The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1896-12-11

De solved with the least possible deIav
IL was 1ntimated by this government
70 the government of Spain some
months ago that, if satisfactory mea-
sure or home rule were rendered the
OuDan insurgents and would be ;ic-
cepted by them upon guaranty of it's
execution, the United States would en-
deavor to lind way not Objectionable
TO Spain OF furnishing such a guaranty.
While no definite response to this init
matlon has yet been received from the
spanish government, it is believed to
be not altogether unwelcome. while.
Hs already suggested, no reason is per-
celVed why 1t should not be approved
by the insurgents. 1t is therefore fer
Vently hoped on all grounds that ear
nest efforts for healing the breech be-
tween Spain and the insurgent Cubans,
upon the lines above indicated, may be
at once inaugurated and pushed to an
immediate and successful issue. The
friendly offices of the United States,
either in the manner above outlined or
In any other way consistent with our
constitution and laws, will always be
at the disposal of either party.
Whatever circumstances may arise,
bur policy and our interests would con-
strain us to object to the acquisition of
the island or an interference with it's
control by any other power. 1t should
be added that it cannot be reasonably
assumed that the hitherto expectant
attitude of the United States will be
Indefinitely maintained. While we are
anxious to accord all due respect to the
sovereignty of Spain, we cannot view
the pending conflict in all it's features,
and properly apprehend our inevitably
close relations to it, ard its possible
results, without considering that by
the course of events we may be drawn
into such an unusual and unprece-
dented condition, as will fix limit to
our patient waiting for Spain to end
the contest, either alone and in her
own way, or with our friendly coop
peration. When the inability of Spain
to deal successfully with the insu rrec
ton has become manifest, and it is
| demonstrated that her sovereignty is
| extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its
rightful existence, and when hope
has degenerated into strife which
means nothing more than the useless
sacrifice of human life and the utter
destruction of the very subject-matter
of the conflict, a situation will be pre-
sented in which our obligations to the
sovereignty of Spain will be superseded
by higher obligations, which we can
hardly hesitate to recognize and dis
| charge.
Our Present Policy.
"Defsrring the choice of ways and
methods until the time for action ar
rives, we should make them depend
upon the precise conditions then ex-
| isting; and they should not be deter
mined upon without giving careful
heed to every consideration involving
our honor and interest, or the interna-
tional duty we owe to Spain. Until
we face the contingencies suggested,
or the situation is by other incidents
imperatively changed, we should con-
tinue in the line of conduct heretofore
pursued, thus in all circumstances ex-
hibiting our obedience to the require
IN .nts of public law and our regard for
the duty enjoined upon us by the posi-
ion we occupy in the family of ma
tions. A contemplation of emergencies
that may arise should plainly lead us
to avoid their creation, either through
careless disregard of present duty or
even an undue stimulation and ill
timed expression of feeling. But l
have deemed it not amiss to remind
the congress that time may arrive
when correct policy and care for our
interests, as well as a regard for the
in erests of other nations and their
citizens, joined by considerations of
humanity and q desire to see rich and
fertile country, intimately related to
US, saved from complete devastation,
will constrain our government to such
action as will subserve the interests
thus involved and at the same time
promise to Cuba and it's inhabitants
an opportunity to enjoy the blessings
of peace.
Tariff and Finance.
The president submits statement
of the revenues and expenses of the
government and adds: Il believe our
present tariff law, if allowed fair OPP
portunity, will in the near future yield
n revenue which. with reasonable
economical expenditures, will over
come all deficiencies. In the mean
time no deficit that has occurred or
NAV occur need excite or disturb us.
To meet any such deficit we have in the
treasury, in addition to gold reserve
If one hundred millions. a surplus of
more than one hundred and twenty
eioht millions of dollars applicable to
the payment of the expenses OF the gov
arnrnent. and which must. unless ex-
pended for that purpose. remain use
iAss hoard. or, if not extravagantly
wasted, must in any event be pervert-
"a from the purpose o. its exaction
from our people. The payment, there
fore. of any deficiency in the revenue
f.tn this fund is nothing more than
it's proper or Legitimate use. Tne gov
eminent thus applying surplus for
lnna:ely in it's treasury to the payment
If EXPENSES not met by its current
revenues. is not,at all To be lilSened to
IAN living beyond his income and thus
Ineurring debt or encroaehing on his
principal. IL is not one of the functions
A. our government To accumulate and