New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-10
A CONSISTENT POLICY.

Apart from its conspicuous tirmness. modera-
ton. courage and high patriotism, the Presi'
dents policy in respect to Cuba has been note
worthy for its logical constituency from first to
last This Is the more to be observed because
the present is an age Of opportunism In which
consistency Is regarded as virtue with which
not only great minds but small minds as well
have absolutely nothing to do. In this Cuban
business not few who would fain be regard
ed as leaders Of opinion have been almost daily
reversing themselves with an agility profess
sonal contortionist might envy. They are the
creatures Of impulse, swayed this way and that
by every breath Of rumor that may be exhaled.
II IS cause for National congratuation that the
Republic has at its head a man OF principle,
far-seeing enough to put himself on exactly
right ground at the very beginning. and strong
enough to maintain his place there against all
pressure and all menace.
When he took office President Mckinley
found the affairs Of Cuba in most deplorabe
plight, American interests there seriously I'M
paired and American sensbilities unspeakably
outraged. He set himself at once TO the task
Of Fighting these wrongs. Spanish prisons IN
Cuba were crowded with American citizens.
He forced open the doors and set the prisoners
free. A monster Of cruelty was at the head OF
the Spanish administration in Cuba, conduct
ing q campaign not OF warfare but Of rapne
and massacre. He secured his withdrawal.
Spain was saying she would never treat with
the rebels nor make any offer Of reforms IN
government until they had laid down their
arms in unconditional surrender. He prevailed
upon her 10 recede from that position, and 10
offer to the rebels In the field system OF au-
tonomy incomparably more liberal than any
she had ever considered before. The rcconcen-
trados were being exterminated. He brought
about q modification Of the orders concerning
them, and secured not only the admittance of
relief from the United States, but the granting
of relief to them by Spain herself
In all this he was absolutely consistent and
logical and faithful 10 the highest principles Of
patriotism and humanity. Now comes the final
crisis. and In II he Is likewise steadfast. The
honor Of the Nation has been wickedly assailed
by an act Of treachery and cruelty unsurpassed
even In Spanish history. For that act Spain Of
fered no redress, nor even apology, and made
no endeavor to exculpate herself from the hid
eous suspicion Of guilty completely by taking
the slightest pains to detect and punish the i'm
mediate perpetrator OF il. Her scheme of nu-
tonomy in Cuba was some time ago seen to be
q failure, and the dreary prospect of interInina-
BILE rapine and massacre was renewed. True to
his record, the President strovc In every posi-
BILE way to right these intolerable wrongs In i
manner at once peaceful and compatible with
the honor OF the Nation and the requirements
OF humanity When he found that the perver-
sity Of Spain was baking his efforts he turned,
without fcar and without rcproach, TO the last
dread alternative. 1t was fitting climax 10
career that has throughout been marked with
q high sense of public duty and an equally high
order Of personal courage in the performance
Of It.