Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-18
LEST WE FORGET,
An English Ray of Light on the Cuban
Horrors.
From the London Nail.


From the London Nail.
AT a recent meeting of Spaniards in the
city of London We have heard the some
what remarkable statement that the COM
mercial world in this country is 10 a man.
in favor of the Spanish cause and the
Spanish people. Whether Threadneedle
street or greater London is the more sur
prised at this grotesque expression of its
views is a question with which 1 have no
concern; but l should like to add a word
of protest to the many already called forth
by so monstrous a suggestion.
In Spain. perhaps, where the measure of
our national greatness is still the measure
of our national wealth, II may arnuse an
excited people to deiude themselves with
the idea that the bourses of Europe COM
mand the opinion of the civilized world.
That Spain should turn with satisfaction
TO The economical enthusiasm OF the mar
kets cannot surprise us, yet ii would be
equally d matter for wonder ii the people
of this country acquiesced silently in The
choice of such mOuthpiece or OF such dele
gates of its sympathies.
The church, the navy, the army, the
great body of nonconformists, the leaders
of the purely intellectual world-are these
of no account because Threadneedle street
has spoken; and, speaking. has dealt for
the moment another blow at the bears o.
For such is the assumption of the worthy
Spanish gentleman who has sought TO EN-
i45l4tEA. anu OilCC more 10 Dilllu the
OF the unthinking to the true meaning of
that tremendous wave of sympathy for
America which is now upon U.S. and car
rylng US, as many believe with reason to-
ward the true goal of our national desti-
MES.
L make no pretense to speak for any
body of workers; least of all would | pre-
sumo to speak i'll the name of my brother
authors. But there is danger that in too
much controVersy-esp ecially the Spanish
controversy as witnessed in the city of
London-the truth may be lost, and l would
gladly add my word as an echo OF those
reasons which have earned for America the
sympathy of the British people and will
make that sympathy enduring in spite of
change or DOurse or the whole army of the
dealers. The sentiment of this war we wit
LESS may be false; the truth OF it is imper-
ishable. And, / venture TO think il is be-
cause the English people, in spite of the
ciaInor of argument. are not blind to the
truth, that they are at heart conserving in
their fidelity to their children across the
sea and to The cause for which those chill
dren fight.
1t is the fashion in some quarters per
hapS they are commercial quarters) to hold
up the Spanish people before us at this
time as models of the graces and the pride
OF nations. / have some considerable ac-
qualntance with Spain, and 1 confess that
am quite unable to share so pleasing an
opinion L find rather nation which knows
neither the gloved hand in war nor the
elV!llZinS hand of peace. The delights of
Tue buiI fliS, the SNer-preSent and revolt
ing cruelties practiced upon dumb beasts
the unpublished iniideliJy of the intellect of
Spain, the Grass superstition of her peas
antry-these things at home prepare us for
the history OF Cuba, as time and truth will
write it
That history is the vindication of Amer
lean sympathy today. We may argue as
We please upon the merits of this or that
possible solution of the crisis. The answer
is the answer of the civil war of the last
three years. when 100000 Cubans were put
to the sword lest the pride OF the Spaniard
should be hurt. The grace and dignity o.
Spain have so dealt with one of the most
fertile islands of the west that not one
tenth of its area Is cultivated A colony Of
rare promise in the midst Of free colonies,
il has become a barren desert where lie
the bones OF hundreds of thousands who
have persisted that Spain may demonstrate
before the world the qualities which earned
her infamy 800 years ago but today, as her
prophets say, must earn her glory. Nearly
10000 OF the people of Cuba as the rec
ord stands. persisted in the bloody rebellion
OF 1858. Cespedes, the valiant. admitted
that he shot 10000 of his prisoners
The name of General Weyler is written
IN gold upon the banners of Spain for
women and children were his victims and
the proud nation" rejoiced when starva-
zion was his weapon.
For long years America has listened to
the cries OF these people. has witnessed
the desCiation of this island has sent her
Children bread, has exhorted her sons to
patience. Where we, faithful to the ira
diti0ns which have built up our empire.
would have waited and have watched for
zen years, she has waited and has watched
Tor thirty Cuba. to her, has been a Sou
Gan. yet moro than SoUdan. AS the death
OF Gordon stirred the British people to all
the emotions which patriotism can cali
forth. SO has the loss of the Maine moved
her TO the supreme sacrifice for God and
:2therland. Her fnanciers have battled inn
potontly, though the forces OF commercial
ism and OF Sclf-lntcrest were on their side
The markets -aise-l their voices but
there were Rome 10 listen. Seeking nothing
fearing nothing, She carries the truth for
her armament And we. on our side are
little likely 20 forget that the spirit which
aniD.ates her Is the same spirit which has
built England her empire, and has lighted
the lamp OF civilization in thu dark places
of the world.