New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-09
INTERVENTION THE PROPER COURSE
A PAMPHLET on THE SUBJECT by CHARLES
HENRY BUTLER.

PAMPHLET on THE SUBJECT by CHARLES
HENRY BUTLER.
tharles Henry Butler OF this city. has written a
pamphlet the Cuban situation which has been
highly spoken OF by some of the authorities I'm
Washington. II Is entitled Intervention the
Proper Course" and the writer considers after
such examination as no has been able TO make.
that the proper course for the United States to
pursue Ia 10 put end to Spanish rule In Cuba
by means Of armed Intervention. and when that
Is accomplished 10 recognize such local govern
ment. either now existing which shall hereafter
be formed. shall be able to give satisfactory
assurances of its ability control the island.
Such Intervention must necessarily be armed, and
the United States would have to recognize that
Spain would be justified In considering il n hostile
ect. and resisting II to her utmost power: that
until perfect order had been restored In the Island
this country would be obliged to maintain It under
military authority; that the Intervention must be
superior to any local government until after pesoe
shall have been restored and that only such gov
eminent should then be recognized. regardless Of
sny existing organization. as would be acceptabl
to the majority OF inhabitants OF the island which
Is an absolute essential for stlbllty"
After careful review OF the text books Mr.
Butler concludes that the weight OF authority
seems TO favor the contention that the right OF
Intervention OF nation In the affairs OF another
exists either on the grounds OF humanity and
civilization to prevent atrocities and barbarites or
for the purpose OF preventing any injury 10 It's own
material interests. England has always main
taned the doctrine that the question Of interview
ton was one absolutely OF fact and that she
would always act according 10 the circumstances
OF each case Lord John Russell. In a speech in
the House OF Lords In 1862. rehearsed the subject
OF English Intervention In these words:
We. too. like other States have at times taken
upon ourselves to intervene as in the case OF Uol-
land, to save her from the religious tyranny and
political dsspolsm OF PHILIP IL That contest was
the part We took We contributed to her independ-
ence In another case-.the case OF Portugal-we
agreed In that interference We declared ourselves
ready to send ten thousand men to the aid of the
new Government OF Portugal. and helped the
Portuguese to relieve themselves from the Spanish
n ns nSeer s nsr and ssab
cent times. when Greece endeavored to establish
Turkey; we rescued her from the destruction when
threatened her. and helped her TO found free and
again. When the Belgians declared that they were
unable to remain under the government OF Hol-
interfered by force. In conjunction with France
and the wise and happy arrangement made
Now my Lords. in all these Instances whether the
intervention was carried on by our ancestors or in
lishman need be ashamed. II we have taken part
In lnterventons II has been In behalf OF the inde-
pendence. freedom and welfare OF a great portion
OF mankind.
Concerning the history OF our attitude toward
Cuba. the pamphlet says:
In the Ten Years War We were most seriously
affected. not only by the slaughter OF the crew OF
the Virginus, when citizens OF this country were
Unfortunately shot In violation OF the treaty obli-
cations. but by long series OF attacks upon our
commerce. wnch. 80 far from being mere casual
instances. displayed. according to Mr. Secretary
Evarts. a systematic attempt on the part OF the
Spanish Government to interfere with and hurt our
commercial interests
Since the peace Of Zanion. and especially during
the present uprising, there has been long line OF
impositions upon our commerce In the way OF fines
and considerations. which while they are not as Sc
rlous as the ld.booded murder OF our citizens
ard still direct violations OF treaty and clearly
evidence nm intention to harass ana annoy us In
every possible manner.
During the present war. the destruction OF prop
erty owned by Americans. as well as the imprison-
ment and even execution Of American citizens after
military trial. which Is absolutely contrary TO the
provisions OF tho treaty. have become so fagrant
and so numerous that single instances cannot be
cited ana II is necessary 10 take them In bulk and
the report OF the Foreign Relations Department last
published contained, on page 10. list Of above one
hundred claims for nearly 80 100000 and as ths was
z, year ago. the number has now probably dou.
In 1873 we took the position. and SO notified Spain.
that war In Cuba must cease. and that the ccndI,
ton OF warfare then existing was one which civil
ixed powers had right to prevent
HAMILTON Fish. when Secretary Of state chsras-