Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1906-09-28
The Cuban Situation.

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in justification OF the sending Of l. S.
warships to Cuban waters, it may not
be generally known that the right OF
our government to intervene III the
republics affairs for the maintenance
OF order is recognized by the treaty
which confers the power OF a protec'
torate t. ensure domestic tranquility
on the island as we'll as to subserve the
rights of American citizens. tits thus
made a duty of our government to
intervene, if it become absolutely me-
ccssary.
This very fact has probably been
the means for melting the insurgents
to make conditions that may justify,
or impel that course, as ostensibly the
protection Of American interests, and
has brought the prescribed function
OF our government, as mediator, very
near the point Of elimination, with
an ultimate design for annexation.
The United States being committed
to act as protect crate for Cuba, the
Presidents action, so far, has been
unavoidable.
But it should be for maintaining
a free and independent government,
and nothing more. The freedom of
the ballot should be guaranteed, and
apparently this is all that is desired
by the indictments. 1t seems to be
an appeal for justice more than for
sympathy. They declare that, Gun
der the empty name Of Republic, the
ohackles OF the overthrown Spanish
dominion have again been imposed
upon us. Our Constitution has been
cast aside with contemptuous egotism,
the royal laws OF the ancient regime
have been revived, and Issued to US
with the very forms and words Of the
royal Spanish decree. Absolutism was
again fastening itself upon Cuba, and
in the more dangerous guise and form.
ulas of a republican system that was
but the shell of democratic ideals"
That seems to be q very just ap.
peal to reason as we'll % sympathy,
and the offer of the rebel leaders to
cease fighting and surrender to the
United States naval commander ct
Havana opens the way to peaceful
negotiations. Neither side seems to
be very confident of success, should it
come to an open and general warfare
between the contending factions.
President Palma's req uest for force
of armed sailors from the cruiser Den
YER does not indicate over.eonfidence,
unless it may have been an adroit
maneuver to create the impression that
our governor had abandoned the
neutrality 90 essential for arbitration.
The prompt withdrawal of the force,
by cable from Washington, corrected
that blunder.
The Cubans, as q people, are not de-.
void OF patriotism, but it is not sur.
prising that there should be clash in
arranging or managing the details of
self-government. Our great nation
passed through the ordeal of having
the ballot Ignored, after q century Of
application of those principles Of po-
liticsl life, and our largest city, only .
few months ago. had its will turned
down in . no less fragrant manner.
The prosperity Of Cuba has been
abnormal since it entered upon self
government. It has this % An incen.
tive for peace and harmony, and with
the friendly aid Of . government that
has shown encouragement and SYM
patty by deeds and acts, it is probable
that the war.cloud will pass away and
the clear sunshine OF thrift and pro.
gress again dawn upon q worthy but
distracted people.
Since the above was written the
telegraph announces that Palma's
Cabinet has resigned and he will ab.
dictate, thus compelling the United
States to intervene to restore order.
They prefer this to any compromise
with tho insurgents.