abandoned
civilized warfare and resorted 10 lnhu-
man and savage methods. Ex-Minlster
Hannis Taylor, through the medium OF
the Associated Press, yesterday morn
ing no doubt voiced the convictions OF
n large element in America by his de-
nunciation OF Spain's plan Of autono-
nv for Cuba, as also in his conclusion
that Cuba must be free and independ-
ept of Spain. However, the people or
the country will not second his covert
Questioning of the presidents honesty
and good faith. The words Of Presi-
dent Mckinley are too sincere and
openly fair and honest for cavil.
Under the present feeling it is doubt
full If the government can suppress hii-
clustering expeditions and aid for the
relief of the Cuban patriots. The Lon
don papers publish a story to the ef-
feet that the New York Journal, which
rescued Eyangelina Cisneros, is plan
ming an invasion Of Cuba under Carl
Decker for the avowed purpose of bring
ing about, or provoking, international
troubles and involving Spain and the
United States in war. The rescue or
Cisneros in the first place was fla
grant disregard Of the right OF Spain
to deal with her own subjects, yet
disregard which was earnestly endorsed
by the people of this country almost
unanimously. The Journal IS a rich
concern. with no end of money and OF
resources, and If the expedition is put
on foot and not put down by the au-
thorities at Washington summarily and
effectively, Spain would have no course
left open but that Of war.
If war is to come between Spain and
this country over the Cuban question, 1t
ought to be declared regularly, in pur-
suance of action upon the part of con-
gress, our reasons and grievances being
set forth in language which the world
could not misinterpret or mistake. No
newspaper advertising scheme should
be permitted for a moment, whatever
the excuse or how strongly backed by
public sentiment.
The message of President Mckinley
in no sense minces matters. In con-
demning the Weyler policy it gives
Spain clearly to understand that there
must be no more savagery nor dlplo-
matte nonsense or delay. In 80 far
Cuba is thus assured that unless salts
factory terms are reached the United
States in the end will come TO her res