Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-05

aspira ton Of the Cubans for years. II
| seems to be overlooked also that President
Cleveland and Secretary Olney urged a full
| measure of home rule as the means likely
| to bring about termination of the Cuban
| conflict. Spain has granted that, granting
| it with the deepest sincerity. There is a
I disposition to find flaws in the details of
| the plan. Let any one VINO is anxious TO
! pick flaws, and who cares for war; take
| this home rule plan and examine 1t in de-
| tail. He will find that it gives the Cubans
| the most complete control of their own at
| fairs. They have parliament of their
| own and cabinet of their own minister's
Is it fair, Just this local parliament and
| local cabinet is about to assume complete
control of the Cuban affairs to sweep aside
this entire system and to declare that 1t is
a failure before it has even been tried?'
Il do not wish in this to repeat an argu-
ment for autonomy, but simply to call at
tention to the fact that plain Justice die
tates that a system of home rule brought
forth after the deepest solicitude and con-
sideration. and based upon what the Gu
bans themselves have long desired, and on
what the United States government deem
ed most fitting as a settlement should no;
be lightly dismissed on representations of
the press or even on the representation of
men of sober judgment. If the latter say
that this home rule is not a success I re-
ply: Your opportunities for investigation
have not been adequate, and, moreover
success or failure cannot be judged before
a system has been tried, and when its III
itial steps have been attended by difficult
ties not only in the interior of Cuba. but
circumstances without tending to defeat
the very end sought Even though we
may differ on this, at least we should agree
that the judgment of should not be
forced arbitrarily upon the other For the
moment it seems as though this equitable
view was set aside and instead we hear
Autonomy is failure. We say. so. That
ends it, Spain must not say that she is
either sincere or that the plan is a success
or will be a success Now. is such an at
h fHa -
considering both sides of a question? Can
a self-respectng nation admit of such a
cCntemptuous disposition of a policy she
has presented in the interest of peace and
prosperity for Cuba?
The Relief of Cubans.
LAS to the reconcentrados, 1 can only
say that the DEGREES of concentration have
been revoked and urgent steps are being
taken for the relief of these poor creatures
While there is no doubt of the misery of
their condition. yet the government is max
ing the most heroic efforts to alleviate this
condition. AS to the insurgents, they have
borne arms against Spain for three years,
entaiiing terrible loss of life and money,
and yet believing these men to be mis-
guided, the government has sought to re-
gain their confidence. Even today the Of
fetal gazette at Havana publishes an APP
peal by the home-rule government, urg
ing all those in arms, insurgents as well as
Spaniards, to cease hostilities, join hands
and unite in celebrating the restoration of
peace. Ii tells them also that if this home
rule is not perfect it may be improved
In short, the insurgents are invited to join
the Spanish soldiers in laying down their
arms, saying that period of calm may be
given, during which just and wise coun-
sells may prevail for the permanent better
II ent of Cuba. Whether this will succeed
do not know. 1t seems as though some OF
the insurgent leaders, and particularly
their Cuban advisers in this country, We're
bent upon an irresponsible policy and were
deaf to reason. to a cessasion of arms, or
to any proposition calculated to restore
peace, no matter how beneficial it might be
for Cuba.
You ask me to the latest phases of
negotiation. OF this l cannot speak owing
to the restrictions of my position 1 can
only say that, despite the animosties
aroused. l believe that calm counsel will
yet prevail and that the United States and
Spain will be able to solve this problem on
a basis just and honorable to ali concerned
and without recourse to arms. l fully rec
oGniZe the earnestncss, patriotism and in
tense vigor of the American people but
feel that 1T is not improper for me to
suggest that at such profoundly solemn
moment earnestncSS and strength should
be tempered with calm justice and a dispo-
sitloh to look at both sides of the question
ara not alone 10 one side.'