The Portland daily press., 1897-12-03

Matter.
Washington, December 2.-Mr. Berkley
Batch, secretary of the Cuban league, ap-
peared today before President Mckinley
and presented the following argument in
pehalf OF Cuban insurgents:
Mr.. President-We appear before you
Ill the name of those who have died for
the cause of freedom in Cuba and for
those who are still ready to give their
lives for this cause. Also, representing
as we claim, majority of the people of
the United States who believe in that
cause a1d demand that their wises shall
now be translated into efficient action
by the chosen representatives. Thanks
to the power, honor and patriotism of the
American press, the people today 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
the century are proof of genuine move
ment Tor the extension of democratic
principles and the attainment of liberty
from tyrannical corrupt and fallen
government.
'Second-Without 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 exterIninating non com
batants she may possibly reconquer and
repopulate the island
"Fourth-f with our passive aid she un-
fortunately succeeds IN doing this, an.
other generation comes, the revolution
will surely begin again. The governing
classes in Spain OF all parties have re-
garded Cuba for three hundred years as
an orange to be squeezed. They are I'm
able to consider it otherwise. The other
GLASSES are ignorant. Spain has held all
her colonies with an iron hand until
forced to let go.
'Fifth-A uronomy is a foolish dream.
1t is evident that neither side under
stands it, wishes it or can administer it.
ernment and to gain time.
"Sixth-A majority of the people of
this country desire to see q free and inde-
pendent Cuban republic. An opposing
factor of great force is the money power
1t is fair conclusion to urge that a
majority of our people believe that the
assistance Of our government until now
from the republic,o on account of the infiu-
ences that emanates from great financial
interests, usually afraid of patriotic ag-
greSsive movement.
"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 tos this
end. That patience is now exhausted.
"Eight-Very few Cubans and still
fewer people in this country desire inme-
diate annexation, but independence is
clearly due to Cuban valor and sacri-
tees.
"Ninth-It of supreme Importance to
our future defence that Cuba should be
in the possession of a friendly power.
This Spain has never been and probably
can never be.
''Tenth-The friendship of the repub-
lie of Cuba is worth vastly more to us
than that of Spain, for reasons of business
and defense. 1t is our duty and self inter
est to recognize the belligerency and
logically following this the independence
of the republic and to conclude with
o defensive and offensive alliance. If
this is not compatible with continued
friendship with Spain, so much the
worse for Spain. Ii Spain attacks us,
we can take care of our own.
'tMr. President, we hope for such action
on your part as will bring correct So
luton OF the Cuban problem"
The President said he would give the
argument careful consideration.
SPANISH CABINET MEETING.
Madrid, December 2--The Queen Re-
gent presided at the cabinet council to-
day. Senior Sagasta the premier, reviewed
the general situation. He said that the
military operations in the province Of
Pinar del Rio, Cuba, showed it to be an
important centre of the rebellion, al
though Gen. Weyler had declared this
district pacitied. Gen. Bernal, the premier,
said, had been ordered not to relax his
energies in pursuing the insurgents.
With reference to the insurrection in the
| PHILIPPINE islands, he reported that this
was not entirely suppressed as was at one
time assured, but Captain General Rivers
had informed the government that ne
| gotiat1ons for the submission of the in
surgents there were in progress.
| The Carlist question, he said nerited
the attention of the government, but it
was not thought that the Carlists would
make rash movements.
| The premier then explained the rela-
| t1ons between the United States and
Spain at their present stage, asserting
that the American government now
appears to be well disposed towards
| Spain.
INSURGENTS WE'RE DEFEATED.
Havana December 2.-In the engage
Dent which took place yesterday In the
province of Pinar del Rio between the
insurgents under Gen. Ducassi and the
| Spanish troops under Gen. Bernal, the
former, according to the official Spanish
report, lost over 100 men killed. Several
of the Spaniards were wounded by OK
| plos:ves bombs thrown by the insurgents
The Spanish forces at Jalibonio de
Norte, province of Santa Clara, have been
engaged with the insurgents under the
| leadership of Gonzales. The latter, the
official reports says, lost 10 men killed and
the troops had one officer killed and Il
men wounded.
A delegation from the city of Pinar
del Rio, consisting of the mayor of that
place and 200 merchants, planters, etc.,
of all political parties, called upon Seno1
Jose Canalias, special commissioner OF
Spain today, and represented to him the
necessity for the expectation of leaf to-
bsoco, of which, sthey added. there were
! &c. 600 bales In the warehouses and re-
ouested the commissioner to use his infiu.
ence with Captain General Blanco to
bring about such exporuation. SenoI
| Canalins promised the delegation that
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