The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-22

time entered upon the bloody paths OF
revolution. which they have pursued
for nearly two years, conducting d
most heroic struggle against the
tyranny of Spain; and.
Whereas, The people OF the United
States cannot regard with indifference
a contest so near their own borders
and which repeats so closely a part OF
their own history; therefore, be 1t
Resolved, that in the catalogue OF
wrongs which distinguish the rule OF
the mother country over Cuba, we
recognize cruelties which equal the
barbarism of the medieval times:
Without representation. the citizens OF
Cuba have been taxed to the verge or
poverty, the civil courts of justice have
been closed. and in their stead estao-
lished a military despotism-
without trial the native horn have
suffered the decree of Punishment, I'M
prisonment and death. The mere
caprice of the ruler has been appeased
by the death of the enslaved. and even
a murmur of discomfort at all times has
opened a grave. The resolve of the
Cuban patriots TO avenge these wrongs
we fully justify, and their noble and
heroic warfare-friendless and unarmed
against their well provided adversary
enduring every hardship, shrinking
from no sacrifice. giving their cities 10
the flames rather than to the foe-en-
title them TO the sympathy and ad-
miration of Christian nations
SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED.
..Resolved. that the enormous mill
tary and naval forces of the kingdom
of Spain engaged in Cuba during
period of now nearly two years, having
so far failed to. reduce the insurgents,
and these insurgents. as we are in
formed by the highest official authority
of this nation. being as irresistible to-
day as when they first moved TO COM
bat: and Furthermore, having mean
while organized and maintained gov
eminent of these colonies when Wash
ington was at Valley Forge; in view
of all these facts the Cuban republic
is entitled to receive forthwith from
this nation an official recognition of its
independence. Such action by the
United States would not only be in
accordance with international law, and
also in harmony with the rule enun-
ciated by President Monroe that any
attempt on the part of European
powers to enforce their system over
any portion of this hemisphere against
the will of its people would be con-
sidered by the United States as danger
Gus to their peace and liberty. And
we deprecate and condemn that
conservatism which favors monarchy
at the expense of republicanism, which
permits the oppressor to equip his
armies upon our soil and forbids this
privilege to the oppressed. And if this
conservatism is enforced because OF
our neutrality laws, then We call upon
our representatives in the councils OF
the nation to change the laws.
Resolved, that in our Judgment he
mistakes the impulses which sway the
American people who says: They view
with wonder and admiration the
cheerful resolution with which vast
bodies of men are sent by Spain across
thousands of miles of ocean, that the
costly gem of the Antilles may still
hold it's place in the Spanish crowd
ENERGY OF DEMONS.
ION the contrary, the American peo-
pie view with horror this energy of
demons. whose purpose is to continue
the robbery and slaughter of innocent
subjects.
.'Resclved, that we Indignantly re-
pudiate the idea that our heartless
treatment of the Cuban patriots should
be continued because, otherwise. diff
culties are to be unprecedented with
Spain. We have no desire for con-
test with that kingdom, nor with any
other nation. Peace is our constant
aim except when il becomes pOWer1eSs
to maintain it. In the issue now be-
fore us, we simply ask that our duty
shall be done, as we are given to see
that duty, according to divine and hui
man laws: and while we repudiate any
selfish motives by our efforts on behalf
of Cuba. at the same time we cannot
fail to observe that this island is geo.
graphically so situated that it's liberia
ton from its EuroDean domination
would be greatly to our national adj
vantage. Upon the broad seas of ma
tional safety which govern the power
of Europe, we would be justified in its
absolute appropriation. but by thai
rule of Justice which forbids us to SEIZE
territory against the will of it's people
the same rule of Justice which forbid:
the kingdom of Spain to enforce hel
! domination over a resisting American
colony. we can only ask that Cuba, a:
a free and independent state by hersell
and for herself shall determine hel
own future
Resolved, that the Cuban League o.
| the United States, organized to diffus'
| the sentiments and to secure to Cuba
| by all legal means the rights of self
government viii labor on until 1t:
mission is accomplished; and in fur
therance of its objects. we ask that {
copy of these resolutions, as expressive
of the sense of this meeting. be for
warded 10 the representatives of tn
people in congress and in the othe
| branches of the government"