The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-06

ITO be sure, L cannot close my eyes
to certain obvious circumstances ex-
listing both here and in Spain. At times
these have inclined me TO share the pop
ular view that the relations between
the two countries were fast approaching
an irreconcilable state; and yet at
no time has 1t seemed to me. nor does 1t
seem now. that thatissue has progressed
beyond the bounds of reasonable and
just settlement alike honorable to both
governments.
Consider for a moment some of the
elements Of this present crisis" the
minister went on. speaking with much
vigor. Can tt be possible that your
people will consider only one side OF the
case? Let us for a moment admit
that there are two sides to this case.
There are always two sides TO case,
and Is il just or fair or chivalrous for
your people. borne on by their strong
and innate patriotism, to say, We are
right: Spain is wrong, that ends it, In
a spirit of simple justice why will not
this disposition yield for moment to
calm consideration OF both sides OF the
case, including some OF those factors
which are vital and essential to Spain?
Cuba has been colony Of Spain from
time ifhmemorial, from the time of the
discovery by Christopher Columbus. and
as part Of Spain there is clustered
about II reverence almost sacred
Cuba Is regarded by our people just as
you regard one of the states OF your
union. What would be said IL some
foreign power said to the United States
that Illinois or Texas or California must
be free and independent of the United
States? Would not your very honor
be brought in question? OF course I
can understand that some one will rise
up and say: Yes. but the states are
well governed, and are at peace. while
Cuba is misgoverned and In a state of
insurrection.' There again simple JUS
tice and fairness demand that there be
something more than abstract assertion.
To be sure your press tells OF brutal
savagery existing in Cuba. I do not
wish to deal in recrlmination: the time
for that has gone by. but give you my
word that this savagery does not exist
at all. All reliable reports. official and
unofficial, Spanish and American. agree
that whatever may have been the con-
dition of affairs n year or two ago, Cen
eral Blanco has inaugurated humane
pnd benefcent system characteristic OF
the man. Naturally. with an insurrec-
tion in progress. military affairs have
pursued the usual methods OF military
life. and in this they have been con-
stantly restrained at all times by the
determination TO have their operations
worthy OF an honorable nation and an
honorable people. That is all Spain has
sought to do in putting down rebellion.
II Is what any government on the face
OF the earth would do. II seeks no more
and no less than to preserve her es-
tablished rights.
Now. as To autonomy. For some rea-
son intense feeling has been aroused in
this country against the home rule re-
sme which Spain has iraugurated IN
Cube. 1; seems to>be overlooked, I'm the
passion OK the moment. that horne rule
has been the aspiration OF the Cutans
for years. II seems TO be overlooked
also that President Cleveland AID Cvv-
rstary OlHey urged fuli measure II
nome rule as the means likely To bring
about a Termination OF the Cuban con-
fict Spain has granted that with the
deepest sincerity. Let anyone wf1o II
anxious 10 pick flaws. and who cares for
war. take this home rule plan and ex-
anime IL In detail. lie will find that IL
gives the Cubsns the most complete con-
troll of their own affairs. Is it fair, just
as this local parliament and local Gao
met Is about to assume complete con-