Wyandot County Republican. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1869-1903, 1870-06-24


of Legislature representing any
popular constituency is more than
doubtful in its uncertainty. There
is no probable evidence Of an cleo
ton of any delegated authorities of
any Government, outside the limits
of camps occupied from day to day
by moving Companies. of insurg
ents.
A prominent Cuban having re-
Gently come to the United States,
publicly declared that all CONNER
cial intercourse of trade with the
exterior world has been utterly cut
off and he further adds: To-day
we have not ten thousand arms in
Cuba.'' 1t is well established
principle of public law that recog
milton of a foreign state OF billiger-
ents rights to insurgents, under cir
cumstances such as now exist in
Cuba, if not justified by necessity,is
demonstration Of moral support
to the rebellion. Such necessity may
hereafter arise, but it has not arisen,
nor is its probability clear to be
seen. IF it be war between Spain
and Cuba, and be recognized, it is
our duty to provide for the conse-
quences which may ensue in the
embarrassment of our commerce
and interference with our revenue.
If billigerency be recognized, the
commercial marine of the United
States becomes liable to search and
seizure by the commissioned cruis-
ers of both parties. They become
subject to the adjudication of prize
courts. Our large coast-wise trade
between the Atlantic and Gulf States
and between both and the Isthmus
Of Panama and the other States ol
South America, engaging the larger
part of our commercial marine
passes, almost of necessity, in sight
Of the island of Cuba.
Under the treaty with Spain il
1895, as we'll as by the laws of ma
tions, our vessels will be liable tc
visits on the high seats. In case O
billigerency, the carrying Of contra
) band goods, which now is lawful
, becomes liable to risks of seizure
and condemnation.
, In view Of the gravity Of thi
question, I have deemed it my ilut,
) to invite the attention of the war
making powers ofthe country to al
the relations and bearings of tn
= question in connection with tn
' declaration of neutrality and TIL
l granting of billigerent rights.
: There is not a de facto governmen
+ in Cuba sufficient to execute laws
+ to maintain just relations with othe
v nations.
t Spain has not been able to SUP
press the opposition to Spanish rul
t on the island, nor to award speed
: I7isastice to other nations, when thei
r rights have been invaded. Their
S are serious complication GROWN
u out of the seizure Of American YES
r sells upon the high seas, exccutin
a American citizens without prope
e trial, land confiscating or embargoin
Il The property Of American citizens
e Solemn protests have been mad
= against every intrusion on the right
y of the citizens Of the United State
Or our flag upon the high seas, an
q all proper steps have been taken, IAN
e are pressed, for a proper reparatio
+ of every indignity complained of
IS The question of billigcrency, ,hov
le ever, which is to be decided upo
y definite principles, according to a
le certained facts, is entirely ditferel
,, from, and unconnected with, tt
J. other questions Of the manner
al which the strife was carried on c
ID both sides, and the treatment Of OF
o 'oifeitizens entitled to our protectio
IN These questions concern our ow
+ dignity and responsibility, and the
'd have been, as l have said. the SUI
&c jects of repeated communication
i with Spain, and Of protests and d
10 mands for redress on our part 1t
b. hoped that these will not be disr
l1 garded, but should they be the
& questions will be made the subje
1t Of further communication to Co
a gress.
ce Signed] U. S. GRANT.
Ut EXECUTIVE MANSION, June 13, 1877
ST