Omaha daily bee., 1897-05-17
THE SITUATION IN CUBA.

Globe Democrat: Consul General Lees
statement that the Cuban insurgents are
stronger now than when he went to the
island is very important. He has as good
means of knowing the condition of affairs
among the Cubans as any other man
outside of the insurgent armies. OF course
like all other Americans, General Lee wishes
the Cubans to win, but this consideration
hardly biases his judgment of their condition
to any material extent.
Detroit Free Press: 1t was one OF the
strong arguments against recognizing the
Cuban insurgents as bellgerents that they
had when such recognition was first urged
no local habitatcn as a government and nc
governmental organization with which thia
country could treat In this respect Ger
tainly there has been an Improvement, judg'
ing from the latest reports as to the attempts
on the part Of the insurgents to establish
a government. II there eyer was any ground
for insisting on their recognition that ground
has been materially strengthened by recent
events and especially by the gains which the
insurgents have made in late weeks.
Chicago Record: President Mckinley and
congress should now determine whether the
situation prescribed in Mr.. Cleyeland's let
ter as the limit of our patient waiting" has
not actually arrived. The late reports give
more than a hint that 1t has. If the evi-
dence in the presidents possession confirms
him in this belief there would be no timid
DniI-Way measures. Whatever rs 10 DE uOHt
in the way of Intervention must be done with
frmness and decision, and with a vigoI
which will leave no doubt in Spanish minds
as to the resOlute determination OF this gov
Crnment. Cuba Is lest to Spain already
1t is time for the return of peace to that
unhappy island.
Kansas City Star: The facts revealed
through inquiry at the State department by
subcommittee OF the senate committee or
foreign relations with regard to Cuba are
both surprising ard lamentable. That Amer
lean citizens, free from even the suspicion o
crime. should be held in restraint and de-
prved of the comforts and even necessarie'
OF life seems to be impossible but the In
formation comes through official channels ant
the statements are positive to the effect thai
hundreds are In famshing condition. and
that deaths from starvation are daily re-
ported. Allowing something for exaggera
tion. these representations are OF sufficient
gravity to challenge the attention Of the gov
ernment and enlist the sympathies OF the peo
pie OF this country.
Chicago Tribune. The people of the United
States do not need to have access to theSt
reports as the basis for their opinions on this
Cuban business. They made up their minds
long ago, and they have seen no reason to
change their opinion that the Cuban Amer
leans should be free from the tyranny and
persecution of Spain. Over 100000 of then
voted for Mckinley upon platform declaring
in favor not only OF the recognition of belliger
ent rights, but OF Cuban freedom, to be Sc
cured by the good Offices of this government
and millions more who did not vote for Me,
Kinley are just as warmly and enthusiastic
ally In favor OF that freedom. The attitude
of the American people is one OF impatience
They cannot understand why the president
does not act in accordance with the sentiments
or tho people aud the Official acts Of congress