The silver star., 1897-12-09

.~-> >htluCtCI ullu uuTHIIOU OI tie
contest, the widespread losses It en-
tailed, the burdens and restraints II
imposes upon us, and its constant dis
turbance of national interests and the
| injury resulting from an indefinite con-
tin,ance Of things. 1t was stated that
Ut this Juncture our government was
constrained to seriously inquire IL the
time was not ripe when Spain, of her
own volition, moved by her own inter-
ests and every sentiment of humanity,
should not put II stop to this destructive
war and make proposals of settlement
honorable to herself and just to her Gu
ban colony.
IL was urged that MS a neighborIng
nation, with lnrge interests in Cuba, we
could be required to wait only reas-
enable time for the mother country to
establish Its authority and restore
peace and order within the borders of
the island, that we could not contem-
plate an indefinite period for the ac-
c0mplishments of these results. No So
lution was proposed to which the slight
est idea of humiliation to Spain could
attacl, and. indeed, precise proposals
were withheld to avoid making them to
that government. All that was asked
or expressed was that some safe way
might be speedily provided and perma-
nent peace restored.
1t so chanced that the consideration
offered was addressed to the same
Spanish administration which had de-
clined 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 re-
volt, fell to others. Between the depart
ure of General Woodford and his arri-
In ..t..t. .,.I, had
shaped the policy of his country. fell
by the hand of an assassin, although
that Cabinet received from our envoy
the proposals before 1t gave way with
i'll few days to n new administration
under the leadership of Sagasta.
spain's Reply.
The reply to our note was received
October 23d. 1t is in the direction of
better understanding. 1t appreci
ates our friendly purposes. 1t admits
that our country is deeply affected by
| the war, and that its desires for peace
are just 1t declares that the present
Spanish government is bound by ev-
cry consideration to change its policy
so as to satisfy the United States and
pacify Cuba within reasonable time.
To this dhd 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 its Judgment
leads TO peace. The military opera
tiOns. it said, would continue, but
would be humane. and conducted with
all regard TO private rights. being ac-
cOmpanied by political action leading
to the autonomy of Cuba, while guard
ing Spanish sovereignty.
In the absence of II declartion of the
measures that this government pur-
poses TO take in carrying out Its proffer
of its good offices. it suggests that
Spain be left free to conduct It's mill
tnry operations and grant political re-
forms. while the United States, for its
part. shall enforce its neutral Obliga-
tiOns and cut Off the assistance which It
is asserted the insurgents receive from
this country.
The suppOsitiOn of an indefinite pro-
lOngatiOn of the war IL denied. 1t IL
asserted that the western provinces
are already well nigh reclaimed, that
the planting of cane and tobacco has
been resumed, and that by force of
arms and new and ample reforms
very early and complete pacificatiOn is
hoped for.
The immediate amelioratiOn of en-
listing conditions under the new ad-
ministration of Cuban affairs IL pre-
dicted. and Herewith all the disturb
ances. and all occasion for any change
of attitude OH the part of the United
States.
Discussion of the question of inter-
national duties and the responsible
ties of the United States. as Spain un-
derstands them. Is presented, with an
lltlts ttnV. al.
failure in this regard. This charge is
without any basis In fact. 1t could
not have been made II Spain had been
cognizant of the constant efforts this
government has made mt the cost of
millions to perform Its full duty to the
Inv Of nations. That 1t hns success
fully prevented the departure OF sin
gle military expedition or armed ves-
sci from our shores In violation of our
laws would seem to he n sufficient an
swer to the question. But of this MS
pect of the Spanish note 1t IL not neces-
sary to speak further now. Firm In
the conviction OF n wholly performed
obligation. due response to this charge
has been made In diplomatic course.
Forcibis Annexation Cannot Be Considered.
Throughout all these horrors and
dangers to our own pence, this govern
Inent has never In any way nbrognted
Its sovereign prerogntlvc OF reserving
to Itself the determination of its policy
and course. according to It's own high
sense OF right. and In consonnilce with
the denrest interests nnd convictions OF
our own people. should the prolonga-
tlOn OF the strife SO demand.
or the untried measures there remain
only:
Recognition OF the insurgents M bel
ligcrcnts. recognition OF the indcpcnd-
ence of Cubn. national Intervention to
end the war by imposing u national
compromise between the, contestants.
or prevention In favor OF one or the
other parties.
speak not OF forcIble annexation,
for that cnnn0t be thought OF. Tint.
by our code OF morality, would be Grim
innl aggression.
Recognition OF the Cuban insurgents
Inns often been cnnvnsscd ns n pOssi-
bic. if not nm inevitable step. both In