The age-herald., 1898-03-12
Should Be Applied to Cuba by Spain With
 All Rights and ImmunitieS.
THIS IS THE ONE WAY OPEN
IL is Argued to Settle the Matter and Avoid Hostilities s-Spain, it is Claimed, Would Resent Direct Demand Com
 ing From America.

WtbSiiIilBlOI, Mdrcn ll.-PrOJectS Tor the settlement of the Cuban question are num- erous, but most of them are regarded in official circles unworthy of serious con- sideration. One plan, however, has been presented to the president which has re- ceived the approval in a general way of leading men whose counsels have weight with the administration, and there is reas- on to believe 1t is the subject of studious reflection in the cabinet. The proposed plan gives to Cuba all of the rights, privi- leges and immunities enjoyed by Canada Spain reserving to herself only such rights as England exercises over her colonies. The statement as presented to the admin istration is as follows:
 Constantly recurring untoward incidents in the relations of Spain and this country and the overwhelming evidence of a shock ing condition of affairs in Cuba, which leaves justify some interference, have brought the country to a state of feeling which,. while most anxious for peace, de- mands such speedy action as will bring the whole matter to a close. Can we bring it to a close and avoid a clash with Spain? The one way seems to be open.
 Not Without Resentment
 If we insist upon immediate Cuban in- dependence we must back the demand by force, for neither Spain nor any country with any self-respect could tolerate such interference in what we must recognize as her domestic quarrel without resent ment and resistance. While we should doubtless succeed, it would involve terrible loss to. us and still further suffering to Cuba, and would at this juncture be of questionable benefit to her.
 That she is unfit as 2 whole for se f gov ernment just yet is the opinion of many in telEgent and impartial outside observ- arc txf,n hau 1ar. vadling conditions. There exists, too, a very considerable party in the island com posed of the most enlightened inhabitants who favor trying autonomy. This is evil denced by their being able to maintain In New York City newspaper of their own which ably presents their views
 If we are to intervene as a compulsory arbitrator, are they to be lsft wholly out of the account, together with Spain, and only the insurgent party considered? Fair afhitrations are not conducted on so one sided a basis. 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 a cessation of hostilfties, and that we will take advantage of it to inform the Gu bans that for the sake of the same com polling considerations they must concede something. Span's plight is unquestion- ably critical one, and she could honor ably listen to such a proposal The Gu
  hear respectfully any views we present to them in regard to a settlement, and would not fail to follow them.
 As Soon As Quiet Is Restored
 '"The precise terms can be worked out later. But 1t is not unreasonable to eX- pect that should Spain offer such self-gov- ernrnent as the whole world would recog- nize as fair, putting Cuba in the same con- dition as an English colony and withdraw ng from the island as soon quiet is re- stored all but nominal military force, we might properly insist on its accept ance. This would be a substantial victory for Cuba, would leave Spain to retire with self-respect and would leave Cuba better off than though now made inde- pendent. Spain has vainly tried to put down the, insurrection; the insurgents have vainly tried to drive Spain out and estab- lish a government, and the only way to bring about speedy pjeace is to take into consideration the claims, rights and feel ings of both parties.
 we are in a position to insist that the terms offered Cuba be fair and generous, such as would enable her to make her own laws, and collect her own taxes, pro- vide in every way without let or hindrance for her own prosperity and growth. It is objected that Spain would never carry out such an agreement, but if we see it in augurated it would be impossible for the other conditions ever to return. Inas- much as Spain would retain at least nominal sovereignty. Such an agreement would be much less humiliating to her than to be compelled to relinquish all claims upon the island.
 Fall to Us Peacefully
 ''The time may possibly come by the op- eration of the law of our political exist ence Cuba would fall to us peacefully. If this prove correct the method suggested paves the way for that by giving her an opportunity to gain some experience in seIf-government first. If she is too be independent, as very possibly may turn out to be the case bye and bye, prelim- mary stage of genuine autonomy would best prepare her for that. Nor is it de- sirable at this time for the United States to undertake the responsibility of govern ing 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 involve.
 "If it should be shown that the Spanish government and it's officials are innocent of any coinpicity in the disaster to the Maine and a prompt disavowal Is made with an expression of regret and an offer to arbi- trate 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. The Maine disaster, however, Is a distinct incident and should be considered by itself"