Graham guardian., 1902-02-14
ABOUT CONGRESS AND CUBA.

salvation Of Cuba is spectacle OF
selfish greed, stupidity and dis
honesty for which it would be hard
to find a parallel.
AS a bold exhibition of "pelf be,
fore patriotism" it is well calcula.
ted to disgust the country with the
Republican party and protection,
and cause widespread reaction in
favor of the ID mocrats,
under swise leadership. Its
inevitable effect, if madly persisted
in, must be either ruin and con-
sequent anarchy in Cuba, which
would be worse evil at our doors
than that for which we went to
war with Spain, or forced annexa-
tion, ut the cost Of the very inter-
ests which are now greedily bent
on preventing any concession.
| Viewed as an economical or CON-
mercial policy, it is condemned as
shortsighted and laundering even
by protectionist, who realize the val
uc OF reciprocity in attractive mar.
kctS Ton American products in
prosperous Cuba drawing her sup
plies from the United States. On
this point the action Of Mr. H. S.
Frye in resigning the presidency
of the New England Tobacco
Growers Association in disgust
%'iih Ats selfish policy has 4 most
telling Significance. He declares
that "a reduction OF 90 per cent.
in the duty on Cuban tobacco
would not seriously injure any to-
bacco interests in the United
States, that every economic con-
siGeration demands that the United
States should control the markets
Of Cuba, and that the only way to
d. this is to open om markets to
hcl sugar and tobacco products" "
But, rs Mr. Cleveland has de.
cjmrcd. higher and moIe command
ing than all political, economic or
commercial questions are "the CON
siderations Of morality and con-
science involved" The para
mount issue is one OF national hon
or and plighted faith.
The United States went to war
for the sole purpose, solemnly
vowed by Congress to the Ameri-
can people and the world, Of free.
Ing Cuba from oppression and Sc
curing her il dependence. 1t spent
millions for her emancipation. 1t
then assumed her guardianship
that she might be saved from desti-
tuition, prepared for selfgovern.
ment and republic established on
firm basis. To this end, and for
its own advantage, 1t has imposed
conditions which make Cuba prac-
tically a ward of the United States
without freedom to treat with
foreign nations.
Have we rescued Cuba from OPP
preston and devastation at the |
cost of unlimited treasure and
blood only to abandon her to suf-
fering and starvation at the in
stance of petty selfish interests!
Have We undertaken to secure her
beneticent government only to
sacratice her to anarchy? Have
we pledged her independence only |
to drive her to annexation?
Shame on a Congress that re-
fuses to a struggling protege of the
nation the needed relief prompted |
by national interest as well as
common humanity, and which can
not be withheld without breach ofI
pledged faith and national dis
honor! The richest island in the
world, Cuba, asks but fair dealing
and opportunity to enter upon an
era of boundless prosperity that
will rebound to the benefit of the
United States, as well as prove her
own salvation. 1t is time for the
American people to demand, with
determination not to be resisted
by any Congress or party, that the
national faith be kept and adequate
relief given at once-N Y. Herald.
PROGRAMME
For Thatcher Public School Celebration.