The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-12

whole, for self-government just yet is the
opinion of many intelligent and impartial
outside observers who have studied her peo-
pie and prevailing conditions. There exists,
too, very considerable party in the island
composed of the most enlightened inhabi-
tants, who favor trying autonomy. This is
evidenced by their being able to maintain
in New York city newspaper Of their own,
which ably presents their views.
IF we are to intervene as a compulsory
arbitrator are they to be left wholly out of
the account, together with Spain, and only
the insurgent party considered? Fair arbi-
trations are not conducted on so one-sided
a basis. Suppose, now, we say to Spain
that, in the interest Of humanity and peace,
and for the preservation of our commercial
interests we insist upon a cessation of hos
tilities and that we will take advantage of
it to inform the Cubans that, for the sake
of the same compelling considerations they
must concede something. Spains plight is
unquestionably critical one and she could
honorably listen to such a proposal The
Cubans, on the other hand, would certainly
hear respectfully any views we present to
them in regard to a settlement and would
not fail to follow them.
1.-The precise terms can be worked out
later. But 1T is not unreasonable to expect
that should Spain offer such self-govern-
ment as the whole world would recognize as
fair, putting Cuba in the same condition as
an English colony and withdrawing from
the island as soon as quiet is restored all
but a nominal military force, we might
properly insist on it's acceptance. This
would be a substantial victory for Cuba,
would leave Spain to retire with self
respect and would leave Cuba better off
than though now made independent. Spain
has vainly tried to put down the insurrec-
ton; the insurgents have vainly tried to
drive Spain out and establish government,
ard the only way to bring about speedy
peace is to take into consideration the
claims, rights and feelings of both parties.
1--WE are in a position to insist that the
terms offered Cuba be fair and generous,
such as would enable her to make her own
laws, lay and collect her own taxes and
provide in every way without let or him
drance for her own prosperity and growth.
1t is objected that Spain will never carry
out such an agreement, but if we see it in
augurated it would be impossible for the old
conditions ever to return. Irasmuch as
Spain would retain at least a nominal SOW
ereignty, such an arrangement would be
much less humiliating to her than to be
compelled to relinquish at once all right
and claims upon the island.
1.-THE time may possibly come when by
the operation of the law of our political ex-
istence Cuba will fall to Us peaceably. If
this prove correct, the method suggested
paves the way for that by giving her an
opportunity to gain some experience in self
government first If she is to be indepen-
dent, as very possibly may turn out to be
the case by and by, preliminary stage of
genuine autonomy would best prepare her
for that. Nor is it desirable at this time
for the United States to undertake the re-
lsronsibility Of governing her. 1t is unwise
and unnecessary for the United States to
| assume political financial responsibility
in the case, either or both of which most of
the plans SO far advar "ed involve.
IF it should be shown that the Spanish
government and it's officials are innocent of
any completely in the disaster to the Maine
and a prompt disavowal is made with an
expression of regret and an offer to arbi-
trate the question Of responsibility and the
amount of indemnity, if any was found DUE
the United States could hardly resist the
principle of arbitration. The Maine disas-
ter however. is a distinct incident. and
should be considered by ITSELF