The record-union., 1898-04-03
THE QUESTION OF THE HOUR.

~
The right of one State to intervene
in the affairs of another is indefensible
unless there be just cause. France un-
der the late Emperor threatened to in
tervene in the civil war in the United
States, but took good advice, being un-
fortified by justice, and saved the En-
pire shame and humiliation We urged
European powers to interpose between
the Turk and the Amenians, and gave
humanity justified. That was a claim
of exception to the rule
In 1897 England, France and Russia
intervened to save Greece from destruc-
tion and enslavement by the Turk; in
cidentally their own interests were in
volved, politically. In 1877 Russia in
tervened to save Bulgaria from the ex-
actions Of Turkey. In that case her
own interests were seriously involved
according to her averment. But she
advanced other reasons also.
There are then two broad grounds
,npon which Intervention may be justi-
fed First. when the interests of a
neutral State becomes involved to the
extent that justifes her interposing in
self-interest. Second, on the ground
that humanity demands and justifes
the interposition. While it is true that
our people have some $50000.000 in
vested in Cuba in lands and crops, and
as much more of personal property in
the island, we have not advanced that
as reason for intervention nor yet
that our commercial interests are sadly
injured by the prolonged war.
We are to intervene. therefore, if al
all, because humane considerations de-
mand and justify it. Cuba is our neal
neighbor, and for years has suffered
under a heartless and inconsiderate
rule. Rebelling, her territory has be-
come the seat of war not conducted as
the laws of civilized war demand and
justify, but inhumanely and brutally
and against non -combatants. We have
protested against these atrocities, and
two years ago gave notice that not only
must they cease. but the insurrectior
must be brought to a close. Twice
since we have repeated the protest.
At the last, in the midst of negotia-
tions to secure acceptance of our good
offices to bring about peace, the repeal
of the reconcentrado order has been
made. and thus one cause of complaint
has been removed, but not until the
concentrated have been reduced to a
pitiable condition, and between two
hundred and twenty-five and two hun
have perished, men, women and chill
dren, because of the inhumanity COM
planned of.
The insurrection is not suppressed
however and our demand, presumably
at least our request for the independ-
ence of Cuba has been made. This has
been refused and will continue to be
denied. We are now to decide, and il
should be done calmly and with full
consideration of all the decision in
wolves, Whether we nave Sucn cause
for intervention-and that means war
as Will justify US. Whether we are
prepared to do that which will be a
precedent binding against US for all the
future.
Unless we can find full justification
ample reason that will make our action
just one before all the world. we can.
not take the step. How far the Maine
incident may be carried into the con
sideratien is a legitimate question with.
in the other. The clamor Of the country
is largely for action that will lead di.
rectly and instantly to war. But thai
must not be considered when we come
10 pass upon a question of pure jus
tice. These are the momentous ques-
tions which will confront Congress or
Monday. These are the questions thai
have been vexing the President who
has said that his country must not en-.
gage in any war that is not just one