Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-08


dertakes TO do for the relief OF Cuba
will not be done according to both the
spirit and the letter OF the undertaking.
SUGGESTIONS TO SPAIN.
Nevertheless realizing that suspicious
and precautions on the part of the weak
err OF the two combatants are always
natural and not always unjustifiable--
being sincerely dcsirous in the interest
OF both. as wen as on It's own account
that the Cuban problem should be solved
with the least possible delay-it was in
timated by this government TO the Gov
eminent OF Spain some months ago that.
II 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 e find a way. not oh
iectionable TO Spain. Of furnishing such
guaranty. While no definite response
10 this intimation has yet been received
from the Spanish Government. II Is be-
lieved 10 be not altogether unwelcome;
while as already suggested. no reason
ls perceived why It should not be ap-
proved by the insurgents. Neither party
IAN fail 10 see the importance OF early
action, and both must realize that TO
prolonC tho present state Of things for
even n short period will add enormously
70 the time and labor and expenditure
necessary TO bring about the industrial
recuperation of the island. IT is, there
fore, ferventy hoped on all grounds that
earnest efforts for healing the breach be-
tween Spain and the insurgent Cubans.
npon the lines above indicated. may be a.
once inaugurated. and pushed to an imme-
iiate and successful issue. The friendly
ofsices of the United States. either in
the manner above outlined, or in any
othcr way consistent with our Constitu-
hon and laws. will always be at the dis
posal Of either party
whatever circumstances may arise, our
policy and our interests would constrain
as 10 object 10 the acquisition OF the
Island. or an interference with its con-
troll by any other power.
Ii should be added that II cannot be rea-
sonably assumed that the hitherto ex-
pectant attitude of the United states
will be indefinitely maintained While
we are anxious 10 accord all due respect
10 the sovereignty Of Spain. we cannot
view the pending conflict In all its fea-
lures. and properly apprehend our inevi-
tably close relations to II and its pos
sihle results. without considering that.
by the course of events, we may be drawn
into such an unusual and unprecedented
condition as will fix a limit 10 our pa
tient waiting for Spain 10 end the con-
test. either alone and IN her own way,
or with our friendly cooperation.
When the inability Of Spain 10 deal
successfully with the insurrection has
become manifest and II Is demonstrated
that her sovereignty IS extinct in Cuba
for all purposes of its rightful existence.
and when a hopeless struggle for its re-
establishment has degenerated into a
strife which means nothing more than
the useless sacrifice Of human life and
the utter destruction Of the very sub
ject-matter Of the conflict. a situation
will be presented in which our obliga-
tions TO the sovereignty Of Spain will be
superseded by higher obligations, which
we can hardly hesitate 10 recognize and
discharge.
Deferring the choice Of ways and
methods until the time for action arrives.
we should make them depend upon the
precise conditions then existing; and they
should not be determined upon without
giving careful heed 10 every considera-
tion involving our honor and interest or
the international duty we owe to Spain.
Until we face the contingencies sug-
gestod. or the situation is by other Incl
dents imperativelv changed, we should
continue in the lire Of conduct heretofore
pursued thus in all circumstances eX-
hibiting our obedience 70 the requirements
o. public law. and our regard for the
duty enjolned upon us by the position we
occupy In the family Of nations.
a contemplation OF emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead us 10 avoid
their creation, either through a care
less disregard of present duty. or even
an undue stimulation and ill-timed ex-
preston OF feeling. But l have deemed
II not amiss 70 remind Congress that a
time may arrive when a correct policy,
and care for our interests. as we'll as
regard for the interests of other nations
and their citizens. Joined by considera-
lions OF humanity, and a desire TO see a
rich and fertile country. intimately re-
lated to US. saved from complete de-
vastation. will constrain our government
TO such action as will subserve the in
terests thus involved, and al the same
time promise to Cuba and it's inhabitants
an opportunity to enjoy the blessings Of
peace.
VENEZUELA.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased 10 be a matter of difference be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States. their respective governments
having agreed upon the substantial pro-
visions of a treaty between Great Britain
and Venezuela. submitting the whole con-
troversy to arbitration. The provisions Of
the treaty are so eminently just and fair
that the assent OF Venezuela thereto may
confidently be anticipated
GENERAL ARBITRATION.
Negotiations for treaty Of general
arbitration for all differences between
Great Britain and the United States are
g., oIx 70 oh,
successful contamination at an early
Gate.
CONSULAR SERVICE.
The scheme of examining applicants for
certain consular positions. TO test their
competency and fitness. adopted under
an executive order issued on the goth
OF September, 1895. has fully demon
strated the usefulness OF this innovation.
in connection with this plan of examina-
tion. promotions and transfers Of de-
serving incumbents have been quite eX-
.ensively made, with excellent results.
During the past year thirty-fve ap-
pointments have been made in the consul
lar service twenty-seven of which were
made to fill vacancies caused by death
Or resignation, or to supply newly-created
posts. two TO succeed incumbents
removed for cause; two for the
purpose of displacing alien con-
sular officials by American citi-
zens, and four merely changing the off,
cial title Of the incumbents from COM
mercial agents TO consuls. While Of these
appointments. transfers or promotions
from other positions under the Depart
ment OF State. four Of those appointed
had rendered previous service under the
department. eight were made OF persons
who passed a satisfactory examination,
seven were appointed 10 places not in
cluded IN the order OF September 90 1895.
and four appointments. as above stated.
involved no change of incumbency.
The inspection OF consular Offices pro-
vided for by an appropriation for that
purpose ct the last session Of the Con-
gress has been productive OF such whole
Soma .ffecfs that / hone this ifuportant