The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1870-06-16

further adds: To-day we have not
ten thousand arms in Cuba" 1t is
well-established principle of public
law that a recognition of a foreign
State of belligerent rights to insur-
gents, under circumstances such as
now exist In Cuba, If not justified by
necessity, is a demonstration Of moral
support to the rebellion. Such neees-
sity may hereafter arise, but it has
not yet arisen, nor Is its probability
clear to be seen. fit be war between
Spain and Cuba, and be recognized, it
is our duty to provide for the conse-
quences which may ensue in the en-
barrassment of our commerce and IN
reference with our revenue.
If belligerency be recognized, the
commercial marine of the United
States becomes liable to search and
seizure by the commissioned cruisers
of both parties. They become subject
to the adjudication of prize courts.
Our large coastwise trade between the
Atlantic and Gulf States, and between
both and the Isthmus of Panama and
the other States of South America,
engaging the larger part of our COM
mercial marine, passes. almost of ne
cessity, IN sight of the island of Cuba.
Under the treaty with Spain In 1873,
as well as by the laws of nations, our
vessels will be liable to visits on the
high seas. In case of belligerency,
the carrying of contraband goods,
which now is lawful, becomes liable
to risks of seizure and condemnation.
In view Of the gravity Of this ques-
tim I haUo HaauooI ~ RI IN.
vite the attention of the war making
powers of the country to all the rela-
tions and bearings of the question in
connection with the declaration of
neautrality and the granting of bellig-
erent rights.
There is not a de facto government
In Cuba sufficient to execute laws, to
mintain inst relations with other IA
tions.
Spain has not been able TO suppress
the opposition to Spanish rule on the
| island, nor to award speedy justice to
other nations, or citizens Of other ma
tions. when their rights have been in
vaded. There are serious complica-
| tions growing out of the seizure of
American vessels upon the high seas,
executing American citizens without
proper trial, and confiscating or en-
bargoing the property of American
citizens. Solemn protests have been
made against every intrusion on the
rights of citizens of the United States,
or our flag upon the high seas, and all
proper steps have been taken, and are
pressed, for a proper reparstion of
every indignity complained of.
The question of belligerency, how
ever, which is to be decided upon
definite principles, and according TO
aseertained facts, is entirely different
from. and unconnected with, the other
questions of the manner in which the
strife is carried on on both sides, and
the treatment of our citizens entitled
to our protection. These questions
concern our own dignity and respon-
sibility, and they have been, as / have
said, the subject of repeated commu.
nications with Spain, and Of protests
and demands for redress on our part.
Tits hoped that these will not be dis
regarded, but should they be these
questions will be made the subject Of
further communication to Congress.
[Signedl U. s. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, j une Ii. 1870.