The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-20
FOLLY OF THE SENATE RESOLUTION

the trouble with those senators who are
called LIMOGES is that they are urging no
adequate remedy for the ills of Cuba. All
that they propose is to recognize the re-
public of Cuba. Such recognition would
carry with it the rights of a nation in time
of war; Cuban war ships could occupy our
harbors, but Cuba has no ships 1t scarce
ly holds a harbor in Cuba, Such recogni-
ton could not give the insurgents a squad
of recruits or a dollars worth of war ma
terial. Our government would be bound to
intercept vessels carrying men and arms
to Cuba for the insurgents the same as it
now is The United States would assume
much greater responsibility without as
sisting the insurgents. 1t cannot be pos
sible that the so-called jingoes in the SEN
ate do not see this Perhaps they count
upon the moral effect of such recognition
upon Spain. Unfortunately, Spain is not
affected by moral considerations
There can be no considerable element in
this country that would not be glad to see
Spain compelled to leave Cuba to itself.
but under the laws of nations we have no
more right. under ordinary conditions to
take the part of the Cubans as a govern
ment than Spain would have to assist
State in Withdrawing from the union. That
is the real fact about the matter. Even
the recognition of the republic of Cuba
could not carry more power to help the
insurgents than this government now has
There are two or three possible methods
to be pursued which may bring the dis
orders in Cuba to an end. This govern
ment can represent to the government of
Spain that the so-called war which has
been going on in Cuba for more than two
years has been serious detriment to the
people of the United States and that peace
must be restored. Our government can go
further: 1t can proclaim that Spain, hav-
ing demonstrated its inability to suppress
the Instruction by lighting those bearing
arms, it has resorted to the barbarous
policy of devastating the island and driving
noncoinbatants into the towns to starve.
which is a crime against humanity which
cannot longer be tolerated. Russia has
less right, as a government, TO notify Tur-
key to cease its invasion of Greece than
the United States, from its proximity to
Weyler barbarities must cease on that ISL
and For weeks the civilized world has
been denouncing the powers for not COM
pelling Turkey TO permit Crete to with
draw from its sovereignty and attach itself
TO Greece. During many days the civilized
world has denounced the powers because
they have permitted Turkey to wage un-
wa hos
key has done in the past two or three
months against the Cretans or the Greeks
has compared with the barbarism and cru
city of the Weyler regime in Cuba. Would
not the humane sentiment that has ex-
pressed itself against oppression and cru
city in Greece and Crete sustain any ma
tion in putting an end to the Weyler bar
barities In Cuba?
President Mckinley has a special agent
in Cuba at the present time. who is doubt
less investigating the conditions. In time
he will make report. When he does the
administration will have the official in
formation which will afford the basis for
official action. He has already urged the
relief of starving American citizens II his
information sustains the general charge of
inhumanity and warrants the opinion that
Spain, falling in the usual warlike methods
of S pressing rebellion. has resorted to
the policy OF depopulating the island by
starving It's people. the President Will have
a ground for action which no government
in Europe can reasonably assail. This
would lead to war. but it could be justified
with the governments
But the Morgan resolution, recognizing
the Independence Of the republic of Cuba,
is not Dretext for q remedy. 1t ebliter-