The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-07
IS LARGELY OF CUBA
And TEE CURRENCY
Continued from First Page.)

and the agricultural inhabitants wer
inerded In and about the garrisons, thei
lands laid waste and their dwellings de
stroyed. This policy of the late cabinet
Spain justified as necessary measure o
war and as a means of cutting off sup
plies from the insurgents. 1t has utterly
failed as measure 1t was not civilized
warfare. 1t was extermination. Agains
this abuse of the rights Of war l have
felt constrained on repeated occasions &c
enter the firm and earnest protest o.
this government.
AMERICANS RELEASED
There twas much of public condemna-
ton of the treatment Of American cit1-
zens by alleged illegal arrests and long
imprisonments awaiting trial or pending
protracted judicial procedures. 1 felt il
my first duty TO make instant demand
for the release of speedy trial Of all
American citizens under arrest. Before
the change of the Spanish cabinet in Oc-
tobr last, twenty-five prisoners, citizens
OF the United States, had been given
their freedom.
RELIEF MEASURES.
For the relief Of our own citizens suf-
fering because of the conflict, the aid Of
congress was sought in a special mess
age, and under the appropriation Of April
1897, effective aid has been given TO
American citizens in Cuba, many Of
whom, at their own request, have been
returned 10 the United States.
SHARP WORDS TO SPAIN.
The instructions given to our new min
lister 70 Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish Of the Unit
ed States to lend its aid toward the end
ing OF the war in Cuba by reaching a
peaceful and lasting result, just and
honorable alike to Spain and TO the Gu
ban people. These instructions recited
the character and duration Of the contest
the widespread loss it entails, the bur-
dens and restraints it imposes upon US,
with constant disturbance of national in
terests and the injury resulting from an
indefinite continuance Of this state Of
things. 1t was stated at this juncture
that our government was constrained to
seriously inquire if the time was not
ripe when Spain, OF her own volition,
moved by her own interests and every
sentiment of humanity, should put a stop
10 this destructive war and make propos-
ais of settlement honorable to herself
and just to her Cuban colony. 1t was
urged that as a neighboring nation, with
large interests in Cuba, we sould be re-
quired to wait only reasonable time for
ha ,f,-x- 10 1ico nc
thority and restore peace and order
within the borders Of the island; that we
could not contemplate an indefinite per-
iod for the accomplishment of this result.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea OF humiliation to Spain
could attach, and, indeed, precise pro-
posals were withheld TO avoid eGnbar-
rassment to that government All that
was asked or expected was that some
safe waq might be speedily provided and
permanent peace restored
SPANS FAIR PROMISES.
1t SO chancd that the consideration Of
this offer, addressed to the same Span
ism administration which had declined
the tenders of my predecessor, and which
fer more than two years mad poured men
and treasure into Cuba in the fruitIess
effort to suppress the revolt, fell to 9TH
ers. between the departure of General
Woodford, the new envoy, and his ar
rival in Spain, the statesman who had
shaped the policy OF his country, fell by
the hand Of an assassin, and although
the cabinet Of the late premier still held
office and received from our envoy the
place within few days thereafter to
new administrator under the leadership
of Sagasta.
The reply to our note was received on
the twenty-third day Of October. 1t is in
rhe direction OF better understanding.
1t appreciates the friendly purposes OF
this government 1t admits that our
country is deeply affected by the war in
Cuba and that its desires for peace are
just. II declares that the present Span
ish government is Bound by every con-
sideration to a change Of policy that
should satisfy the United States and pac-
ify Cuba within a reasonable time. To
this end Spain has decided 10 put into
effect the political reforms heretofore ad-
vocated by the present premier, without
halting for any consideration in the
path which in its judgment leads to
peace.
ARMS AND AUTONOMY.
The military operations, it is said, viii
continue, but will be humane and con-
Quoted with oil regard for private rights,
being accompanied by political action
leading to the autonomy Of Cuba, while
guarding Spanish sovereignty. This, it
is claimed, viii result in investing Cuba
with a distinct personality; the island 10
osa L. o "a