Middletown transcript., 1897-12-11

Spain by just distribution of powers
and burdens upon basis of mutual in
terest untained by methods of selfish
expediency.
, The first acts of the new government lie
in these honorable paths. The policy of
cruel rapine and slaughter that so long
shocked the universal sentiment of human
ity has been reversed. Under the new mil
itary commander broad clemency is prof
fered. Measures have already been set on
foot to relieve the horrors of starvation.
The power of the Spanish armies. it is as
serted, is to be urged not to spread ruin and
desolation, but to protect the resumption
of PEACEFUL agricultural pursuits and
productive industries. That past meth
DDS are futile to force peace by subjuga-
ton is freely admitted, and that ruin with
out conciliation must inevitably fail to win
for Spain the fidelity of contented depen-
dency.
DEGREES in application of the foreshad-
owed reforms have already been promul-
gated. The full text of these DEGREES has
not been received, but as furnished in a
telegraphic summary from our Minister
are: All civil and electoral rights of penin-
sular Spaniards are, in yirture of existing
constitutional authority forthwith extend
ed to colonial Spaniards. A scheme of au-
tony has been proclaimed by decree. to be-
come effective upon ratification by the
Cortes. 1t creates a Cuban Parliament
which, with the insular executive, can con-
slider and vote upon all subjects affecting
local order and interests, possessing unlimi-
ted powers save as to matters of state, war and
acts by his own authority as the delegate
of the central government. This Parlia-
ment receives the oath of the governor-gen-
eral to preserve faithfully the liberties and
privileges of the colony, and to it the col
onial secretaries are responsible. It has the
through the governor-general modifca-
tions of the national charter, and TO invite
new projects of law or executive measures
in the interest of the colony.
Besides its local powers it is competent,
| first, to regulate electoral registration and
procedure and prescribe the qualifications
of electors and the manner of exercising
suffrage; second to organize courts of JUS
tice with native judges from members of
the local bar; third, to frame the insular
budget both as to expenditures and reve-
nues, without limitation of any kind, and
&o cof he 81, r,,Lo
share of the national budget, which latter
will be voted by the National Cortes with
the assistance of Cuban Senators and depu-
ties; fourth, to initiate or take part in the
negotiations of the national government
for commercial treaties which may affect
Cuban interests; fifth. to accept or reject
commercial treaties which the national
government may have concluded without
the participation of the Cuban government
sixth, to frame the colonial tariff acting in
accord with the peninsular government in
scheduling articles of mutual commerce be-
tween the mother country and the colo
mics: Before introducing or voting upon
bill, the Cuban government or the Cham
bers will lay the project before the CEN
trail government and hear its opinion
thereon, all the correspondence in such re-
gard being made public Finally, all, con-
ficts of jurisdiction arising between the
different municipal, provincial and insu-
lar assemblies, or between the latter and
the insular executive power, and which
from their nature may not be referable to
the central governments for decision, shall
be submitted to the courts.
That the government of Sagasta has en-
tered upon course from which recession
with honor is impossible can hardly be
questioned, tina. the few weeks it has ex-
listed, it has made earnest of the sincerity
of its professions is undeniable. shall not
impugn its sincerity nor should impatience
be suffered to embarrass it in the task it
has undertaken. 1t is honestly due to
Spain and to our friendly relations with
Spain that she should be given reasona-
BILE chance to realize her executions and to
prove the asserted efficacy of the new or
der of things to which she stands irrevoca-
bly, committed. She has recalled the COM
mander whose brutal orders infiamed the
American mind and shocked the civil
lied world. She has modified the horrible
order of concentration and has undertaken
to care for the helpless and permit those
who desire to resume the cultivation of
their fields to do so, and assures them the
protection of the Spanish government in
their lawful occupations. She has just re-
leased the Competitor prisoners heretofore
sentenced to death, and who have been the
subject of repeated diplomatic correspon-
dence during both this and the preceding
administration.
Not single American citizen is now in
arrest or confinement in Cuba of whom this
government has any knowledge. The near
future will demonstrate whether the indis-
pensable condition OF a righteous peace.
just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as
well as equitable to all our interests, SO in
timately INVOLVED in the welfare of Cuba is
likely to be attended. II not. the exigency
of further and other action by the United
States will remain to be taken. When that
time comes that action will be determined
in line of indisputable right and duty. II
will be faced, without misgiYing or hesi-
fancy in the light of the obligation this
owes to ITSELF to the people
who have confided to 1t the protection Of
their interests and honor and to humanity.
Sure Of the right, keeping free from all
offense ourselves. actuated only By upright
and patriotic considerations, moved neither
BY passion nor selfshness, the government
will continne its watchful care over the
rights and property Of American citizens.
and will abate none of tsseHorts to bring
about By peaceful agencies peace which
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