The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-06-16
NEUTRALITY AND BELLIGERENT
RIGHTS.

The recent proclamation of the Presi-
dent relative to the insurrection in
Cuba is in pursuance of the traditional
policy of the United States. The doc
trine of neutrality is essentially an
American doctrine. 1t owes its recog-
milton ii not its existence to- the honest.
persistent and determined efforts of the
United States. Before the establishment
of this government war was the normal
condition Of nations. and such thing
as an honest observance of neutrality
was unknown. 1t sometimes obtained a
partial recognition through treaties. but
it was never recognized as a matter CT
international right and duty until after
the formation of this government. For
twenty-five years after the adoption of
the Constitution the ruling idea of our
statesmen was to keep the United States
out of the wars which were devastating
Europe. The successful adherance to
this policy, while continually indicating
the independence and dignity of the
United States government, did more
than all that had happened previous to
that time to give form and stability to
the doctrine of neutrality. Now it is
recognized as one of the highest duties
of a civilized nation to maintain a strict
forced to take sides for the protection
of it's own honor or interests.
Since the formation of the govern
ment there have been but few admins
trations that have not had to deal with
the question of filibustering or take
measures to prevent the neutrality laws
from being violated. Washington had
to deal with the efforts of Genet and the
French revolutionists, and John Adams
with the Venezuelan revolutionist Mi
randa, born flibuster and typical sol
der of fortune, who, in 1906, fitted out
an expedition in the United States, en-
listing many Americans for the purpose
of establishing a republic at Caracas.
Jefferson had to suppress the filibuster-
ing scheme of Aaron Burr, and Madison
and other Presidents had to deal with
the question of foreign enlistments or
equipment in the United States. For
more than fifty years it has been a con-
slant care Of the government to pre-
vent filibustering expeditions against
the feeble Spanish-American republics
from leaving our shores, and the Dip
lomatic correspondence with Spain re-
garding Cuba, growing out of this SUBJ
ject. would fill volumes.
The recent proclamation shows the
hand of a careful lawyer in it's draft
ing. 1t is so phrased as to be strong
warning against filibustering or any
violation Of neutrality laws, and yet
gives no recognition TO the insurgents
as belligerents. 1t does not recognize
the existence of war in Cuba, but speaks
of civil disturbances accompanied by
armed resistance TO the authority of
the established government of Spain,
power with which the United States are,
and desire To remain. on terms of peace
ard amity." In other places the procla-
nation refers to the established govern
ment" and 1.-The obligations OF the
United States toward friendly power"
etc. There is not word in the procla-
nation that could be construed as rec
ognition of the bellgerent rights of the
insurgents. This question of the bellig-
erent rights is very important one.