Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-08

for their own advantage. Such . con-
dition of things would inevitably entail
immense destruction OF property. even
If ii was the policy Of both parties to
prevent it as far as practicable. But
while such seemed to be the original
policy of the Spanish government il
has now apparently abandoned it, and
is acting upon the same theory as the
insurgents. namely: that the exigencieS
of the contest require the wholesale
humiliation of property that it may
not prove of use and advantage of the
enemy.
The president then goes on to say
that the result of this policy Will be
the ruin of the entire island. and refers
to our money interest in Cuba. esti-
mated at from 100000. 600 to So, 00o, 600;
also to the difficulty ard cost of pre-
venting filibusteriGg, with the peoples
sympathies all with the rebels, together
with the continual appeals for the Fro
lection by the United States Of Cuban
Americans. He says that the United
States has been very forbearing in the
matter, and that no other nation would
have stood off so long. He continues as
follows:
It was at first proposed that belliger-
ent rights should be accorded TO the
insurgents-a proposition no longer
urged because untimely and in practical
operation clearly perilous and injurious
to our own interests. II has since been
and IS now sometimes contended that
the independence of the insurgents
should be recognized. But imperfect
and restricted as the Spanish govern
ment on the island may be no other
exists there-unless the will of the mill
tary officer in temporary command of a
particular district can be dignified as
species of government 1t is now also
suggested that the United States should
buy the island-a suggestion possibly
worthy of consideration il there were
any evidence OF desire or willingness
on the part of Spain to entertain such
proposal. 1t is urged finally that all
other metods failing. the existing inter-
necine strife in Cuba should be ter
minated by our Intervention, even at
the cost of a war between the United
States and Spain-a war which its ad-
Vocat@s confidently prophesy could be
neither large in it's proportions nor
doubtful in its issue.
The correctness of this forecast need
be neither affirmed nor denied. The
United States has nevertheless a char
acter to maintain as a nation. which
plainly dictates that right and not
might should be the rule Of its con-
Proceeding the president refers to the
determination Of Spain to insist that
the rebels shall lay down their arms be-
fore she grants the reforms which he
6iNcS Hei credit IOf DelnS W1illnS TO
grant, and thinks that determination
not reasonable and adds:
II was intimated by this government
10 the government of Spain some
months ago that if a satisfactory meas
ure of home rule were rendered the Gu
ban insurgents and would be accepted
by them upon guaranty of its execu-
ton. the United States would endeavor
to lind way not Objectionable to Spain
or furnishing such guaranty. While
no definite response to this intimate
has yet been received from the Spanish
government. it is believed to be not al
together unWelcome. while no reason Is
perceived why it should not be ap-
proved by the insurgents.
Whatever circumstances may arise
our policy and our interests would con-
strain us TO object to the acquisition of
the island or the interference with its
control by any other power. It should
be added that it cannot be reasonabl
assumed that the hitherto eXpectant
attitude of the United States will be
indefinitely maintained When
the inability of Spain to deal success
fully with the instruction has become
manifest. and IL is demonstrated that
her sovereignty is extinct in Cuba for
all purposes of its rightful existence
and when hopeless struggle for its
has degenerated into
a strife which means nothing more
utter destruction of the very subject
matter of the conflict. a situation viii,
be presented in which our obligations
to the sovereignty of Spain will be SUI
perseded by higher obligations. which
we can hardly hesitate to recognize
and discharge.
Deferr:ng the choice of ways and
methods until the time for action ar
rives, we should make them depend
upon the precise conditions then exist
ing: 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 contir gencies suggested, or
| the situation is by other incidents i'm
peratively changed. we should continue
| in the line of conduct heretofore pur-
| sued, thus in all circumstances exhib-
| ting our obedience to the requirements
| Of public law and our regard for the
| duty enjoined upon US by the position
we occIluv in the family of nations