Evening star., 1897-12-03
THE GOVERNMENT BLAMED
Accused Of Giving Indirect Aid to
Spain.
Argument In Behalf Of Action Pre-
sented to President by the
Cuban Aid.

Berkley Balch. secretary of the Cuban
League, has presented to President Nc
klnley an argument in behalf of action by
the administration in favor of the Cuban
insurgents. The statement begins by say
ing that a majority of the people of the
United States believe in the Cuban cause
and that the situation in Cuba is well
known through the American press.
Ten propositions for the consideration Of
the President are then presented:
First. The three wars in Cuba within
this century are proof OF a genuine move
ment for the extension of democratic prin-
ciples and the attainment of liberty from
tyrannical, corrupt and alien govern
ment.
Second. Without the indirect aid given
by this government to Spain the patriots
would be farther advanced in their strug-
gle.
Third. Spain has lost Cuba, as far the
present population is concerned If how
ever, she is permitted to continue the cruel
work of exterminating non-combatants, she
may possibly reconquer and repopulate the
island.
Fourth. If, with our passive aid, she. un-
fortunately, succeeds in doing this, when
another generation comes the revolution
will surely begin again. The governing
Classes in Spain of all parties have regard
ed Cuba for 800 years as an orange to be
squeezed. They are unable to consider it
otherwise, and no amount of Diplomatic
effort on our part is likely to change their
point OF view. The other classes are ig-
norant 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
Fifth. Autonomy is a foolish dream. 1t
is evident that neither side understands it,
wishes it or can administer it to amuse
this government and to gain time.
Sixth. A majority of the people of this
country desire to see free and independ-
ent Cuban republic. An opposing factor
fair conclusion to urge that a majority
of our people believe that the assistance
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 ofpatriotic aggressive movement.
Seventh. Our people have hoped for fa-
vorable action for Cuba from the present
to give the administration time for consid-
Grafton 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
annexation but independence is clearly due
to Cuban valor and sacrifices.
Ninth. The friendship of the republic of
Cuba is worth vastly more to us than that
of Spain, for reasons Of business and de-
fense.
Tenth. It is our duty and self-interest to
recognize the belligerency, and, logically
following this, the independence of the re-
public, and to conclude with a defensive
and offensive alliance. II this is not COM
patible with a continued friendship with
Spain, so much the worse for Spain. II
Spain attacks us We can take care of our
own.
Out Of the experience of our work. and