The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1895-06-13
BELLGERENTS WARNED.
Our Citizens Must Not Aid the
Cuban Insurgents.
THE PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION.
Speedy Justice WIN Overtake All Who
Violate the Laws by Aiding Those in
Rebellion Against . Friendly Foreign
(3overpment,

WASHINGTON, June 13-Secretary Olney
10 thoroughly determined that the United
States government shall do all in It's power
and all the international law requires to
prevent the violation of the United States
territory by persons who undertake to
make 1t a base Of hostile operations against
Spain, with which power 1t is at peace
Complaints have reached the department
OF state through the Spanish minister that
men are being recruited on American soil,
and that armed expeditions are leaving
our shores for the purpose of attacking
the Spanish forces In Cuba Whenever the
necessary evidence can be procured these
infractlons of the law Of the United States
are to be severely punished, for the score
tary OF state will leave no just ground for
complaint that the United States has
failed In Its obligations to other nations.
Meanwhile, however, ii has been deemed
proper to give formal warning to mis-
guided people Of what they may expect, so
yesterday afternoon the following procla-
nation was issued from the state depart
ment by the president;
Whereas, the Island of Cuba Is now
the seat Of serious civil disturbances, ac-
companied 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 and amity; and,
Whereas, the laws of the United States
prohibit their citizens, as well as all others
being within and subject to their jurisdic.
ton, from taking part in such disturb
ances adversely to such established gov
eminent by accepting or exercising com.
missions for warlike service against 1t, by
enlistment, or procuring others to enlist
9..t. n, l..
procuring to be fitted out armed ships Of
war for such service, by augmenting the
force Of any ship Of war engaged in such
service and arriving in a port of the United
States, and by setting on foot or provid-
ing or preparing the means for military
enterprises to be carried on from the
United States against the territory Of such
government;
Now, therefore, in recognition of the
laws aforesaid and in discharge Of the OBJ
legations of the United States towards q
friendly power and as measure Of pre-
caution and to the end thet citizens of the
United States and all others within its
jurisdiction may be deferred from subject
ing themselves to legal forfeitures and
penalties 1, Grover Cleveland, president
of the United States Of America, do hereby
admonish all such citizens and other per-
laws herein before referred to, and do
hereby warn them that all violations Of
such laws will be vigorously prosecuted;
and do hereby enjoin upon all officers Of
the United States charged with the exc
cution Of said laws the utmost diligence
in preventing violations thereof and in
bringing to trial and punishment any Of
tenders against the same"
The issuance Of the presidents procla-
nation gave rise to considerable discus.
sion as TO whether 1t does not practically
amount to a recognition of the rebels as
belligerents Such an Interpretation Of
the proclamation, however is not correct,
according to the opinions of several well
known public men. Senator Morgan, Of
Alabama, who is a recognized authority
9p iptegpatio1al law, when asked about
the matter, said:
mo recognition of the rights of beliger-
ency are accorded by the proclamation,
but Just the reverse is the case There
would have been no necessity for such &C
ton II the insurgents were bslligerents,
for then the citizens of the United States
would have the right to sell them muni-
tions of war II they could escape the block
ade of the Spanish fleets 1t is simply car
rying out the law on the subject
Senator Call, Of Florida, said the pro-
olamation was rather stronger than he
liked. II am" he said, "in favor Of the
Independence Of Cuba for 1t is foregone
conclusion that the island will throw off
the Spanish yoke. In my judgment it is
q wild idea to suppose that this govern.
ment can support the tottering govern
ment Of Spain over Cuba, or that II ought
to do it.n