The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-05
SEATTLE, SATURDAY. MAY s.
How About Cuba?

It appears to us that our Democratic
friends are making breaks in these days
that expose them to the severest pub
lie condemnation. besides negativing
the opinions which they profess to hold
80 strenuously as to make them the
central feature OF a campaign. They
are Juggling Cuba into their speeches, In
terviews and platforms in the most ex-
traordinary fashion. 1t is hardly un-
Just TO say that they appear to be as
anxious to stir up an armed outbreak
In that peaceful island as they are to
keep the F'ilipinos In rebellion against
our authority. If this be too severe a
Judgment. then what Is the explanation
OF their recurring references to Cuba
In language which Is not warranted By
facts. and which has no other visible
purpose than to convey to the Cubans
the impression that we mean to break
faith with themf
We noted yesterday In another con-
nection the platform of the New Hamp-
shire Democrats. which demanded in
dependence for Cuba and the Philip
pines on the same terms This was a
curious collocation Of dissimilar cases.
But there is more behind The chair
man OF the Iowa Democratic conven-
tion said In his address. Cuba. Puerto
Rico and the Philippines are to become
. part of the United States are they
not? And we should like to know
by what authority he makes such an
assertion. or even frames question
that traverses good faith. In speech
delivered in this city on Thursday night,
Judge White is quoted as saying that
the Democrats In congress made mis-
take in not advocating the annexation
Of Cuba. Cuban annexation, too, was
prominent In the expansion speeches OF
Douglas from which he read to justify
his conversion to anti-expansion De,
mocracy.
the people should take particular note;
for these expressions have only two
possible interpretations Either they
signify that the Democratic party is
In favor OF the fcreihie annexation OF
Cuba, or else they are designed to make
the people Of cuba believe that this
is the policy and purpose Of the Ameri-
can government And In either case
they are shametuily. inexpresslbly and
paipahly the pledges OF dishonor.
The Democracy Is agitated deeply over
promises which we are supposed 70
have made to Aguinaldo. although they
are not supported by the Official aocu-
ments and are eontradicted fatty by all
who had part in the reduction OF the
Philippines, IL IS shocked by our al
legged breach Of faith with Puerto Rico.
although not one promise was ever
made TO It's people by any one author
ised TO speak that has not been full
filled hsunteousiy. But Il refers
repeatedly 60 possible annexa-
ton of Cuba; refers in terms OF
approval. in language conveying the
impression that this Is or should be
a settled policy OF the United states.
And even that assumption is. as that
policy would be. such confession Of
shame and perjury az has never been
and we trust never viii be recorded
against the American people.
BY the most solemn pledges that a
nation can give. by the plishted tai;n
OF its executive. by the repeated vote
OF ITS representatives IN congress. the
United States stands committed 10 the
guarantee of complete Cuban indepen-
denoe. There were no conditions. no
resery ations. When We engaged In war
Gitn Spain f0E tia freedom Of Cuba We