The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1895-12-12

The Cuban Revolt.
Cuba is again gravely disturbed.
An instruction, in one respect more
, active than the last preceding revolt
which continued from 1868 to 1878,
now exists in large part of the east
ern interior of the island, menacing
even some population ON the coast, be-
sides deranging the commercial ex-
changes Of the island, of which our
country takes the predominant share,
this fragrant condition of hostilities, by
arousing sentimental sympathy and in
citing adventurous support among our
people, has entailed earnest effort on
the part of this government to enforce
obedience to our neutrality laws, and
to prevent the territory of the United
States from being abused as a vantage
ground from which to aid those bear
ing arms against Spanish sovereignty.
| Whatever may be the traditional
sympathy Of our countrymen, as indi-
viduals, with people who seem to be
struggling for larger autonomy and
greater freedom, and as such sympathy
naturally must be in behalf OF our
neighbors, yet the plain duty of their
government is to observe in good faith
the recognized obligations of interna-
tional relationships. The performance
Of this duty should not be made more
difficult by disregard ON the part of
our citizens Of the obligations growing
out OF their allegiance to their country,
| which should restrain them from vio-
lating as individuals, the neutrality
which the nation of which they are
members is bound to observe III its re-
lations to friendly sovereign states.
Though neither the warmth of our peo-
pies sympathy with the Cuban insur-
gents, nor our loss and material dam
age. consequent upon the futile en-
beavers thus far made to restore peace
and order, nor any shock our humane
responsibility may have received from
the cruelties, which appear to especial
~ characterize this sanguinary and
flercely conducted war. have in the
least shaken the determination Of the
government to honestly fulfill every in
ternational obligation, yet it is to be
earnestly hoped. on every ground, that
the devastation of armed conflict may
speedily be stayed, and order and quiet
restored to the distracted island, bring
ing in their train the activity and
thrift OF peaceful pursuits.
Guatemala and Mexico.
The boundary dispute which lately
threatened to embroil Guatemala and
Mexico, has happily yielded to pacific
counsel, and its determination has, by
the joint agreement of the parties, been
submitted to the sole arbitration of the
United States minister to Mexico. The
commission appointed under the con-
vention of February IS, 1889, to set
new monuments along the boundary
between the United States and Mexico,
has completed its task.
American Missionaries in Turkey.
Occurrences in Turkey have con-
tinued to excite alarm concerning the
reported massacre of Christians in Ar
menia, and the development there and
in other districts of spirit of fanatic
hostility to Christian influences nat
urally excited apprehension for the
safety of the devoted men and women
who, as dependents of the foreign mis-
sionary societies in the United States,
reside in Turkey under the guarantee
Of law and usage, and in the legiti-
mate performance of their educational
and religious mission. No efforts have
heen spared in their behalf and their
protection in person and property has
been earnestly and vigorously enforced
by every means within our power.
regret, however, that an attempt
On our part to obtain better informa-
ton concerning the true condition of
affairs in the disturbed quarters Of the
Ottoman empire, by sending thither
the United States consul at Sivas, to
make an investigation and report, was
thwarted by the objections of the Turk
ish government. This movement ON
our part was in no sense meant as a
gratuitous ENHANCEMENT of the United
States in the so-called Eastern ques-
ton, nor as an of1lcious interference
with the right and duty which belong,
by treaty, to certain great European
powers, and which called for their in
tervention in political matters affect
ing the good government and religious
freedom of the -Mussulman sub
jects of the sultan, but it arose solely
from or desire to have an accurate
knowledge of the conditions, and our
efforts to care for those entitled to our
protection.
The presence of our naval vessels,
which are now in the vicinity of the
disturbed localities, affords opportuni-
ties in a measure of familiarity with
the condition of affairs, and will enable
Us to take suitable steps for the protec-
tion of any interests Of our countrymen
within reach of our ships. which might
be found imperiled.
The Ottoman government has lately
issued an imperial trade, exempting
forever from taxation any American
college for girls at Scutari. Repe~sed
assurances have also been obtained, by
our envoy st Constantinople, that SINH
lar institutions maintained and admin
istered by our countrymen shall be Sc
cured in the enjoyment Of all rights,
and that our citizens throughout the
empire shall be protected. The gov
eminent, however, in view of existing
circumstances, is far from relying upon
such assurances as the limit of its duty.
In conclusion, / specially entreat the
peoples representatives in congress,
who are charged with the responsible
ity of inaugurating measures for the
safety and prosperity Of our common
country, to promptly and effectively