Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-12-10
IN BEHALF OF CUBA'S CAUSE
Ten Propositions Submitted to tho Presi'

dent by the Cuban League OF America
Washington, Dec. 6.--Presidcnt Mckin-
lev to-day gave hearing to Berkeley
RaIch. secretary of the Cuban League OF
America Col Ethan Allen, president OF
the League, was unable to come to WASH
ington with the secretary, who submitted
to Mr.. Mckinley the following written
argument in behalf OF the Cuban cause:
M. PRESIDENT We appear before you
in the name of those who have died Tor
the cause of freedom in the island OF
Cuba, and for those who are still ready to
give their lives to-day or tomorrow Tor
this cause; also representing, as we
claim majority of the people OF tho
United States, who believe in that cause
and demand that their wishes shall now
be translated into efficient action by their
chosen representatives. Thanks to the
power, honor, and patriotism of the AM
erican press the people to-day know the
essential facts of the Cuban situation
We submit to you, therefore, these ten
propositions for your consideration:
"FirSt-The three wars in Cuba within
this century are proof of a genuine move
ment for the extension of democratic
principles and the attainment of liberty
from tyrannical, corrupt, and alien gov
eminent.
"Second-Nithout the indirect aid CIV
en- by this government to Spain. the pa
triots 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 eNterminating non-combat.
ants she may possibly reconquer and re-
populate the island.
"Fourth--If, with our passive aid. she
unfortunately succeeds in doing this, when
another generation comes the revolution
will surely begin again. The governing
classes in Spain of all parties have re.
garded Cuba for 300 years as an orange
to be squeezed. They are unable to con.
slider it otherwise. and no amount Of dip
lomatic effort on our part is likely to
change their point Of view. The other
classes are ignorant. Spain has held all
her colonies with an iron hand until fore
ed to let go. The war of liberation in
Venezuela lasted fifteen years, and during
the last five years of the struggle no
quarter was given by either side. !!
'Fifth-Autcnomy is a foolish dream.
1t is evident that neither side understands
it, wishes it. nor can administer it. Spain
clearly offers it, to amuse this govern
| ment and to gain time.
iolAlu-tA udJOllly Ol the people OF Ln1S
country desire to sec a free and independ-
cnt Cuban republic. An opposing factor Of
great force is the money power. It is
a fair conclusion to urge that a majority
Of our people believe that the assistance
of our government till now has been CIV
| en- to Spain and withheld from the re.
| public on account of the influence that
emanates from great financial interests,
| usually afraid of patriotic aggressive
| movements.
"Scventh--Our people have hoped for
| favorable action for Cuba from the pres
| ent administration, and have patiently
waited TO give the administration time
| for the consideration Of the wise road
| to this end. That patience is now ex-
| hausted.
"Eightl1-Very few Cubans and still few.
| err people in this country desire immediate
| annexation, but independence is clearly
| due to Cuban valor and sacrifices.
"Ninth-It is of supreme importance to
our future defence that Cuba be in the
| possession OF a friendly power. This
Spain has never been and probably can
| never be.
| 'Tenth-The friendship of the republic
of Cuba is worth vastly more to us than
| that OF Spain. for reasons Of business and
! defence. 1t is our duty and self-inter-
est to recognize the belligerency, and log
ically following this. the independence
Of the republic, and to conclude with it
defensive and offensive alliance If
| this is not compatible with continued
! friendship with Spain, so much the worse
for Spain. If Spain attacks US we can
| take care of our own.
'Out of the experience Of our work, and
from the study OF over twenty years, this
| 1oor fS,of
tons are true, and that their right un.
derstandins leads to the only action which
will solve the problem.
And now. Mr.. President. in behalf Of
those we represent, we thank You for this
opportunity to present their views. We
hope for such action on your part as
will bring a correct solution. We desire
to state that this league and our sympa.
thizers have enlisted for the war; or un.
til such time as the republic of Cuba shall
| become a fact in history