The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-04-18
The Beginning of the End.


Ten thousand troops are TO be with
drawn from Cuba within few days. and
it is understood that 5000 others will
shortly follow them to Spain. 1t is said
that the Spanish government is getting
ready TO issue proclamation of amnesty
TO the Cuban insurgents, similar to that
which not long ago resulted In the sur
render Of 800 insurgents in the Philippine
Islands.
From these facts. and others which
might be mentioned 1t seems more than
likely that we are about to witness the
end of another unsuccessful struggle for
freedom by Cuba. The indications are
that Spain viii once more triumph. and
that Cuba libre'' will remain in the dim
and distant future
There has been a want of vigor and con-
fdence in the campaign of the insurgents
ever since the death of Maceo. He was
the life of the movement. The Spaniards
rejoiced when his death was announced
for they knew his value to the insurgents.
It was hoped rather than believed, by the
partisans of the uprising, that the fall of
Maceo would have the effect Of intensi-
flying the purpose of his followers to win
and consolidating all Cubans upon the
common purpose of wrestling the island
from Spain. 1t was asserted by such par
tisans that a, successor to Maceo would
speedily spring up, take his place and
continue the line of his successes. But
no successor worthy the name has ap-
peared.
Much was expected of Maxine Gomez
But the expectations have been disap-
pointing He has been credited with great
hrilliancy as a commander. If he has dis
played any of it for a long time. the fact
has not been published.
Much was also expected of the new ad-
mnistration at Washington, in the way
of indirect aid to the Cubans. The idea
seemed to have obtained currency among
the insurgents and those i'm this country
who are supporting them that the McKin-
ley administration would shut it's eyes to
violations of the treaty between this gov
eminent and that of Spain, or at least
wink at such violations. But 1t has trans
PRED that the new Administrations policy
is to follow that of its predecessor. Not
only has it failed to recognize the insur-
gents as belligerents, but it has been act
i've in suppressing the unlawful sending of
contraband supplies to them from this
country. This condition of affairs has
had depressing effects upon the revolution
lists. Contributions to the Cuban war
fund have fallen off largely. Pinkerton
reports that where $4,000 was given to the
fund by Florida cigarmakers some months
ago. the contributions now amount to only
Sc, 900.
There is in the United States plenty
of sympathy for the people struggling for
freedom. But it is felt by those who are
powerless to assist. In the north the Gu
ban sympathizers are too poor and unin-
iuential to extend aid. Those who have
means and influence seem to have reach
ed the conclusion that they would prefer
to see the strong monarchy of Spain re-
main In control. In the south sympathiz-
ers with Cuba are plentiful. But they find
"a Greek" at their own doors, in the per-
son of the republican party, anxious to
make war upon them through the medium
of tariff bill. They are. therefore, OBJ
liged to husband their resources for their
own protection. In all sections there are
many who would like to see Cuba free,
But the indications now are that they will
not be gratified this time