The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-30
MKINLEY'S CUBAN POLICY.
mi B4TTLEsBIP MAINE IN HAVANA
MARROR FOR BUSIN ESS.

Congress waiting Hmpatlcntiy for the NEXT
promised step-Tho Cause or the Cubnns
Rapidly Gaining strength In both Houses.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29.-Fortunately for all
interests, an American battlcship reached
Havana before any outbreak involving our con-
uular office or citizens occurred. 1t was the
perfcctly justifablc belief that such an outbreak
vas imminent that took tho Maine to Havana.
The extreme awkwardncss Of having such an
occurrence when Gen. Leo was without the
slightest means of Independent communication
with the United States needed no second
thought from any one, and the proper orders
went in haste. Tho visit was very far from ono
Of courtesy. All tho talk about renewing
friendly relations with Spain, calling according
70 usual customs at Cuban ports, and SO on. was
simply diplomatic veneoring. That the de-
spatching Of n man.of.war had been delayed
until the margin of safety seemed too narrow
for comfortable consideration. and even until
haste seemed necessary. probably called for the
fullest use Of diplomatic fctions. in order to
get our ship into the harbor of Havana without
trouble. But now that tho Maine Is over there.
and our fleet close at hand and ready for any
emergency, 1t may be said that this battleship
IL there for business. Doubtless this move Of
the feet 10 one step forward along the lines Of
the Presidents policy as pointed out by Mr..
Hit. First, Weyler's recall and the cessation
of inhuman methods of waging war; next, in
sisting upon steps toward securing peace. to
which Spain responded with her plan Of self
government; then requesting In diplomatic Ian
guage. but really demanding permission to as
pist in relieving the general starvation; and
now the despatching Of q war vessel to protect
American interests, and holding n fleet close at
hand for the next step in the Presidents plan
-hntnyar ~ ~ mn ha hut which Ia axnactod IN
DO fully developed whenever the fact that au.
tonomy has failed is generally recognized. As
Mr.. Hits exposition of the subject of interven-
ton is studied. 1t Is interpreted as a method Of
slow approaches by parallels and the other COW
cred accessories Of a siege. 1t is quito apparent
that at present the works have reached the i'm
mediate vicinity of the Spanish parapets. and
there can now be very little advance without
full revelation OF plans which all the world will
Congress- is waiting with much impatience
and il-concealed excitement for the next prom
that the President should have full opportunity
to carry out his own measures, the Cuban cause
f II ssP RUte co 5rfidG noS be taken * nom ON the hUs direct sn cues m =
decided form it would undoubtedly carry. BY
large majority. The despatchlng of the Maine
would have acted to cause general contentment
in Congress but for the various forms OF virtual
strong, however, that when 1t shall be made clear
to the world that autonomy has failed, the Presi-
dent will feel called upon to act in accordance
with tho declarations OF his message, But in
any event II does not now seem possible that
must come, either through vigorous action on
the part of the President or an uprising in Con-
try" The Congressional situation Is strained to
the last degrte. As to affairs in Cuba, 1t is now
known that The half has not been told regarding
the horrors of starvation, and that there has
been no appreciable amelioration.
Every week makes clearer. the division of tho
varied planks of disorder will BIO eliminated
from the Chicago platform steadily grows
surprise aroused by the Teller resolution, and
the unexpected strength which 1t commanded:
The impression created was that it indicated
the beginning Of a movement to rally on the
turbine pinnks. and to crowd, Mr.. Bryan into
been presented in the House OF Democrats and
Populists cheering vociferously over the pre-
f als' coming Gf q ea ms%Ssp m s6af t4 Be- E t4sstsa ta th In
leader. The significance OF tho Incident was
Bryan's partisans. The assertion was prompted
by q chance remark on, the Republican side,
sponse indicated. 1t was the revelation Of q
flash Light to the sound-money Democrats and
to the Republicans as well.
But these rallying free silver forces have been
treated to an unexpected sight. The Presidents
New York speech has rung out in their faces
lIh lnO fOlCo OI u penGThl IN command ueplOy-
ing and advancing his lines. II the Democratic
ministratlon has promptly formed the lines Of
organization and ordered the advance of It's
columns. The President himself has Joined
issue In form from which there can be no re-
treat. This Is the universal view of his speech.
Undoubtedly 1t was SO intended. Whether 1t
will steady any of the wavering ones in the
senate or not remains to be seen. But what
ever the result. 1t is agreed by all that the is
sues OF 1895 are the issues of to-day. and that
planks Of the next campaign.
The cause of Hawaiian annexation Is un-
doubtedly being strengthened by the visit of
President Dole. Tho sugar influence still
stands In the way. The sugar beet industry
whose constituents are interested. Secretary
Wilson has effectually disposed of any excuses
Tor opposition to the treaty on that score. But
the Importance OF a vote or two to the anti
ennexatio nists is so great that beet sugar has
been raised to the dignity Of q war cry.
III. v. BOYNTON.