The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-16

The present relations between the United
States and Cuba are so peculiar that it is
not surprising they should be a subject of
much speculation as to the outcome. 1t is
the first time in the history of the world
that a nation has undertaken a war for the
avowed purpose of liberating a people from
an odous rule, at the same time guarantee
ing the liberated people an Independent,
stable government and pledging itself, as
soon as that is accomplished, TO withdraw
and leave the people to themselves. That
is what the United States has done, and it
is in honor bound before the world to ad-
here to this programme as far as circum-
stances and the higher law OF national re-
sponsibility will admit. This novel and un-
precedented case has given rise to some
anomalous conditions. Thus, although the
United States is pledged to recognize the
independence of Cuba as soon as the people
shall have established an Independent, sta
BILE government, we are preparing to estab-
lish military protectorate over the island
at the same time that the people are pre-
pairing to form an Independent government,
and although we have formally disclaimed
any intention of establishing sovereignty
over the island, we are already exercising
some of the highest rights Of sovereignty
The whole situation is so novel that it is
not surprising there should be much specu-
lation as to the outcomej If the present
programme is carried out including the
voluntary withdrawal of the United States
after establishing peace in the island and
starting the people in self-government, it
will be the grandest exhibition of national
fidelity to a self-imposed pledge and of vol
untary surrender of an inviting opportunity
for territorial extension the world has ever
seen. For no one will deny that as mat
tiers stand the United States is completely
master of the situation and Cuba as good
as conquered and annexed. TO carry cut
the programme of annexation at once only
requires one thing, namely, the violation of
a solemn promise and the ignoring of a
pledge voluntarily assumed before the world
Other nations have done such things, but
the United States never has, and is not
likely to in this case.
Among recent conjectures or theories on
the subject that of Senator Foraker is in
leTeSlluS because VI lis DOlQneSS ana De-
cause, as a senator. he may be able to make
something of a fight for it, He takes the
ground that after the treaty of peace is
signed between the United States and Spain
the President will have no more right to
send an army into Cuba and undertake to
control or regulate the affairs of the island
than would the Emperor of Germany or any
other nation. He says that under the terms
of International law Cuba will be a free
nation. and that occupation OF the island
by American troops would be an act OF hos
tility which would justify and invite inter-
ference by Germany or any other nation
which might be inclined to be officious- In
literal strictness this view is correct The
fourth clause of the joint resolution of Con-
gress OF April IS last. which was really a
declaration OF war. says: The United
States hereby disclaim any disposition or
intention to exercise sovereignty. jurisdic-
ton or control over said island. except for
the pacihcation thereof. and asserts its de-
termnation when that is accomplished to
leave the government and control of the
island 10 It's people,. The insertion Of this