The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1897-12-09
OUR PROFFERED AID.


OF the United States to lend its aid to-
ward the ending Of the war in Cuba
by reaching a peaceful and lasting re-
suit, just and honorable alike to Spain
and to the Cuban people. 1t was stated
that at this juncture our government
was constrained to seriously inquire if
the time was not ripe when Spain, Of
her own volition, moved by her own in
terest and every sentiment of human
ity, should put a stop to this destruc-
tive war and make proposals of set
tlement honorable to herself and just
to her Cuban colony. 1t was urged that
as neighboring nation, with large in
tereSts in Cuba, we could be required
to wait only a reasonable time tor the
mother country to establish it's authori-
~ and restore peace and order within
the borders Of the island; that we could
not contemplate an indefinite period for
the accomplishment of this result.
No solution was proposed to which
the slightest idea of humiliation to
Spain could attach, and indeed the pre-
else proposals were withheld to avoid
embarrassment to that government.
All that was asked or expected was
that some safe way might be speedily
provided and permanent peace restored.
1t SO CHANGED that the consideration of
this offer addressed to the Spanish ad-
ministration, which had declined the
tenders of my predecessor and which
for more than two years had poured
men and treasure into Cuba in the
fruitless effort to suppress the revolt
fell to others.
The reply to our note was received on
| the 23d day of October. 1t is in the di-
( ton,
appreciates the friendly purposes of
this government. 1t admits that our
country is deeply affected by the war
+ in Cuba. and that it's desires for peace
| are just. 1t declares that the present
| Spanish government is bound by every
| consideration to a change of policy that
! should satisfy the United States and
| paclfy Cuba within a reasonable time.
! To this end Spain has decided to put
! into effect the political reforms hereto
! fore advocated by the present premier,
| without halting for any consideration
| in the path which in it's judgment leads
! to peace. The military operations, it
| is said, will continue but will be hu-
+ name, and will be conducted with all
| regard for private rights, being accom-
! panied by political action leading to
| the autonomy of Cuba, while guaran-
| teeing Spanish sovereignty.
! WE MUST REMAIN NEUTRAL.
In the absence of a declaration of
! the measures that this government pro-
poses to take in carrying out it's proffer
of good offices, it suggests that Spain
| be left free to conduct military opera
tions and grant political reforms while
the United States for it's part shall en-
force it's neutral obligations and cut
@l,1
! the insurgents receive from this coun-
try. The supposition of an Indefinite
prolongation of the war is denied. It
Is asserted that the western provinces
are already well nigh reclaimed that
the planting Of cane and tobacco
therein has been resumed, and that py
| force of arms and new and ample re-
| forms very early and complete pacif-
ication is hoped for.
| Discussion of the question of interna-
| tional duties and responsibilities of the
| United States, as Spain understands
them, is made with an apparent dispo-
| sition to charge us with failure in this
regard. This charge is without any
| basis in fact 1t could not have been
made If Spain had been cognizant of
the constant efforts this government
has made, at the cost of millions, to
perform its full duty according to the
law of nations. That it has success
fully prevented the departure of a sin
gle expedition or armed vessel from
our shores in violation of our laws
would seem to be sufficient answer.
Of the untried measures there re-
main only: Recognition Of the insur-
gents beliigerents; recognition of the
independence of Cuba; neutral inter-
| vention to end the war by imposing
| rational compromise between the con-
| testants, and intervention in favor of
one or the other party. 1 speak not Of
forcible annexation. for that cannot be
thought of. That, by our code of NOR
atty would be criminal aggression.
I am not unmindful that the two
| houses of congress in the spring Of 1896
| expressed the opinion by resolution that
a condition of public war existed, re-
quiring or justifying the recognition Of
state of belligerency in Cuba, and
during the extra session the senate
voted joint resolution of like import,
which, however, was not brought to
vote in the house of representatives.
In the presence of these significant ex-
pressions of the sentiment of the legis-
lative branch it behooves the execu-
tive to soberly consider the conditions
|
must needs rest for justification. 1t is
to be seriously considered whether the
Cuban insurrection possesses beyond
dispute the attributes of statehood,
which alone can demand the recogni-
ton of belligerency in it's favor.
QUOTES PRESIDENT GRANT.
The wise utterances of President
| Grant in his memorable message of
Dec I, 1875, are Signally relevant to the
present situation in Cuba, and it may
be wholesome now to recall them. At
that juncture General Grant uttered
these words, which now, as then, sum
up the elements of the problem:
"A recognition of the independence of
Cuba being, in my opinion, impracti-
cable and indefensible, the question
which next presents itself is that of
the recognition of belligerent rights in
the parties to the contest. In former
message to congress l had occasion to
consider this question, and reached
the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba.
dreadful and devastating were its
incidents, did not rise to the fearful
dignity of war. Now, as in its past
history, the United States should care
fully avoid the false lights which
might lead it into the mazes CT doubt
| ful Ia W anu OIL PioPAA>
ty, and adhere rigidly and sternly to
the rule which has been its guide, Of
doing only that which is right and hon
est and of good report The question
of according or of Withholding rights
of belligerency must be judged in every
case. in view of the particular attend
ing facts. Unless justified by necessi-
ty. it is always, ana justly, regarded
as an unfriendly act and a gratul-
t tous demonstration of moral support &c
the rebellion.
! II fail to find in the insurrection the
2 existence of such a substantial poll
1 | tical organization. real, palpable ane
( manifest to the world. having the form:
r and capable of the ordinary function:
of government toward its own people
, and to other states. with courts Tor I'M
= administration of justice, with ioca
:, | habitation. possessing ouch organlza