Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1897-12-17
THE u QUESTION.
Island Must Not Pass Into the Hand,
of Another Power.

The most important problem with which
this government is now called Upon to deal
pertaining to its foreign relations con-
Germs its duty toward Spain and the
Cuban insurrection. Problems and condi-
lions more or less in common with those
now existing have confronted this gov
at various times in the past. The
story of Cuba for many years has been one
of unrest. growing discomfort, an effort
toward a larger enjoyment of liberty and
self control, of organized resistance to the
mother country, of depression after dis
tress IL warfare and of Intellectual settle
ment to be followo' by renewed revolt.
For no enduring period since the en-
reimbursement of the continental possess
sions of Spain in the Western continent
has the condition of Cuba or the policy of
Spain toward Cuba not caused concern to
the United States.
The prospect from time to time that the
weakness OF Spain's hold upon the island
and the political vicissitudes and embar-
of the home government might
lead to the transfer of Cuba to a con-
tinental power called forth. between 1923
and 1860. various emphatic declarations of
the policy of the United States to permit
no disturbance of Cuba's connection with
Spain unlss in the direction of independ-
ence or acquisition by us through pur-
chase: nor has there been any change Of
this declared policy since upon the part
OF the government.
The revolution which began in 1868
lasted for ten years. despite the strenuous
efforts OF the successive peninsular gov
to suppress it. Then. as now.
the government of the United States testi-
fled its grave concern and offered it's
aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba.
The overtures made by Gen. Grant were
refused and the war dragged on. entailing
great loss OF life and treasure and in
creased injury to American interests, be-
sides throwing enhanced burdens Of neu-
trality On the government. In 1878 peace
was brought about by the truce of Zanjon,
obtained by negotiations between the
Spanish commander. Martinez de Campos,
and the insurgent leaders.
Code Of War DisrcEarded.
The present insurrection broke out in
February. 1895. 1t is not my purpose at
this time to recall its remarkable increase
or to characterize its tenacious resistance
against the enormous forces massed
efforts to subdue 1t carried destruction to
every quarter OF the island, developing
wide proportions and defying the efforts
Of Spain for its suppression. The civilized
code OF war has been d~isregarded. no less
80 by the Spaniards than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but fill
this government and the American people
with the gravest apprehension. There is
no desire on the part OF our people to
profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We
have only the desire to see the Cubans
prosperous and contented, enjoying that
measure of self-control which is the in
a%lienable right of man. protected in their
right to reap the benefit of exhaustless
treasures Of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
April. 1896. rendering the friendly offices
of this government, failed. Any media
ton on our part was not accepted. In
brief the answer read:
"Thcre is no effectual way to pacify
Cuba unless it begins with the actual
submission of the rebels to the mother
country"
Then. only. could Spain act in the
promised direction of her own motion and
after her w plans.
The cruel policy Of concentration was
initiated Feb. 1G, 1896. The prospective
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
were depopulated. The agricultural in
habitants were herded in ard about the
| garrison towns, their lands laid waste and
their dwellings destroyed. This policy the
late cabinet of Spain justified as a neces-
sary measure of war and as o means Of
cutting off supplies from the insurgents
1t has utterly failed as a war measure. II
was not civilized warfare. It was exter-
| mination.
Against this abilsc Of the rights Of war
I have felt constrained on repeated coca
| eions to enter the firm and earnest protcs;
Of this government. There was much o.
public condemnation of the treatment CT
American citizens b. alleged Illegal arrsr,ts
and long Imprisonment awaiting trial o,
pending protrac:ed judicial proceedings.
/ felt it my first dIty to make instant de-
m2ld for the release o. speedy sriA! OF al!