The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-06
LEADS

of the Cuban conflict. Spain has granted
that, granted il with the deepest SINGER
ity. There is disposition TO find flaws in
the details of the plan. Let anyone who
is anxious to pick flaws, and who cares
for war. take this home rule plan and
examine it in detail. He will find that it
gives the Cubans the most complete con-
troll of their own affairs They have a
parliament of their own and a cabinet of
their own ministers. Is It fair. just as
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 it is a
failure before it has even been tried? l
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
consideration, and based upon what the
Cubans themselves have long desired, and
on what the United States government
deemed most fitting as a settlement.
should not be lightly dismissed on rep
reservations of the press. or even on the
representations Of men of sober judgment
If the latter say that this home rule is
not a success, 1 reply, our opportunities
for investigation have not been adequate
and, moreover, success or failure cannot
be judged before a system has been
tried. and when its initial steps have been
attended by difficulties not only in the
interior of Cuba, but circumstances with
h.
sought Even though we may differ on
this, at least we should agree that the
judgment of one should not be forced ar
bitrarily upon the other.
For the moment ii seems as though
this equitable view was set aside, and in
stead we hear autonomy is failure; we
say so; that ends ii. 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 attitude consistent with the
usual process of considering both ides of
a question? Can self.respecting nation
admit of such a conte-nptuous disposi-
ton of a policy she has presented in the
interest Of peace and prosperity for
Cuba?
LAS to the reconcentrados. I 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have been revoked.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, the government
is making the most heroic efforts to al
leviate this condition.
LAS TO the insurgents. they have borne
arms against Spain for three years. en-
failing terrible loss of life and money
And yet believing these men 10 be mis-
guided the government has sought to re-
gain their confidence. Even today the
official gazette at Havana publishes an
appeal by the home rule government. |
urging all those in arms. insurgents a.
well as Spaniards. 70 cease hostilities. /
Join hands and unite in celebrating the /
OF peace. It tells them also /
that II this home rule is not perfect. that 1
II may be improved. In short, the insur- /
gents are invited 70 join the Spanish SOL (
diers in laying down their arms saying I
that 4 period Of calm may be given, during /
which Just and wise counsels may prevail 4
for the perma nent betterment Of Cuba. (
Whether this VIII succeed DO not know. /
L seems as though some OF the i1sUr-
gent leaders. and particularly their Gu
ban advisers in this country. were bent
u7on an irresponsible policy and were 4
deaf TO reason. 20 a cessation OF arms. {
or 70 any proposition calculated 70 re-
store peace. 10 matter how beneficial /
Il might be for Cuba.
You ask ne as 70 the latest phases
Of negotiation. Of this ! cannot speak
owing 20 the restrictions Of ny position
I can only say that. despite ms snin1os-
ties aroused. I bele-.-S <~: calm cour-
sci viii We; prevail and that The United 4
States and Spain viii De able . solve
this problem on q basis lust and honor
able . all concerned ard without -
course 10 arms r--ay recognize the
.arnestness. patriotism and intense vigor
u the American people. but feei that i
s 10; improper .oT ne 20 sugges. TIA,
y such a profoundly so4s-la moment
sarrestusss and strength should be tern
,e-ed with calm Judgment ari disposi-
ion . look az both sides OF the question
ma ruo- alone - one side
London. April "A dispatch 20 Tie
Daily Nal from Odessa. says that owing
. the American war scare the price o
; heat Is rapidly rising ;hers. the stocks
,siag sral