TOPICS OF THE TIME.

Hastings Standard, Issue 17, 15 May 1896, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE TIME.

The Cubans arc within measurable distance of independence. The filibustering Yankees on board the Competitor by running the risks of the blockade have hastened the emancipation of Cuba. The ever " Faithful Isle," as Cuba was called for her loyalty to the Spanish Crown during the successful revolts of other Spanish possessions in the neighbourhood, has, by a long period of misrule, official corruption and grinding taxation, been reduced to a state of insurrection.

Twenty years ago a Cuban rebellion was brought to a close by General Martinez Campos, by the promises of large measures of reform and a fair amount of autonomy. The Spanish Cortes refused to confirm the promises of General Campos, and let loose hordes of greedy dollar - hunting Spanish officials, who, by their continued misrule and corruption have brought about the present insurrection. At first the Islanders claimed a limited measure of local government and a reform of the more flagrant abuses, but now they claim absolute independence, and theer is a fair prospect of the demands being conceded.

The Cubans have already gone the length of appointing the Marquis of Safnt-a Lucia as the first President of the Cuban Republic, and under him are responsible ministers and an army commanded by duly commissioned officers. General Campos while he remained in command stood a chance of bringing the rebellion to a peacful ending, as it was well-known that he was opposed to any measures of extreme severity. But Campos incurred the displeasure of the Spanish people and he was recalled.

Gexeral Weyeb, or as the Cubans stlye him " the butcher " was sent over to displace Campos, with instructions to reverse the policy of his predesessor and to put the whole population to the sword if necessary. In order that he may carry out his instructions he was furnished with a force of 14,000 men, but with all his butchery he finds the task of subduing the insurgents a

and Cuba. The trade between the two places is very large and long established, and the trade is languishing because of the insurrection. Proof of sympathy was given by America when the Senate carried a motion that belligerent rights should be accorded the Cubans, and the House of Representatives passed a resolution that Cuba was entitled to a Government separate from Spain. Although the United States had a perfect right by reason of its commercial intercourse to grant to the Cubans the rights of belligerents, President Cleveland refused to comply with the wishes of the Senate.

The Yankees have been itching to help the Cubans, not from sentiment but for business purposes. Furthermore, if the Cubans were free there is not much doubt about them throwing in their lot with the Stars and Stripes. The Americans find in the threatened slaughtering of the crew of the Competitor a splendid excuse for humiliations against Spain, and a war between the United States and Spain will be Cuba's opportunity. _ Both countries have seen the possibility of war, and both have been preparing for it. Ah Spanish public opinion seems to be in the direction of accommodating America, we may expect to see shortly the Florida battalion des* patched to the front. The Spanish Government is in a tight place with General Weyler threatening to resign if the filibusters are not executed and America threatening reprisals if they are. If it comes to war it is ten to one the Yankees come, out of it victorious.