The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1896-12-10
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s THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE. \

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| States in any circumstances. In poin
of fact, they have concern whic
is by no means of wholly sentiments
or philanthropic character. 1t lies so nea
to us as to be hardly separated from ou
territory. Our actual pecuniary interes
in it is second only TO that of the peopl
and government of Spain. 1t is reason
ably estimated that at least from 10000,
| 600 to SJ0.00O.000 of American capit,
are invested in plantations and in rail
road, mining and other business enter
prises on the island. The volume of trad
between the United States and Cuba
which in 1889 amounted to about $64, 600,
600. rose in 1893 to about S1O3,OOO,OOO
and in 1894, the year before the presen
insurrection broke out, amounted to near
ly S9S,00O.000. Besides this large pc
cl1niary stake in the fortunes of Cuba, tn
United States finds itself inextricably in
volved in the present contest in Othe
| ways, both veXatious and costly. Man!
Cubans reside in this country and in
directly promote the insurrectiOn Through
the press, by pubic meetings, by the pur
chase and shipment of arms, by the rails
ing of funds and by other means, which
the spirit of our institutions and tn,
tenor of our laws do not permit to b.
made the subject of criminal prOsecu
tions of friendly power. 1t follows from
the same causes that the United States i:
compelled to actively police long line
of seacOast against unlawful expeditions
the escape of which the utmost vigilance
will not always suffice to prevent.
These inevitable entanglements of the
United States with the rebellion in Cuba
the large American property interests af
fected and considerations of philanthropy
and humanity in general have led to a
vehement demand in various quarters
for some sort of positive Intervention on
the part of the United States. 1t was
at first proposed that belligerent rights
should be accorded to the Insurgents
proposition no longer urged because un-
timely and in practical operation clearly
perilous and injurious to our own inter
ests. 1t has since been and is now some
times contended that the independence of
the insurgents should be recognized. But
imperfect and restricted as the Spanish
Government of the island may be, no
other exists there-unless the will of the
military officer in temporary command of
a particular district can be dignitied as a
species of government. 1t is now also
suggested that the United States should
buy the island-a suggestion possibly
worthy of consideration if there were any
evidence of desire or willingness on the
part of Spain to entertain such a pro-
posal. 1t is urged, finally, that, all other
methods failing, the existing interncine
strife in Cuba should be terminated by
our Intervention, even ut the cost Of a
war between the United States and
Spain-a war which its advocates con-
fidently prophesy could be neither large
in its proportions nor doubtful in its issue.
The correctness of this forecast need
be neither affirmed nor denied. The Unit
ed States has nevertheless character to
maintain as nation, which plainly die
tates that right and not might should be
the rule of its conduct.
1t is in the assumed temper and dispo-
sition of the Spanish Government to REM
edy its grievances, fortified by indica-
tions of influential public opinion in Spain
that this Government has hoped to dis
cover the most promising and effective
means of ending the present strife
with honor and advantage to Spain and
with the achievement of all the reas0na-
BILE objects of the insurrection. 1t was in
timated by this Government to the Gov
ernment of Spain some months ago that
if satisfactory measure of home rule
were rendered the Cuban insurgents and
would be accepted by them upon a guar
anty of its execution, the United States
would endeavor to find way not OBJ
jectionable to Spain of furnishing such
guaranty. While no definite response to
this intimation has yet been received from
the Spanish Government, it is believed
to be not altogether unwelcome, while,
rs already suggested. no reason is per-
ceived why it should not be approved
by the insurgents. Whatever circum-
stances may arise, our policy and our in
terest would constrain us to object to the
acquisition of the island or an interfer-
nnce with its control by any other power.
1t should be added that it cannot be rea-
Dnably assumed that the hitherto expect
ant attitude of the United States will be
maintained. When the ina
bility of Spain to deal successfully with
the insurgents has become manifest and
It is demonstrated that her sovereignty
IS extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its
rightful existence, and when hopeless
struggle for its re-establishment has de-
into a strife which means moth
ing more than the useless sacrifice of
human life and the utter destruction of
he very subject matter of the conflict,
| situation will be presented in which our
to the sovereignty of Spain
will be superseded by higher obligations,
which we can hardly hesitate to recog-
lize and discharge. Deferring the choice
If ways and methods until the time for
lction- arrives, we should make them de-
,end upon the precise conditions then ex-
sting, and they should not be deter
mined upon without giving careful heed
o every consideration involving our honor
md interest or the international duty we
,we to Spain. A Contemplation of emer-
yencies that may arise should plainly lead
IS to avoid their creation, either through
careless disregard of present duty or
wen an undue stimulation and ill-timed
expression of feeling But have deemed
not amiss to remind the Congress that
time may arise when correct policy
md care for our interests, as well as 4
egard for the interests of other nations
md their citizens, Joined by considera
ions of humanity and a desire to see a
'ich and fertile country, intimately re-
ated TO us, saved from complete devasta-
ion, will constrain our Government to
uch action as will subserve the interests
hus involved and at the same time prom
Sc to Cuba and its inhabitants an Oppor
unity to enjoy the blessings of peace.
Other Foreign Matters.
Negotiations for treaty of general
arbitration for all differences between
treat Britain and the United States are
ar advanced and promise to reach a sue
.essful consummation at an early date.
The scheme of examining applicants
or certain consular positions. to test
heir competency and fitness, adopted un
Ter an executive order issued on Sept. 20,
S95, has fully demonstrated the useful
less of this innovation.
The inspection of consular offices pro-
'ided for by an appropriation for that
at the last session of the Congress
las been productive of such wholesale
fleets that l hope this important work
will in the future be continued. l know
# nothing that can be done with the
ame slight expense so improving to the
ervice.
We have during the last year labored
and against unfavorable con-