Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-06-20
SHOULD GIVE NO AID
Secretary Olney on AS
sisting Patriots.
WOULD GET IN TROUBLE.
Waco Farmers and Merchants Bank
Win Probably Not Receive
Contributions.

WASlIlNGfA ? juno 10.
Secretary olney has clea. I'D down
the duty OF the citizens of Gnited
States in the observance Of str 'u;ral-
ily as between the Spanish 20, q, vent
and the Cuban Insurgents, not only = h.
Ing armed assistance. but also as to y
derlng aid and encouragement In fnan al
way. The occasion for this exposition is
fully explained in the following cores
pondence:
Farmers and Merchants National
Bank. Waco, Tex. June 10, ls05.-ro Hon
Richard olney, Secretary Of State. Wash
Ing, d. c.: l have been approached by
alleged agents Of the Cuban Insurgents
with the view OF securing this banks con
sent to act us depository for contributions
from sympathizers In the United States,
but have withheld consent until such time
as / could hear from your department as
to whether we, by SO doing, lay ourselves
liable to prosecution under the neutrality
laws. This we desire 10 avoid. not only
technically, but morally as well, for we
are all too loyal TO our own country 10 seek
10 OYerturn IN any sense her laws IL u
needless to say that from business stdnu.
LoInt it would result In great financial
advantage TO this bank, and / hope you
Will see your way clear 10 alloWlns us
~ publish an hCceUluntt VI NV 'Ah'N "
the world With much respect | remain
your obedent servant,
John T., Massey, Cashier, FARMERS ana
Merchants National Bank. Waco, Tex; |
have to acknowledge the receipt OF your
favor of the 18th instant, and note the
inquiries therein contained. Mhclher lne
bank or Its officers could be crlmlhalis
nrosrcuted under the neutrality laws OF
ihe United States because the bank mas
knowingly made Itself dsposltV,y ,oaa
fnuls contributed by sympathlLers ~ the
United states in support OF tue present
Cuban insurrection Is q question as 70
which opinions may diner and which can
only be satisfactorily settled by the auludi-
cation OF the proper court. SHOULD pahh
engage In such transaction, ana US you
suggest, publish It's acceptance OF SUN
trust 10 the world. II would De my nlty 70
emil upou the department OF lusuce 10
tcst the uuestion whether or not the pro-
cpeliug yns crime against the united
States, II might also be my uu'y 70 sns
gest whether bank holulhg y uH ni,
States charter does not abuse us IRAN
chise and furnish ground for their Ior-
frIture by acts In aid Of hosuliilcs ashlhSt
a nation with which the United states ID Ut
Won ask me not merely as to your tech
rienl legal liability, but also as TO your
moral obligations, adding LOT We are az
too Loyal to our country 70 seek 10 vi wi,
! throw In any sense her laws. J heartily
| commend the sentiment OF the quotations;
| and am in a portion TO sny that your moral
| duty in the premises docs not aunt OF INC
| least question. II has been sNpnunded py
| no less than the supreme court OF the
United States, in the following lansuase'
| The Intercourse Of this country win lot
| elgn nations and its policy In regard TO
| thsm. are placed by the constitution OF
! the United States In the hands OF the gov
| eminent and It's decision upon these SUD.
| iects are obligatory upon every cltizen OF
| The union. lie Ii bound to be at war with
| the nation against which the war making
nower has declared war and equally bound
| 10 commit no hostility against a nauon
/ with which the government is In amlty ana
| friendship. This principle is universally
| acknowledged by the laws Of the nations
| IL lies at the foundations OF all governments
| as there could be no social order or peace
| al reiations between the citizens OF differ
| ent countries without It, IL is, however.
| more emphAtioally true In the relations OF
| the citizens OF the United States, for as
| the sovereignty resides In the people, every
citizen is portion Of IT, and Is himself
| hound by the laws which the representatives
| OF the sovereignty may pasl or the treaties
| into which they may enter, within the scope
| OF their delegated authority. And when that
| authority has plghted its faith to another
| nation. there shall be peace and friendship
| between tho citizens OF the two countries
| every citizen Of the United States is equally
| md personally pledged. The compact is
| made by the department Of the government
| upon which he himself has agreed to confer
| the power
| Trusting you will ind the foregoing a
| satisfactory answer TO your Inquiries, and
| that your bank, yourself and It's officers
will proceed accordingly, am sir, your
ORCHARD oLNEY."