The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-06
NO WAR MEASURE
Continued from First p.p,

that it is inexpedient at this time te
acknowledge the independence of Cuba
The recognition of the independence Of a.
new government is the recognition of fact
not an expression Of sympathy AS Cen
Grant said, the question is one not to he
decided by sympathy for or prejudice
against either party. When a nation Is
recognized as having separate and indie
pendent existence, the recognizing nation
might assume toward the new power all
the duties and relations that it bears to
any other friendly power on the face of the
earth. 1t admits its right to govern itself
and its rights to make such alliances and
treaties with other nations as II might
see ft.
No one will pretend to say that the stat
us Of the republic Of Cuba has ever an
preached anything like condition of Der-
lection in the way of government that the
Southern Confederacy attained. It has no
seaports, no United States consul or con-
sular agent as ever come in public contact
with a single member of this governments.
it has not. as matter Of fact. controlled
the island Of Cuba; it does not possess au-
thority in single city of any Importance:
1t has no seaport nor ship; it lacks the
possession of almost every element that is
necessary to constitute an Independent state;
it lacks the view essential of an independant
state, that of independence.
Then there is the argument Of expediency
Why is it necessary, in order to intervene
good government to the island, to let the
present so-called republic be Immediately
recognized? If the United States recognizes
the independence Of that republic it con-
fers upon it all the rights Of an indepenl-
ent nation, far I'VE are concerned
ard requires all who have operations in
Cuba to subject ourselves TO the wishes
and control of the republic and of tho So
who control 1t.
1t might be that when all the facts are
understood. and a form of government
adopted by the Cuban s republic IN
spected, the nature of its laws understood
the extent of it's dominion ascertained
the government of the United States would
say it to be proper and just to recog-
nize its stability and INDEPENDENCE.
On the other hand, it might be possible
that the government now alleged to exist
under the name of the republic of Cuba
is not such government is capable
Of bringing stability and power to the
island of Cuba. and that there ought to be
set up another form of government that
would have the consent of the people of
Cuba VINO would guarantee to the United
States the tranquility and security which
we are seeking.
Spain Must Go.
OF course there will be independence in the
island The retention of the Spanish sove-
reignty is not to be thought of. All that
the people of the United States should con-
slider is that it should 60 into the subject
from the best vantage ground and without
being handicapped and emil arrased by recog-
milton which is premature and may prove
embarrassing. ia x stf4te ~ -tt ~
AS a matter of constitutional law the
right or recognition of a foreign govern
ment pertains to the executive power. who
must receive ministers and other foreign
agents who can make treaties and who can
nominate representative OF this country
at foreign ports. The executive has 1t in
his power at any time when the facts justi-
fly it, and the interests of the United States
require it, to recognize the independence of
the Cuban republic any other nation
which may set itself up and establish itself
securely.
To acknowledge now the independence of
Cuba would, as a matter of fact, ALLEVIATE
from us the sympathy of every European
power. The diplomats of the governments of
Europe are well acquainted with the prin-
ciples Of International law and know, as
matter of public law, that the facts do
not justify at present such recognition.
1t is not enough to say that we do not
care for the opinion of their governments.
We should care for their opinion when it
convicts of violating the rules Of inter-
national conduct. 1t is not pleasant to be
put in a position where Americans cannot
justify public acts Of their government, and
yet If this recognition takes place there is
knowledge Of international law who can
defend it. Why do it? What is to be ac-
complished by it? Whom will it serve? 1t
will not assist in the work of Intervention
in the obtaining of any just satisfaction
which this government has right to de-
mand from Spain. 1t will not make our
task easier. but more difficult.
OF course, the immediate representatives
of the present Cuban government will be
gratifled. They ought to be. 1t ought not
to be done on the ground that every people
struggling for independence should be
recognized and helped. because this is not
really the best method of helping the. peo-
pie Of Cuba, who have been oppressed and
tyranniced.