The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-04
NO RECOGNITION FOR CUBANS.
The President Deity Dodges the
Question of BeIIigerency.

Cuba is again gravely disturbed. An insurrec-
tion in respect more active than the last pre-
ceding revolt, which continued from 1868 to 1873,
now exists in large OF the eastern interior OF
the island, menacing even some populous towns on
the coast. Besides deranging the commercial ex-
changes of the island, of which our country takes
the predominant share, this fl grant condit on Of
hostility by arousng sentimental sympathy and
melting adventurous support among our people,
has entaed earnest effort the part of this Gov
eminent TO enforce obedience TO oCr neutrality
laws and to prevent the territory of the United
states from being used as vantage ground from
which to aid those in arms against Spanish
sovereignty.
Whatever may be the traditional sympathy OF
our countrymen as individuals with people who
seem to be struggling for larger autonomy and
greater freedom depends, as such sympathy natu-
rally must be in behalf OF our neighbors, yet the
plain duty Of this Government is to observe In
good faith the recognized obligations of inter
national relationship. The performance OF this
duty should not be made more difficult by disre-
gard on the part of citizens of the obligations
growing out of their al egiance to their country,
which should restrain them from violating indi
vlduals the neutrality which the Nation OF which
they members is bound to observe in its rela-
tons to friendly sovereign States. Though neither
the warmth OF our peoples sympathy with the
Cuban insurgents, nor our loss and material dam
age consequent upon the futile endeayor thus far
made 10 restore peace and order nor any shock our
humane sensibilities may have received from the
cruelti les which appear to especially characterize
this sanguinary and fercely conducted war, have
in the least shaken the determination of the Gov
eminent to honestly fulfill every international
obligation, yet it is be earnestly hoped, OH every
ground, that the devastation of armed conflict
may speedily be stayed and order and quiet re-
stored to the distracted island, bringing in their
train the activity and thrift of peaceful pursuits
One notable instance Of interference by Spain
with passing American ships has occurred. On
March last the Alliance, while bound from Colon
TO New York, and following the customary track
for vessels the Cuban shore, but outside the
three mile limit, was fired upon by Spanish gun
boat Protest was promptly made by the United
States against this act, as not being justified by
state Of war, permissible in respect OF vessels
on the usual paths of commerce, nor tolerable IN
view OF the wanton peril occasioned to Innocent
life and property The act was disavowed with
full expression OF regret and assurance OF non-re
currence of such just cause OF COMPLAINT, while
the offending officer was relieved of his command.
Military arrests of citizens Of the United States in
Cuba have occasioned frequent reclamations.
Where held on criminal charges their delivery to
demanded and obtained in conformity with treaty
provisions, and where merely detained by way OF
militia nv accusation under proclaimed state OF
siege without formulated accusation, their release
trial has been insisted upon.
The right OF American consular officers in the
island TO prefer protests and demands In such
cases having been questioned by the authoriti. s,
their enjoyment Of the privilege stipulated by
der the most favored nation provision of our own
convention and was promptly recognized.
The long standing demand OF Antonio Maxine
payment on the l4th OF September Of the sum
originally agreed upon in liquidation Of the claim
ceive il has proceeded as rapidly as the rights Of
those claiming the fund could be safely deter
mined The enforcement OF d1herential duties
against products of this country exported to Cuba
and Porto Rico prompted the immediate claim on
our part to the benefit Of the minimum tariff of
Spain In return for the not favorable treatment
permitted by our laws as regards he production OF
Spanish territories commercial arrangement
was concluded in January last securing the treat
ment so claimed. Vigorous protests against ex-
cessive fines imposed on our ships and merchandise
by the customs officers of these islands for trivial
errors have resulted in the remission of such fines
In instances where the equity Of the complaint was
apparent, though The vexatiOuS practice has not
been wholly discontinued.