The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-06
OUR RELATIONS WITH SPAIN.

The United States government IL In
very awkward dilemma with reference 20
Spain Congress has resolved that the in
jury to American interests in Cuba Justi-
fies our interference and seems 10 hold
Spain accountable for the damage inflicted
upon the property OF American citizens In
Cuba II is now known that the late as
distant secretary OF state, Mr.. Uni. while
acting secretary last jane. took posi-
ton which exonerates Spain from liability
and In a measure recognizes tina CaIbans as
belllgerents and not as rebels At that time
certain Americans owning property IN
Cuba inquired of the state department as
20 their right 10 expect and to demand pro-
lection from the Spanish authorities for
their interests.
Mr. Uhl replied that II Is a generally sc-
eepted principle OF international law that
n sovereign government Is not ordinarily
responsible TO alien residents for injuries
they may receive within It's territories
from insurgents whose conduct IL cannot
control. The United State has admitted
its liability to foreign governments for
damages inflicted by riotous mobs. ond
thereby admitted that 1t had control Of
their acts.
Ard with reference TO Cuba Mr.. Uni
admitted that within the limits of usual
effective control. law abiding residents
have a right to be protected in the ordin-
airy affairs OF life and intercourse. subject,
no adds, ito military necessities, should
their property be situated within the zone
OF active operations"
Military necessities" never arise except
in case of war. The state militia and ma
tionai troops may be called upon to I'D
local authorities In suppressing riots but
they do 50 under police powers and are
placed under the direction OF the civh au-
thoritIes. Mr.. uhi advises that In the
event of injury a claim would necessarily
have To be founded upon averment and
reasonable proof that tho responsible OFF,
cars of the Spanish government being in
a position 20 prevent such injury had faiied
TO use due diligence to do SO.
Here again is an admission that the con-
a,,lons OF Cuba are those OF war. No such
apology would be admissible IL the insur-
gents were only riotous mob or preda-
tory brigands defying the civil authority.
nor would this government for a moment
accept such an excuse II American citizens
were injured by the lawless acts OF armed
bodies proving about through either OF
the countries OF Europe.
spain cannot avail herself OF any such
immunity without setting up the defense
that n has SO far failed 20 perform It's
functions as a government as 20 bring IT.
salf under those provisions OF interaa-
tionai law which avail TO relieve II OF re-
spons!bnlty for the performance OF its due
obligations.
II the government stands en- the ground
laid out by Mr.. Uni how can II escape from
A recognition OF ths fact that s. condition
OF war exIsts in Cueag. The congressional
resolutions are in line with Mr.. Uhrs dec
iarations. and the president and his eahi-
net canno, but give them effect whatever
may be the consequences
The rupturs Of diplomatic relations be-
tween Spain and the United States is not
| at all improbable. and II win not be- the
0fSf lttflc II mas ANt1 As~s 70 A3lf
/ THIS country and Spain were at enmity
/ over the southwestern boundary line and
/ right 81 navigating the Mississippi In I75
| cur government had made n treaty with
/ spain which gave US the right OF depos-
/ Ste" AZ New Orleans. but IN octeb-r. ise-.
/ TIE Spanish authorities gave notice by
/ proclamation that the right was with
+ drawn. I, was then learned that Spain
/ BY a secret treaty had csded Louisiana 70
/ France. Jefferson took TIRE position that
| II France took possession 81 New Orleans
/ the united States would become allies OF
| England. Negotiations With France re-
suited IA tire purchase OF louisiana for
So soe GO IN 1903. but The ID-fesllnE then
generated with Spain led to other e.racui-
ties and a total cessation os Official rsla-
| items untn 1914