The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-08-05
A PROCLAMATION.
The Neutrality Laws Concerning Cuba
Will be Enforced.

VIII be Enforced.
WASHINGTON, July 3O.-The Presi-
dent has issued a proclamation, bear
ing date July 9th, again command
ing citizens to observe neutrality to.
wards Cuba. The proclamation refers
to the original proclamation of June
II, 1895, demanding an observance Of
the neutrality laws in respect to the
Cuban insurrection, and gives notice
that all violations will be vigorously
prosecuted. The President cites the
decision of the Supreme Court in the
Wiborg case, constituting the statute
relative to military expedition, con-
spiracies, and the extension of aid by
furnishing transportation, in order
that citizens may not be misled as to
the meaning of the neutrality laws.
The proclamation in full is as fol-
lows:
By the President of the United
States of America. A proclamation.
Whereas, by a proclamation dated
the 18th day of June, A. D. 1895, at.
tention was called to the serious civil
disturbances accompanied by armed
res istance to the established govern
ment prevailing in the Island of Cuba,
and citizens of the United States and
all other persons were admonished to
abstain from taking part in such dis
turbances in contravention OF the neu-
trality laws Of the United States; and
whereas, said civil disturbances and
armed resistance to the authority of
Spain, power with which the United
States are un vof+Iiss vvof+iss of peace and ami.
ty, continue to prevail in said Island
of Cuba; and whereas, since the date
of said proclamation said neutrality
laws OF the United States have been
the subject of authoritative exposition
by the judicial tribunal OF last resort,
and it has thus been declared that any
combination of persons organised in
the United States for the purpose of
proceeding to and making war upon a
foreign country with which the United
States are at peace and provided with
arms to be used for such purpose con.
stitutes military expedition or en-.
terprise" within the meaning of said
neutrality laws, and that the provid'
ing or preparing OF the means for such
military expedition or enterprlse"
which is expressly prohibited by said
laws, includes furnishing or aiding in
transportation for such military ex.
pedition or enterprise" and whereas,
by express enactment, il two or more
persons conspire to commit an ofense
against the United States any act OF
one conspirator to effect the object Of
such conspiracy renders all the con
spirators liable to fine and imprison-
ment; and whereas, there is reason to
believe that citizens of the United
States, and others within their juris.
diction, fail to apprehend the mean.
ing and operation of the neutrality
laws of the United States as authori-
tatively interpreted as aforesaid and
may be misled into participation in
transactions which are violations
of said laws and will render them
liable to the severe penalties provided
for such violations.
Now, therefore. that the laws above
referred to as judicially construed
may be duly executed, that the inter.
national obligations of the United
States may be fully satisfied and that
their citizens and all others within
their jurisdiction, being seasonably
apprised of their legal duty in the
premises, may abstain from dlsobedl-
ence TO the laws of the United States
and thereby escape the forfeitures and
penalties legally consequent thereon !:
I, Grover Cleveland, President Of
the United States, do hereby solemnly
warn all citizens OF the United States
and all others within their jurisdic.
tions against violations of said laws
Interpreted as herein before explained,
and give notice that all such viola
tions will be vigorously prosecuted.
And do hereby invoke the co-opera.
lion of all good citizens in the enforce.
ment OF said laws and in the detection
and apprehension of any offenders
against the same, and do hereby en-.
ioin upon all the executive officers OF
the United States the utmost diligence
in preventing, prosecuting, and pun
ishing any infracttons thereof.
In testimony whereof, I have here.
unto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States 10 be affixed.
Done at tie city of Washington,
this twenty seventh day ol July, in
the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and ninety.six, and OF
the independence of the United States
the one hundred and twenty first.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
By the President:
DKcuIpn OTNTV