Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-06

made by General Grant were refused and
the war dragged On. entailing great loss of
life and treasure and increased injury to
American interests besides throwing en-
HANGED burdens of neutrality upon this
| Government. In 1878 peace was brought
about by the Truce of Zanjon, obtained by
negotiations between the Spanish Comman-
DER, Martinez de Campos, and the insur-
gent leaders.
The present insurrection broke out in
February. 1885. 1t Is not my purpose at
this time to recall it's remarkable increase
Or to characterize its tenacious resistance
against the enormous forces massed against
it by Spain. The revolt and the efforts to
subdue it carried destruction to every quar-
ter of the Island, developing wide proper
tions and defying the efforts of Spain for
its suppression. The civilized code of war
has been disregarded, no less SO by the
Spaniards than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but fill
this Government and the American people
with the gravest apprehension. There is
no desire on the part of our people to profit
by the misfortunes of Spain. We have
only the desire to see the Cubans prosper
Gus ard contented, enjoying that measure
of self-control which is the inalienable
right of man, protected in their right to
reap the benefit of the exhaustless treas
ures of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
April. 1896, rendering the friendly offices
of this Government failed. Any mediation
on our part was not accepted. In brief the
answer read: There is no effectual way 10
pacify Cuba unless it begins with the act
ual submission of the rebels to the mother
", IN,
the promised direction, of her own motion
ard after ner own plans.
Cruel Policy OF Concentra ton.
The cruel policy of concentration was
initiated February 1G. 1896. The productive
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
We're depopulatei The agricultural in
habitants were herded in and about the
garrison towns their lands laid waste and
their dwellings destroyed. This policy the
lac Cabinet Of Spain justified as neces-
sary measure of war and as means of
cutting off supplies from the insurgents.
1t has utterly failed as a war measure 1t
was not civilized warfare. 1t was extermi-
nation.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
1 have felt constrained on repeated occa-
sions to enter the firm and earnest protest
public condemnation of the treatment of
American citizens by alleged illegal arrests
and long Imprisonment awaiting trial or
pending protracted judicial proceedings. 1
felt it my first duty to make instant de-
mand for the release or speedy trial of all
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 suffer-
ing Because of the conflict the aid of Con-
sress was sought in a special message, and
under the appropriation of April 4. 1897,
effective aid has been given to American
citizens in Cuba. many of them at their
own request having been returned to the
United States.
The instructions given to our new Minis
ter to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
Government tne sincere wish of the United
States to lend its 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 dura-
ton OF the contest the widespread losses it
entails, the burdens and restraints it i'm
National interests, and the injury resulting
from an indefinite continuance of this state
of things. 1t was stated that at this juno
ture oar government was constrained to
seriously inquire if the time was not ripe
when Spain of her own voltion, moved by
her own interests and every sentiment of
humanity, should put a stop to this de-
structiVe war and make proposals of set
tiement honorable to herself and just to
her Cuban colony. 1t was urged that as 4
neighboring nation, with large interests in
Cuba. We could be required to wait only a
reasonable time for the mother country to
establish its authority and restore peace
and order within the borders of the Island !;
that We could not contemplate an indefinite
period for the accomplishment Of this re-
suit.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach. and indeed precise proposals We're
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
and treasure into Cuba in the fruitless
effort to suppress the revolt fell to others.
Between the departure of General Wood
ford. the new Envoy, and his arrival in
Spain the statesman who had shaped the
policy of his country fell by the hand of an
assassin, 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 a few days
theI eafter to a new Administration, under
the leadership of Sagasta.
Spain's Latest Promise.
The reply to our note was received on
TIE ODD day of October 1t is in the direc-
ton of a better understanding. 1t APP
preciates the friendly purposes of this gov
eminent. 1t admits that our country is
deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that its desires for peace are just 1t de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every consideration to a
thangc of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within a
reasonable time. To this end Spain has
decided to put into effect the political re-
forms heretofore advocated by the present