The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-12
SPAIN Warned.
Has Not Been Suggested by the United
States Government.
BELueeRENcY OF INSURGENTS
Not Likely to Be Recognized
Yet Awhile.

Madrid says that IL Is stated there upon
good authority that the United states
government has pointed out TO the span
ish minister at Washington the necessity
that Spain should take prompt action TO
crush the rebellion in Cuba This state
ment created a sensation in Spanish pollti-
cal circles.
IL Is learned here that Minister de LONE
had short interview with Secretary
Olney Thursday, and in the course OF then
conversation something might have been
said by the minister, perhaps in answer 10
the secretary's inquiry, in the nature OF
statement that operations in Cuba would
be conducted with greater vigor hereafter.
As the president must certainly make
some reference TO the insurrection In MS
annual message TO congress when 1t meets
in December, il would be but natural that
Secretary Olney, upon whom he must rely
for his information, should take steps TO
gather data upon which To base judg-
ment of probable future events.
IL may be set down as beyond belief that
Secretary Olney has made any statement
TO the Spanish minister in the nature OF
threat to intervene between the combat
ants in Cuba at this stage, for this would
amount to a reversal of the policy OF this
government in such matters.
While it Is true that President Grant
tid--as indicated in his messages TO con-
Qress-entertain a belief that Intervention
in the then progressing rebellion In Cuba
would be justiliable, II is also true that
this view never was acceptable TO Secre-
tary Fish, and it has not secured the ad-
herence Of international lawyers. The
whole weight Of authority Is decidedly ad'
verse TO the assertion by neutral nation
Of a right to say when war between two
combatants had progressed TO point
where 1t must be stopped.
The question is also separate from that
of the recognition of the belligerency OF
She insurgents, which, according TO our pol
icy and practice, must be determined Sc
verely by the facts in each case. IL Is
pointed out here also that the circum-
stances ut present are different from those
surrounding the last Cuban rebellion,
when President Grant took his stsnd, In
that that rebellion dragged along for
nearly 10 years, while the present insur-
rection has been in progress less than n
year, or not nearly as long as our own re-
bellion.
Taking n Fresh Start
Whatever may have been the inspiring
cause to Spanish activity against the in-
sureents whether Minister de Lome's
representations or the previously formed
determination Of the Spanish govern
ment). it is known officially that Spain
is about to open campaign OF far greater
energy than any thus far taken. The wet
season has prevented the movement OF
troops and the maintenance OF an aggres-
siye campsign. But the dry season be-
gins about three weeks hence, and this
will be the signal. 1t is said, for extensive
movements
A Gordon, consisting of double line OF
runboats, will surround the island, TO
prevent the landing Of arms or ammuni-
tion for the insurgents, and without arms
from outside IL is believed they soon will
be HELPLESS The new boats about TO arrive
IN Cuba will not be far short Of 90 Some
are very small, but are well-armed, and
are of such light draught that they can
run In the keys that surround Cuba.
They will form the inner Gordon around
the island. Outside will be the second
Gordon, made up of large ships which
Spain has in Cuban waters. With the
island thus cut off from without, General
De Campos will push the fighting from
within.
1t is expected by Spanish officials that
this forward movement will change the
entire aspect of the conflict from one of
minor skirmishes To extensive battles.
The sentiment among Spanish authorities
As that a decisive forward movement Is
essential and the coming campaign is re-
lied on to meet fully the requirements of
the situation.
AS Viewed by Harmon.
C~uo,ol Iarr,on xrith,-
last few weeks, has received large mum
ber Of letters making inquiry as TO the
rights OF American citizens under interna-
tional law with respect to expressing their
sympathy with Cuba, either materially OF
otherwise, in her present struggle. The
following is a reply TO one of these letters
and As substantially the same as all of the
replies sent:
Ihastsn to say. in reply 10 your letter. that
the organization of a military force OF any sor
an the United States In aid of the insurrec
tion in Cuba would be in direct violation o.
section 8266 Of the revised statutes of tn
United States. which provides for fine no
exceeding 5000 and imprisonment for not mor
than three years for every person who in an,
way takes part in such expedition OF enter
prise 20 be carried on from thence against an,
prince, state, etc, with whom the United
btAtt are at peace.
As the United States are not only at peac,
with Spain, but have with her treaty
whereby the extradition of prisoners and many
other benefits are secured, IL behooves al
American citizens who have respect for th,
laws and obligations OF their country and re
gard for its honor 10 observe this law in spirit
as well a. i'm letter, TO be- neutral in word a.
well as in deed. While there Is no law 20 pre-
vent American citizens from speaking theii
sentiments on any subject, Singly or together
taking such action a. mentioned In your letter
would. In my Judgment, be discourteous in ths
highest degree 20 friendly power and tend q
embarrass and obstruct the government in
carrying ont it, determination faithfully q
execute the laws and fulnn its treaty obliga
lions.
Meiody's Last Jump.
SALEM, Mass, Oct. l2-Martin Melody
who has quite local reputation as