Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-04
TEN REASONS GIVEN
By Secretary Bach Of the Cuban
i League, to the President
Why the United States Should Now Extend
Helping Hand to Cuba.

Washington. Dec. 2.--Mr. Berkeley
Balch. secretary OF the Cuban League
appeared, today, before President Nc
Kinley and presented the following argu-
ment in behalf of the Cuban insurgents:
Mr.. President:
I'VE appear before You in the name of
those who have died fer the cause of
freedom in Cuba and for tnose who are
still ready 10 give their lives for this
cause Also representing, as we claim. a
majority of the people of the United
States. who believe in that cause and de-
rnand that their wishes shall now be
translated into efficient action by their
chosen representatives. Thanks to the
power, honor and patriotism of the Amer
lean people, the people, Today know the
essential facts of the Cuban situation
we submit to you. therefore. these 10
propositions for your consideration:
'.First-The three wars in Cuba within
the century are proof OF genuine move-
ment for the extension of democratic
principles and the attainment Of liberty
from tyrannical corrupt aiiG stlien gov
eminent. -.
"Second--Without the indirect aid given
by this government to Spain. the patriots
would be further advanced in their
struggle.
'"Third-Spain has lost, Cuba as far as
the present population Is concerned. If.
however, she is permitted to continue the
cruel work of DISCRIMINATING non-com-
batants, she may possibly reconquer and
repopulate the island.
"Fourth--lf with our passive aid she
unfortunately succeeds in doing this,
when another generation comes, the rev.
olution will surely begin again. The gov
erning classes in Spain of all parties have
regarded Cuba for 300 years as an orange
to be squeezed. They are unable to con-
slider it otherwise. The other classes are
ignorant. Spain has held all her colonies
with an iron hand until forced to let go.
"Fifth-AutonOmy is foolish dream.
It Is evident that neither side UNDER
stands it, wishes 1t or can administer it.
Spain clearly offers it to amuse this gov
eminent and to gain time.
'Sixth-A majority Of the people of this
country desire to see free and inde-
pendent Cuban republic. An opposing
factor of great force is the money power.
1t IS a fair conclusion to urge that a ma
jority OF our people believe that the as
sistance of our government until now has
been given to Spain and withheld from
the republic, on account of the influence
that emanates from great financial inter-
ests, usually afraid Of patriotic. agrees
sive government.
"seventh-our people have hoped for
favorable action for Cuba from the pres
ent administration and have patiently
waited to give the administration time
for consideration Of the wise road to this
end. That patience is now exhausted.
"Eighth-Very few Cubans and still
fewer people in this country desire imme
date annexation. but independence Is
clearly due to Cuban valor and sacrifices.
"Ninth-It is of supreme Importance to
our future defence that Cuba should be
in the possession of friendly power.
This Spain has never been and probably
can never be.
"Tenth-The friendship of the republic
is worth vastly more to us than that of
Spain, for reasons of business and de-
fence. 1t Is our duty and self-interest to
recognize the belligerency, and logically
following this, the independence of the
republic. and to conclude with it a de-
fensive and offensive alliance. If this is
not compatible with continued friend
ship with Spain, SO much the worse for
Spain. If Spain attacks us. we can take
care of our own.
Mr. President. we hope for such action
on your part as will bring a correct solu-
ton of the Cuban problem" The Presi-
dent said he would give the argument
careful consideration.