Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-06-16
Conclusion of the Presidents
Cuban Message.

They have no prize courts, no organi-
zation for receiving or collecting revenue,
no seaport to which prize may be car
ried, or through which access can be had
by a foreign power to the limited interior
territory and mountain fastness which
they occupy. The existence of legis-
lature representing any popular constit-
uency is more than doubtful in its un-
certainty. There is no probable evi-
dence of an election of any delegates or
of any government outside the limits of
camps occupied from day to day by
moving companies of insurgents. There
is no commerce, no trade, either national
or foreign, no manufactures. The late
commander-in-chief of the insurgents
having recently come to the United
States, publicly declared that all COM
mercial intercourse of trade with the ex-
terror world had been utterly cut off, and
he further adds to-day that they have not
ten thousand arms in. Cuba, 1t is a
well established principle Of public
law that q recognition of foreign
state of belligerent rights to in
surgents under circumstances such
as now exist in Cuba, if not justified by
necessity, is a demonstration of moral
support to the rebellion. Such neces-
sity may hereafter arise, but it has not
yet arisen, nor is its probability clear to
be seen. If there be war between Spain
and Cuba, and it be recognized, it is our
duty to provide for the consequences
which may ensue in the embarrassment
of our commerce and interference with
our revenue, If belligerency be recog-
nized, the commercial marine of the
United States becomes liable to search
and seizure by commissioned cruisers of
both parties. They become subject to
the adjudication of prize courts. Our
large coastwise trade between the Allan
tic and Gulf States, and between both
the Isthmus of Panama and the other
States of South America, engaging the
larger part of our commercial marine,
passes of necessity almost within sight of
the Island Of Cuba.
Under the treaty with Spain of 1876,
as well as by the laws of nations, our
vessels will be liable to visits on high
seas. In view of the gravity of this
question, have deemed it my duty to
invite the attention of the war-making
powers of the country to all the relations
and bearings of the question In con-
nection with declaration of neutrality,
and granting of belligerent rights, there
is not de fdcto government in Cuba
sufficient to execute laws, to maintain
Just relations with other nations.
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 nations
when their rights have been invaded
There are serious complications grow
ing out of the seizure of American YES
sells upon the high seas, executing Amer
lean citizens without proper trial, and
confscating and embargoing the prop
erty of American citizens. Solemn pro-
tests have been made against every in
trusion of 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 proper repara-
ton of every indignity complained Of
The question of belligerency, however,
which is to be decided upon definite prin-
ciples, and according to ascertained
facts, is entirely different from and un-
connected with the other questions of
the manner in which strife is carried ON
by both sides, and the treatment of our
who are entitled to our protee-
ton.
These questions concern our own dig
nifty and responsibility; and they have
been, as | have said, the subject of re-
Deated communications with Spain, and
of protests, and demands for redress on
our part.
1t is hoped that these will not be dis
regarded. But should they be, these
questions will be made subjects of a.
urther communication to Congress. Il
(Signedl U. 5. GRANT
june l3. 1870. Executive Mansion.