The age-herald., 1898-04-06

IN FACE OF STORM
 BERNABE PLEADS
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 failure before it has been tried? I do not wish in this to repeat an argument for autonomy, but simply to call attention to the facts that plain justice dictates that a system of home rule, brought forth after the deepest solicitude and consideration and based upon what the Cubans them selves have long desired and on what the United States government deemed as fit- ting as settlement, should not be lightly dismissed on representations of the press or even on the representations of men of sober judgment. If the latter say this home rule Is not a success, I reply, Your opportunity for investigation has not been adequate and moreover, success or failure cannot be judged before system has been tried and when the initial steps have been attended by difficulties not only In the in- terior 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 one should not be forced arbitrarily upon the other For the moment 1t seems as though this equitable view was set aside and in stead we hear autonomy is a failure.' We say no. That Spain must not say she Is either sincere or that the plan is success or will be a success. Can a sef-respecting nation admit that such a contemptuous dis position of a policy she has presented in the interest of peace and prosperity for Cuba?
 Relief for Rcconcentradoes
 "As ito the reconcentrados I can only say that the decrees of concentration have been revoked and urgent steps are being taken for the relief of those poor creatures. While there is no doubt of the misery of their condition l know the government is making the most heroic efforts to alleulate their condition. As to the insurgents, they have borne arms against Spain three years entaiiing iterrible loss of life and money. And yet believing these men to be mis- guided the government has sought to re- eair their confidence. Even today the Of ficial Gazette at HavaIra publishes an ap- peal by rthe home rule government urging sull tanoee in arms, insurgents as well as SpaniarNis, to cease hosti1ities, join hands and unite in celebrating the restoration of peace. lit tells them also that if the home rule is not perfect that it may be i'm proved.
 "In short, the insurgents are invited to join the Spanish soldiers in laying thear arms down, saying that period Of calm may be given during which just and wise councils may prevail for the permanent betterment of Cuba Whether this will suc- ceed I do not know. It seems as though som of the inSurgent leaders, and pa-tdcu- 1arly their Cuban advisers in this country, were bent upon an irresponsible policy and were deaf to reason, to a cessation of arms or to any proposition calculated to restore peace no matter how beneficial it might be for Cuba.
 Calm Counsel Will Yet Prevail
 "You ask me as to the latest phase of the negotiation. Of this cannot speak, owing to the restrictions of my~positlon. I can only say that despite the animosities aroused I believe that calm counsel will yet prevail and that the United States and Spain will be able to solve this problem on basis just and honorable to all concerned and without recourse to arms. I fully rec ognize the earnestness, patriotism and in tense vigor of the American people, but feel it is not proper for me to suggest that at such a profoundly solemn m1ment earn estness and strength should be tempered with calm judgment and a disposition to look at both sides of the question and not . alone at one side" s-f