Year: 1869

b


The dispatches which we publish this morn
ing from Cuba show that the revolutionists are
by no means suppressed; but that the revolu-
tionary contagion is spreading into the hitherto
western section Of the island.
From day to day the conflicting reports
from ssthe seat of war" would make it
very difficult to understand the situation OF
affairs on the island if we did not know the
source from which most of the information
comes and the motive for misrepresentation.
Nearly all the news comes from and through
Havana, and both the Spaniards and Spanish
authorities are very careful to make it appear
that the insurrecton is mere bagatelle and fast
dying out They are particularly anxious to
create this impression in the United States in
order to prevent sympathy and aid being ex-
tended to the Cubans. But it does not require
much sagacity to detect the falsehoods circu-
lated for this purpose. For example, in the
letter from Havana published in yesterdays
HERALD 1t is represented that an early peace
is confidently expected, that compromise had
been agreed upon by the insurgent chiefs, and
that the insurrection was practically over.
The Vos dc Cuba, Of Havana, an intensely
Spanish paper, says tranquility exists
throughout the island, except in Villa
Clara, where q small riot existed. We
have heard just the same things all through
from the Spaniards and Spanish press at
Havana, yet the insurrection has continued to
spread and grow stronger. But let US see
how these representations Of peace, tranquility
and the end of the insurrection correspond
with the facts and with the telegram from
Havana published at the same time with this
rose-colored letter in our issue of yesterday.
ment is organizing several new battalions Of
volunteers, part for garrison duty and part for
active service in the field, and that La Cabana,
the strongest fortress in Havana, is garrisoned
by volunteers for the purpose Of letting the
regular troops proceed to Cienfuegos. 1t is
known, too, that General Dulce has called
upon the provisional government of Spain for
four thousand more troops. Does this look
like tranquility 6r the end of the insurrection2
Does the suppression Of freedom Of the press
and other extreme repressive measures show
that there is not vitality in the insurrection7
Any little success on the part Of the Cuban
patriots electrifes the whole island. This was
seen on the fall of Bayamo for it was fol-
lowed Immediately by revolutionary move
ments in Matanzas, Cardenas, even in
throughout the island. This shows unmis-
takably that the revolutionary ire is deep
seated, widespread and ready to burst forth
into action with the least prospect of success.
Judging from these facts and from the various
sources of private information at our command,
there is no doubt the revolution is stronger to-
day than it ever has been.


The Spanish government, toe, is strengthen
ing itself undoubtedly, and the conflict may be
a terrible one. But if the Cubans should be
depce they can succeed. They have, in the
mountain fastnesses and abundant resources Of
food in the Eastern Department, the means Of
prolonged resistance. They would acquire
military experience in time, and both men and
the materials Of war would come to them. Spain
is in revolutionary condition and will have
enough to do at home, probably, to prevent any
powerful effort being made to hold Cuba. The
Cubans can have no hope Of freedom or ex-
emption from grinding taxation from the
mother country, whatever may be the form Of
government ultimately established there.
Under Spanish rule there will always
be an enormous revenue squeezed from
them to support the Spanish government
and host Of hungry colonial officials. They
can never have finer opportunity to acquire
their independence. The hour has struck, Il
they know. it and will take advantage Of the
time. They ought not to let slavary OF any
other question divide or hinder them from
attaining independence Slavery Is doomed,


whatever may happen and whether they re-
main colony or be independent. They had


better acknowledge this fact, therefore, and
unite upon the one idea Of independence, ire
spective of all other issues, and follow tine
example of Lincolns emancipation proclama-
tion.


But what should be the policy Of the United


States with regard to Cuba and the Cuban
revolution2 There is no question about the
sentiment of the American people. They are


in favor Of Cuban independence and Of the
independence of the whole of North America
from monarchical and European rule. Apart,


however, from mere sentiment, it is the policy
Of this country to aid as far as it can every
movement tending to disconnect this Continent
and the surrounding islands from European
control. In this way win our commerce and


American ideas be extended. Cuba indepen-
dent Of Spain, for example, would prove far
more valuable to us in commercial point Of
view than II is now. Besides, il is the inevitable
destiny Of that island, as well as the rest Of
North America, to ultimately fall into our
nnliiical suatam and To hn nnitnd NTH na Ia