The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-03
IN BEHALF OF CUBANS
TEN PROPOSITIONS SUBMITTED TO
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY.
Recognition of BeIIigerency Urged i'm
General PandO Not Killed.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2-Mr. Berkeley
Balch, secretary of the Cuban League. APP
peared to-day before President Mckinley
and presented the following argument in
behalf of the Cuban insurgents:
Mr.. President-We appear before you in
the name of those who have died for the
cause of freedom in the Island of Cuba and
for those who are still ready to give their
lives to-day, or tomorrow, for that cause.
Also representing, as we clam, majority
of the people of the United States, who be-
lieve 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 American press, the people to-day
know the essential facts of the Cuban sit
uation. We submit to you therefore these
ten propositions for your consideration:
First, the three wars in Cuba within this
century are proof of genuine movement
for the extension of democratic principles
and the attainment of liberty from tyran-
meal, corrupt and alien government
Second, without the indirect aid given
by this government to Spain the patriots
would be farther advanced in their struS-
gle:
present population is concerned. If, how
ever, she is permitted to continue the cruel
work of eXterminating nonco mbatants, she
may possibly reconquer and repopulate the
island.
rourth-If with our passive aid she I'M
fortunately succeeds in doing this, when
another generation comes the revolution
classes in Spain of all parties have regarded
Cuba for three hundred years as an orange
to be squeezed They are unable to con-
slider it otherwise, and no amount of diplo-
matte 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 forced 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.
''Fffth-Autonomy is a foolish dream. 1t
is evident that neither side understands it,
wishes it or can administer it. Spain clear,
~ offers 1t to amuse this government and
to gain time
''Sixth--A majority of the people of this
Cuban republic. An opposing factor of
great force is the money power. 1t is
fair conclusion to urge, that a majority Of
our government till now has been given to
Spain and withheld from the republic, on
account Of the influence that emanates from
great financial interests usually afraid of
patriotic aggressive movement.
'Seventh-Our people have hoped for Ia
v9rable action for Cuba from the prest
to give the administration time for con-
sideration of the wise road to this end.
That patience is now exhausted.
'Eighth-Very few CubanS, and still fewer
people in this country desire immediate an
nexation, but, independence is clearly due
to Cuban valor and sacrifices.
'Ninth-It is of supreme Importance to
our future defense that Cuba should be in
the possession of friendly power. ThlS
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 de-
Tense. 1t is our duty and self-interest to
recognize the belligerency, and logically fol-
lowing this the independence of the re-
public and to conclude with defensive and
offensive alliance. If this is not compatible
with a continued friendship with SPAIN so
much the worse for Spain: If Spain at
,oJrc falxn re 0f
"Out of the experience of our work and
from the study of over twenty years: this
league asserts that these ten propositions
are true and that their right understanding
leads to the only action which will solve
the problem. And now, Mr.. President, i'll
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 cur sympa thizers
have enlisted for the war or until such
time as the republic of Cuba shall become
a fact in history" The President said he
would give the argument careful considera-
ton.