Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-12-09

American citizens under arrest. Before the
| change Of the Spanish cabinet, in October
last, twenty-five prisoners, citizens of the
| United States had been given their free
dom.
| For the relief of our own citizens, SUI
| fering because of the conflict, the aid of
! congress was sought in special message,
and under the appropriation of April 4,
1897, effective aid has been given to Amer1-
can citizens in Cuba, many of them at
| their own request having been returned to
the United States
instructions to WOodford.
| The instructions given to our new min
| lister to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
| government the sincere wish of the United
| States to lend it's aid toward the ending of
the war in Cuba by reaching peaceful
| and lasting result, just and honorable alike
to Spain and to the Cuban people. These
instructions recited the character and du-
ration of the contest, the widespread losses
| it entails, the burdens and restraints 1t
| imposes upon us, with constant disturbance
of national interests and the injury re-
sulting from an indefinite continuance OF
THO state of things. 1t was stated that at
| this juncture our government was con-
strained to seriously inquire If the time
was not ripe when Spain, Of her own Volt
ton, moved by her own interests and every
sentiment of humanity, should put stop
to this destructive war and make proposals
Of settlement honorable to herself and
just to her Cuban colony. 1t was urged
that, ao neighboring nation with large
interesto in Cuba, we could be required to
| wait only a reasonable time for the mother
country to establish it's authority and re-
store order within the borders OF the is
land; that we could not contemplate an in
definite period for the accomplishment of
/ this result
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea Of humiliation to Spain could
| attach, and indeed, precise proposals. were
| withheld to avoid embarrassment to that
government All that was asked or ex-
| pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored. 1t so CHANGED that the considera-
ton of this offer, addressed to the same
| Spanish administration which had declined
| the tenders of my predecessor, and which
| for more than two years had poured men
and treasure into Cuba in the fruitless eff
! fort to suppress the revolt, fell to others.
| Between the departure of Gen. Wocdford,
the new envoy, and his arrival in Spain,
the statesman who had shaped the policy
of his country fell by the hand of an as
sassin, and although the cabinet of the
! late premier still held office and received
| from our envoy the proposals he bore, that
cabinet gave place within few days there
after to a new administration under the
leadership of Sagssta.
| The reply to our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the di-
rection of a better understanding. 1t ap-
preciates the friendly purposes of this
| government. 1t admits that our country
| is deeply affected by the war in Cuba ana
that it's desires for peace are just 1t de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every consideration to 9
change of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within 9
reasonable time
To this end Spain has decided to put
into effect the political reforms heretofore
advocated by the present premier, without
hating for any consideration in the patti
which in it's judgment leads to peace. Inc
military operations, it is said, will con-
tinue, but will be humane and conducted
with all regard for private rights, belne
accompanied by political action leading tt
| the autonomy of CUBA Whlle guarding
Spanish sovereignty.
This it is claimed, will result in IN
vesting Cuba with a distinct personality
the island will be governed ty an execu-
tive and by a local council or chamber
reserving to Spain the control Of the for
eign relations, the army and navy and the
judicial administration. To accomplish
this the present government proposes tC
modify existing legislation by decree
leaving the Spanish cortes with the ale
of Cuban senators and deputies, to solve
the economic problem and properly dis
tribute the existing debt.
| In the absence Of a declaration OF the
measures that this government proposes to
take in carrying out it's proffer OF good Of
fees it suggests that Spain be left free to
conduct military operations and grant po'
litical reforms, while the United States for
it's part shall enforce it's neutral obllga-
lions and cut off the assistance, which, il
| is asserted, the insurgents receive from
this country.
The supposition Of an indefinite pro-
longation Of the war is denied. 1t is as
serted that the Western provinces are a.
ready we'll nigh reclaimed; that the plant
| ing of cane and tobacco therein has been
resumed and that by force of arms and
new and ample reforms very early and
complete pacifcation is hoped for.
Spain Promises Amelioration.
| The immediate amelioration of existing
conditions under the new administration oil
Cuban affairs is predicted, and herewith
all the disturbance and all occasion for any
/ change of attitude on the part of the Unit
ed States is obviated
Discussion of the question CT the inter
/ national dutiep and responsibilities CT the
United States, q, Spain understands them
are presented, with an apparent disposition
! to charge us with failure in this regard
The charge is without any basis in fact. Ii
could not have been made if Spain had
been cognizant of the constant efforts this
government has made at the cost Of nil
lions and by the employment Of the admin
| istrative machinery CT the nation at COM
mand to perform it's full duty according to
the law of nations. That it has successful
ly prevented the departure of a single mill
tary expedition or armed vessel from cur
shores in violation of our laws would seem
to be cufficient answer. But Of this as
pect of the Spanish note it is not necessary
to speak further now. Firm in the con
viction Of wholly performed obligation
due response to this charge has been made
in diplomatic course.
Throughout all these horrors and dan
gers to our own peace this government has
never broken nor even in any way abro-
gated it's sovereign prercgative of resery-
ipu IN itSn1f tho Tuate ti0r of 80