Omaha daily bee., 1898-03-08

fere sooner than let the old colonial policy
be re-established or Weyler return to Cuba.
"De LONE made mischief. Then came the
Dupuy de LONE incident which cast for
awhile a slur on the sincerity Of Spain in
the commercial negotiations and in the colo
nlal policy. Such events naturally created
tension In our relations with the United
States, embarrassed the action OF the new
pledged colonial government, played into the
hands Of the Cuban juntas abroad, and above
all paralyzed the negotiations which previ-
ously were progressing favorably with many
insurgent leaders. 1t took time and trouble
to repair such mshaps and to avert a rup-
ture OF relations and friction after the letter
OF De LONE. But we have weathered the
storm and do not fear fresh complications
from the Maine catastrophe, in view Of the
fair disposition OF the American government
and Of a majority Of the press and the pub
lie in the states. 1t cannot be denied that
home rule Is advancing in Cuba, the prepara-
tions for the elections permitting us to hope
that the insular chambers will be elected in
March and meet in April at the same time
as our Cortes. We feel certain that the Gu
ban Parliament will contain a majority Of
autonomlsts with a respectable minority,
composed Of members of the old Spanish
party headed by the marquis of Apezteguia.
Nobody in Spain believed that the gov
ernment would allow Weyler to return to
Cuba to take part in the elections. Nor is
1t probable that he will be elected--or any
OF his candidates Even in Spain Weyler
now possesses no considerable influence with
the politicians or military men outside OF
the equally discredited Romero Robledo.
1T Is no longer of much Importance for
the West Indies to send their best men to
the Spanish Senate and House Of Deputies
B! is far more important to keep them in
the local assemblies. Besides, the only i'm
portant question for the colonies-ou,sde OF
the treaties Of commerce-likely to be DIS
cussed in the Imperial Parliament will be-
| by and by, the settlement OF the Cuban debt
| which can be negotiated between the impe-
| rial and colonial cabinets when the time
| comes.
1--WE are all perfectly aware Of the short
| comings OF the new colonial cabinet, but
| II pulls so far in harness pretty we'll Gal
vez, the premier, is valuable leader, though
| aged Montoro Is very intelligent, though
| lacking decision and activity since his health
ard Rodriguez are both respectable poll.
ticians, but Gown and Dolz are active, &c
| ahead resolute men, whom we count upon
most for the success OF home rule and oi
the negotiations to convince the insurgents
and their leaders that it is useless to prolone
| the hopeless struggle.
II don't assert that Galixto Garcia OF
Maximo Gomez are disposed to give in soon
but the latter was inclined to leave the
| island more than once during the present
| rising. / believe the bulk of the insurgents
will give in when they see no prospect ye
| of exhausting our resources 1t Is a grea
error to suppose that our finances are ex
hausted We can raise more money in the
| Peninsula and we can reduce the expendi.
lures largely in Cuba by rigorous economy
| 10y bringing home a great number Of officers
| and all the men In bad health as soon az
| the rainy season begins. Unnecessarily costly
| and numerous military forces have been KEEP
| In Cuba. We share the opinion OF Marsha
| Blanco that peace can be maintained in the
| four western provinces with a comparatively
small army. assisted by the colonial volun.
teers, and that in the eastern provinces only
10000 men will be- required to deal the las
blows to the irreconcilable leaders and bandt
| that will not accept autonomy and the honor.
able terms Of submission offered them b,
men like Gown and DOLE.
"If the feelings of the majority OF inhabi
tants of Cuba had not been considerabl!
modified in a sense favorable to Spain undel
the present home rule policy our troops coult
not hold the western provinces as easily a!
they do, nor successfully attack and defea
the rebels in their two eastern strongholds-
Puerto Principe and Santiago provinces
Therefore we believe We are justified in hop
ing to be in a position to show such improve
ment in our prospects in Cuba at the ent
Of April that President Mckinley will ais
be justified In persevering in his friendl!
attitude, as meanwhile the negotiation Will
have made progress"
i ARTHIIR IOIICIITQN