The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-12-09
THURSDAY, December 9, 1897
N'KlNltr'S CHANGE or FRONT HANAIS
TAYlOR'S REBUKE.


n this country is strongly in favor Of the
recognition of Cuban independence. In
every political platform, On every pub
lie gathering, and even in the halls OF
Congress large majority are known 10
feel that the United States ought to rec
sgnize the independence Of Cuba
The Republican party in it's national
alatfosm in 1896 went to the country
on the following declaration ON the Gu
ban situation:
"Iyhe government of Spain having lost
control Of Cuba, and being unable to
protect the property or lives of resident
American citizens, or ito comply with its
treaty obligations, we believe that the
government of the United States should
actively use it's Influence and good Offices
to restore peace AND GIVE INDIE
PENDENCE sTO. THE ISLAND"
Mr.. Mckinley in his speech
Of acceptance declared the plat
form had his unqualified ap-
q year after his inauguration, the Presi-
dent splits upon the pledge of his party
and declares: at is honestly. due to
Spain and to our friendly relations with
Spain that she should be given a reason
able chance to realize her expectat .ons
and to prove the efficacy of the new or
s1a of 70, xr-b; Oh c4a Iy
yocably committed"
Why this change of front on the part
Of the President? The moneyed inter-
ests Of the country desire no action LOOK
ing to Cuban independence. and their
wishes have more weight with the Presi-
dent than the solemn pledges of his pa
ty and his own declarations.
The so-called reforms promised to Cuba
furnish the pretext for delay. When
they can no longer affori an excuse for
denying what Mr.. Mckinley and bis
party solemnly promised, something else
viii be Matched up to prevent the carry
ing out of the pledge upon which Mr.
Mckinley was elected, unless, indeed.
the men who bought the lection should
buy up the sugar plantations in Cub 1
and see their way to make recognition
put money in their purse Then the
President might carry out his pledges,
but not otherwise.
In pleasing contrast with Mr.. McKin-
iey's change Of front is the condemnation
of the message by Hannis Taylor, who
as Minister to Spain for the last four
years enjoyed exceptional opportunities
to learn the true situation Of the mother
country toward Cuba. Mr.. Taylor de-
eiares that Spain viii never give valid
system of an autonomous colonial sys-
tenn to Cuba, and at the conclusion of a
vigorous dissent from the Presidents
declarations, says:
'There are limits even to the patience
of the American people; and the time
has now come when the executive pow
er should be made to feel through the
true public demonstration that the ma.
ton will no longer permit its sovereign
will in righteous cause to be entirely
set aside in the interest of a tremul-
GUS, selfish, short-sighted policy. The
whole contest now centers in the pas
sage of the belligerency resolution pend
ing in the House. If that cannot be
carried, then nothing whatever can be
done to end a strife that has been going
on for fifteen years out of the last 90.
and which, after destroying our COM
merce with the island, has become war
elond that to-day obscures every business
enterprise. If the present administra-
ton proposes to indefinitely pursue un-
certainty at the cost Of every business
interest, it must be prepared to suf-
fer the consequences.
"At this last stage ct the struggle,
There can hardly be doubt that il bell
fgerency should be recognized within
three months the insurgents would be
30 dominant in the island that the war
could shortly be ended by the recogni-
ton of Cuban independence. Those
who are best informed. firmly believe
that without one word OF aid or sympa-
thy from us, the result will be attained
within twelve or eighteen months. IF
bungling diplomacy shall permit such
an event, the situation may assume a
serious form that few seem to contem-
plate.
bans until victory and independence are
won without aid or comfort from MS.
why should they not turn to one or the
other of the great maritime powers that
will be then only too eager to SUNNY
oil their wants and to enter into tine
closest relations with them. We have