The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-03-12
Mckinley In a Brown Study Over a
Peaceful Plan.
FEDERAL ARBITRATION
WE ARE IN A POSITION TO ACT
AS MEDIATOR.
Plan to Make Cuba Colony of Spain
In the Same Light That Canada
Stands to England-Cuba Not
Ready For Self-Governmert -
Sound Argument.

Washington, March 11.-Projects for
the settlement of the Cuban question
are numerous, but most of them are re-
garded in official circles as unworthy
Of serious consideration. One plan, how
ever, has been presented to the presi-
dent which has received the approval,
in a general way. of leading men,
whose counsels have weight with the
administration. and there is reason to
believe it is the subject of studious re-
Election in the cabinet. The proposed
plan gives to Cuba all the rights, priv
ileges and immunities enjoyed by Can
ada, Spain reserving to herself only
such rights as England exercises over
her colonies.
The statement as presented to the adj
ministration is as follows:
IF WE USE FORCE.
Constantly recurring and untoward
incidents in the relations of Spain and
her colonies and the overwhelming evil
dence of a shocking condition of affairs
in Cuba, which of themselves justify
some interference, have brought the
country to a state of feeling which,
while most anxious for peace, demands
such a speedy action as Will bring the
whole affair to a close. Can we bring
it to a close and avoid the clash with
Spain?
IF we insist upon immediate Cuban
independence we must back the de-
mand by force, for neither Spain nor
any country with any self-respect could
tolerate such interference in what we
must recognize is her domestic quarrel,
without resentment and resistance
While we should doubtless succeed, 1t
would involve terrible loss to us and
still further suffering to Cuba, and
would al this juncture be of question
able benefit to her. That she is unfit,
as a whole, for self-government Just
yet, is the opinion of many intelligent
and impartial outside observers, who
have studied her people and prevailing
conditions; there exists, too. a very
considerable party in the island COM
posed of the most enlightened inhab-
itants, who favor trying autonomy.
This is evidenced by their being able
to maintain in New York newspaper
of their own, which ably presents their
views.
IF we are to intervene as a compul-
sorry arbitrator, are they to be left
wholly out of account, together with
Spain, and only the inSurgent party
considered?. Fair arbitrations are not
conducted on so one-sided basis.
SUPPOSE WE SAY TO SPAIN.
Suppose, now, we say to Spain that
in the interest of humanity and peace,
and for the preservation of our own
commercial interests, we insist upon
aFcessation of hostilities, and that we
take advantage Of it TO inform the Gu
bans that, for the sake of the same
compelling considerations, they must
concede something Spain'S plight is
unquestionably a CRITICAL one, and she
could honorably- listen TO such pro-
posal The Cubans, on the other hand,
would certainly hear respectfully any
views we present to them in regard to
a settlement, and could not fail to fol-
low them.
The precise terms can be worked out
later But il is not unreasonable to
expect that should Spain offer such
self government as the whole world
would recognize as fair, putting Cuba
in the game condition IS an English col
ony, and withdrawing from the island
as soon as quiet is restored, all but
nominal military force, we might prop
eTly insist on its acceptance. This would
be q substantial victory, for Cuba
would leave Spain TO retire with self
respect and would leave Cuba better off
than if made independent. Spain has
vainly tried to put down the inSurrec-
ton; the ms Irgents have vainly tried
to drive Spain out and establish gov
eminent, and the only way to bring
aDCul SPECIFY peace Is 10 tame llilc COil-
sideration the claims, rights and feel
ings OF both parties.
OUR POSITION.
I'VE are in a position to insist that
the terms offered Cuba be fair and gen.
circus, such as would enable her to
make her own laws, lay and collect her
OWE taxes, and provide IN every way,
without let or hlndrance, for her own
prosperity and growth. 1t is expected
that Spain will never carry out such an
arraneemeIt, but il we see II inaugur-
ated. IL would be impossible for the old
conditions ever to return. Inasmuch
as Spain would retain at least 4 nom
iral sovereignty, such an arrangement
would be much less humiliating to her
than to be compelled TO relinquish at
once all rights and claims upon the
island.
The time may possibly come when,
by the operation OF the law of our po-
litical existence. Cuba will fall TO us
peaceably. If this prove correct the
methods suggested paVes the way for
that by giving her an opportunity TO
gain some experience in self-goyern-
ment first. II she is to be independent,
as very possibly may turn out to be
the case by and by a preliminary stage
of genuine autonomy would best pre-
pare her for that. Nor is it desirable at
tnlS llIIlS lot the OnlleQ states TO I'M
dertake the responsibility of governing
her. It is Unwise and unnecessary for
the United States TO assume political
or financial responsibility in the case.
either or both of which most of the
plans so far advanced involves.
DISTINCT INCIDENT.
IF it should be shown that the Span
ish government and its officials are in
nocent of any completely in the disas-
ter TO the Maine, and a prompt dis
avowal is made, with an expression of
regret and an offer to arbitTate the
question of responsibility and the
amount of indemnity, if any was found
due, the United States could hardly re-
sist the principle of arbitration in set
tling the question. The Maine disaster
however, is n distinct incident, and
should be considered by itself"
REVOLT IN PHILIPPINES
Whole of the Northern Province In
Rebellion Against Spain.