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The Crisis in Cuba: Missouri
Experiencing none but the kindest sentiments toward Cuba, I will not be a party to the new departure favored by the senator from Missouri (Mr. Vest), when in my judgment such conduct would be wholly unprovoked and unwarranted. A concurrent resolution, by whomsoever offered, or whatever it may contain, is nothing more than an expression of sympathy. As stated by the senator from Missouri, it will not, and as I have attempted to show, by its own force it cannot, directly accomplish anything for Cuba.
A senator who has pressed with much force the pending independence resolution, said that we might as well abandon the Monroe doctrine if we do not recognize Cuba; but if that doctrine has any application to Cuba at all, it would seem that under it we must keep our hands off, because, as I have already said, Mr. Monroe's words are, "With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered, and shall not interfere." To this declaration we have very lately given our unqualified support. . . . I shall not vote for a recognition of the independence of Cuba, first, because I do not believe that it is our function, without Executive participation, to recognize either the belligerency or independence of any nation; secondly, because I do not think that independence has been achieved within the rules mentioned, or at all, and I am unwilling to declare that a certain condition exists when I know to the contrary.
The appointment of a man of the character and attainments and environments of General Lee, two months after Senator White's speech, announces that the administration is still anxious and making inquiries, pursuing as it may the lines of investigation open to it, and sensible of the Cuban crisis that is industrial, commercial, financial, social, military, and political. It interests many though, to seek to find an easy way of avoiding the realization of the critical state of the Island, for they do not care to take full cognizance of the fact that a people are perishing, a once flourishing civilization on American soil, in the course of blotting itself out. The people of Cuba are not in danger of being conquered. The conditions forbid that, but they may fall into a poverty so depressing, and be ruined so completely, that a state of semi-barbarism may ensue. The Spaniards steadily contend that the revolution in Cuba will cause a second and greater San Domingo, and point out the prominence of the Maceos as a proof that the insurrection is a negro revolt. They misrepresent the case, but it is true that the wealth that has accumulated in the Island shall pass away in fire, and that a generation may be required in restoration. The Cubans and Spaniards, and all the enlightened people of the nations of the earth are concerned to know what we, the people of the United States, may have it in our hearts and hands to do.