National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-10-20

could not fail to advance the restoration of
peace and order. 1t is greatly to be hoped
that the present liberal Government of Spain
will voluntarily adopt this view.
"The law of emancipation which was
passed more than two years since has re-
manned unexecuted in absence of regulations
for its enforcement. 1t was but feeble step
towards emancipation, but 1t was the recog-
milton Of right, and was hailed as such, and
exhibited Spain in harmony with sentiments OF
humanity and Justice and in sympathy with
the other powers of the Christian and civilized
world
eWithin the past few weeks the regulations
for carving out the law of emancipation
have been announced, giving evidence of the
sincerity of the present Government to carry
into effect the law of 1870. have not failed to
urge the consideration of the wisdom, the
policy''and the justice Of more effective sys-
tenn for the abolition of the great evil which
Expresses and continues bloody and de-
stTuctive contest close to our border, as we'll
as the expediency and the justice of conceding
reforms of which the propriety is not ques-
toned. Deeply impressed with the conviction
that the continuance of slavery is one of the
most active causes of the continuance of the
unhappy condition in Cuba, regret to believe
that citizens of the United States, or those
claiming to be such, are large holders in Cuba
of what is there claimed as property, but
which is forbidden and denounced by the laws
of the United States. They are thus, in def
ance of the spirit of our own laws, contrib
uting to the continuance of this distressing
and sickening contest. In my last annual
message referred to this subject, and again
recommend such legislation as may be proper
to denounce, and if not prevent, at least dis
courage American citizens from holding or
dealing in slaves"
Extract from the Annual Message to Congress s,
December ], 1873.
''The pro-slayery and aristocratic party in
Cuba is gradually manifesting itself In more
and more open hostility and defiance of the
home Government, while 1t still maintains po-
litical connection with the Republic in the
Peninsula; and although usurping and defying
the authority of the home Government, when
ever such usurpation or defiance tends in the
direction of oppression or of the maintenance
of abuses, it is still a power in Madrid and is
recognized by the Government. Thus an ele-
ment more dangerous to continued colonial re-
lations between Cuba and Spain than that
which inspired the instruction at Yara-an
element opposed to granting any relief from
misrule and abuse, with no aspirations after
freedom, commanding no sympathies in gen.
erous breasts, aiming to rivet still stronger
the shackles of slavery and oppression-has
seized many of the emblems of power in Cuba,
and, under professions of loyalty to the mother
country, is exhausting the resources of the
with those principles of justice, of liberality
and of right which give nobility of character
to republic. In the interests of humanity,
of civilization and progress 1t is 10 be hoped
that this evil influence may soon be averted."
[Erfract from Message to Congress- December 7,
1s74.l
"The deplorable strife in Cuba continues
without any marked change in the relative ad-
vantages of the contending forces. The insur-
rection continues, but Spain has gained no
superiority. Six years of strife give to the
instruction significance which cannot be de-
MED. Its duration and the tenacity of its ad-
herents, together with the absence of mani
tested power of suppression on the part of
Spain, cannot be controverted, and may make
some positive steps on the part of other Powers
a matter of self-necessity. 1 had confidently
hoped at this time to be able to announce the
arrangement of some of the important ques-
lions between this Government and that of
Spain, but the negotiations have been pro-
tracted. The unhappy intestine dissension of
Spain commands our profound sympathy, and
must be accepted as perhaps cause of some
delay. An early settlement, in part at least,
OF the questions between the Governments is
hoped. In the meantime, awaiting the results
of MISUNDERSTANDING negotiations, defer
a further and fuller communication on the
subject of the relations of this country and
SPAIN"