The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-01-24

d.
have characterized the contest both on
the part of the colonial government
and of the insur, ectionists for seven s1a
propel ties and Industries by arson and pillage,
which spain appears unable however DESTROYS,
to prevent and stop on an island 5,OO0 mlies ols-
tant from her shores, but lying within sight OF
our coast with which we trade and have con-
slant intercourse; are causes OF annoy ance anu
can not be expected to tolerate wi bout an as
sured prospect o. their termination. The United
states has more than once been solicited by the
Insurgents to extend To them its aid, but has for
years hitherto resisted such solicitations, and
has endeavoIed by the tender of It's good ofHces
in the way of mediation, advice and remon-
stran 20 to bring end to great evil, which has
pressed sorely upon the interests, both OF the
government and OF the people OF the united
States as also upon the commercial interests OF
other nations. A sincere friendship Tor spain
s sna ro1 n nse SINCERE reuctanoe TO adopt
any measures which might injure or humble
the ancient ally of the United states has char
every step during these sad and distressing
years, and the president is still animated by the
aid her and her people to enter and move upon
the path of safety and repose. 1t will be remem-
bered that the president, in the year
ISSs n sn1sTed states iST oa the purpose
of bringing TO a close the civil war In cuba
This offer was made dslicately, in good faith and
General Prim, as the representative Of the
Spanish government, while recognizing the
GOOD FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP
with which this offer was made, replied: ave
can better p oceed in the present situation OF
things without even this friendly Intervention.
A time will come when the good offices of the
United States will be not only useful but indis-
tween spain and Cuba. We viii, ascertain
the form ia which they can be employed, and
confidently count upon your assistance e;o Inc me
that object would be at any time at the service
of he parties 20 the conf ct. This government
has ever since been ready thus 10 ara IN restor-
ing peace and quiet. The government OF tbs
United States has hereto ore given expression 10
no policy in reference TO the insuIrection In
Cuba because it has honestly and sincerely
hoped that no declaration OF policy
on its part would be requiI ed.
The president feels that longer retlcence
would be inconsistent with the interests Of both
governments. Our relations with Spain are In
that critical condition that another seizure sim
liar to that of the Virglnius, other executions OF
citizens of the United States, other wrongs of a
less Objectionable character even than many
which have already been suffered by our citi-
zens with a simple remonstrance, or possibly
even some new act of exceptional severity In
Cuba may suddenly produce feeling and ex-
this government anxiously desires to avoid /.
The president hopes that Spain may spontane-
ously adopt measures Looking t 10 Teeonel Ii
peace and the organization of stable and
satisfactory system of government in the island
of Cuba. In the absence OF any prospect OF a
termination of the war or of any change in the
manner in which il has been conducted on
either side, he feels that the time is at hand
when ii may be the duty of other governments
TO intervene, solely with a view of bringing TO
sn Ell disastrous and destructive confilct ana
of restoring peace in the island of Cuba. No
government is more deeply interested in the
order and peaceful administration OF this island
than is that OF the United States and none has
suffered as has the United States from the
condition which has obtained there during the
past six or seven years, He will, therefore, feel
it his duty at an early day TO
accompanied by an expression of the views
above presented for the considerat' on of con-
gress. The conclusion is reached with re uct'
ance and regret 1t is reached after every Other
expedient has been attempted and proved a
failure and in the firm conclusion that the pc
Rod has at last arrived when DO other course
remains for this government. IL is believed 10 be
this conclusion to the Spanish government. You
will therefore take an early occasion thus 70
inform that government. In making the com
munication 1t is the earnest desire OF the presi'
dent to impress upon the authorities OF
Spain the continued friendly disposition
has no Interior or selfish object in view and nc
desire to become party in the conflict. but Is
moved soley by the imperative necessities OF 9
proper regard to its own protection and its own
Interests and the interests of humanity and as
we firmly believe, in the ultimate interest oil
Spain itself. In informing the Spanish govern
ment OF these conclusions pursuant hereto, you
are authorized to read this instruction to the
minister OF state or to state the substance and
purport thereof, as you may deem most advts-
able. You win of course, keep me advised by tele
graph and by post of your proceedings pursuant
to this instruction. am, sir, your obedten
servant, HAMILTON FISH.