Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-12-11


the gravest Of peris and inviting auspi-
cion as to the sincerity of any professed
willingness to grant reforms. The obieo-
ton on behalf of the insurgents-that
promised reforms cannot be relied upon
must, OF course, be considered, though we
have no right to assume, and no reason
for assuming, that anything Spain under
takes to do for the relief of Cuba will
not he done according to both the spirit
and the letter of the undertaking.
Nevertheless, realizing that suspicious
and precautions on the part of the weaker
| OF two combatants are always natural
| and not always notwithstanding sin
| cerely DESTROYS In the interests Of both
as well as on its own account that the
| Cuban problem should be solved with the
| least possible delay--it was intimated
| by this government to the government
| 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 guaranty OF
| It's execution, the United States would en-
| deavor to find a way not Objectionable
| to Spain of furnishing such guaranty.
While no definite response to this inti-
nation has yet been received from the
| Spanish government, IL is believed to be
not altogether unwelcome. while, as al
| ready suggested, no reason Is perceived
| why 1t should not be approved by the in
| surgents Neither party can fail to see
| the Importance of early action and both
must realize that to prolong the present
state of things for even a short period
| will add enormously to the time and
| labor and expenditure necessary to bring
about the industrial recuperation Of the
| island. 1t is, therefore, ferVently hoped
| on all grounds, that earnest efforts for
healing the breach between Spain and
the insurgent Cubans. upon the lines
above indicated. may be at once inau-
gurated 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 con-
sistent with our constitution and laws
will always be at the disposal of either
party. Whatever circumstances may
arise our policy and our interests would
constrain us to object to the acquisition
Of the island or an interference with its
| 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 fea-
lures and properly apprehend our inev-
liable close relations to 1t, and its nos
sible results. without considerinl, that by
the course of events we may lie drawn
into such an unusual and Unprecedented
condition as will fix a limit to our pu-
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 to deal Suc-
cessfully with the instruction has be-
come manifest and II is demonstrated
Ahat her sovereignty is extinct in Cuba
for all purposes OF its rightful existence
and when a hopeless struggle for it,
re-esta bllshment has degenerated into a
strife which means nothing more than tho
useless sacrifice of human lifo and The
utter destruction of the very subject mat
ter of the conflict, a situation viii be
presented in which our obligations to the
soy ereignty of Spain will be suspended
by higher obligations. which we can
hardly hesitate to recognize and dis
charge.
Deferring the choice of ways and meth
DDS 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 to every con-
sideration involving our honor and in
terest or the international duty we owe
to Spain. Until we face the contingent
sies suggested. or the situation is by
other incidents imperatively changed
we should continue in the line of conduct
heretofore pursued. thus in all circum-
stances exhibiting our obedience to the
requirements of public law and our re-
gard for the duty enjoined upon US by
the position we occupy in the family of
nations.
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 express
sion of feeling. But | have deemed II
not amiss to remind the congress that
time may arrive when a correct policy
and care for our interests. we'll as a
regard for the interests of other nations
hNF uiA
lions of humanity and a desire to see
rich and fertile country. intimately
related to us. saved from complete
devastation. will constrain our govern
to such action will subserve the in
terests thus involved and at the same
time promise to Cuba and its Inhabitants
An opportunity TO enjoy the blessings OF
peace
THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be d matter OF difference be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States. their respective governments hav-
Ing agreed upon the substantial provisions
OF a treaty between Great Britain and
Venezuela submitting the whole contro-
versy to arbitration. The provisions of
the treaty are so eminently just and fair
that the assent OF Venezuela thereto may
confidently be anticipated. Negotiations
for treaty of general arbitration for all
differences between Great Britain and
the United States are far advanced and
promise to reach a successful consumma-
ton at an early date.
CONCERNING THE SEALS.
We have during the last year labored
faithfully and against unfavorable condi-
lions, to secure better preservation of
seal life in the Behring Sea. Both the
United States and Great Britain have
lately dispatched commissioners to these
waters. to study the habits and condi-
ton of the seal herd, and the causes
OF their rapid decrease Upon the re-
submitted. and with the exercise of pa
thence and good sense on the part OF all
interested parties. 1t is earnestly hoped
that hearty cooperation may be secured
for the protection against threatened
extinction of seal life In the northern
Pacific and Behring Sea.
OUR FINANCES.
The secretary of the treasury reports
that during the fiscal year ended June
30. 1896, the receipts of the government
from all sources amounted to S4O9. 47b.-
40s1S During the same period its OK
penditures were 1884, 67S. e54.4s, the excess
OF expenditures over receipts thus
amounting to $26, 203, 245.70. The ordinary
expenditures during the year were AOlB'.
S52.A less than during the preceding
fiscal year. OF the Eeceipts mentioned
there was derived from customs the
sum of $3.50 021. 751.67, and from internal
revenue $14C, 800 615.66. The receipts from
customs show an increase of 1885, Is4.22
over those from the same source for
the fiscal year ended June 80, 1895, and
the receipts from internal revenue an