Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1897-12-17

change OF the Spanish cabinet, In October
last. twenty-five prisoners, citizens Of the
United States had been given their free
dom.
For the relief Of our W citizens, SUI
fering because Of the conflict. the aid Of
congreso was sought in a special message,
and under the appropriation Of April 4,
1897. effective aid has been given to Ameri-
can citizens in Cuba, many OF them at
their own request having been returned to
the United States.
Instructions to Woodford.
The instructions given to our new min
lister to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish OF the United
the war in Cuba by reaching a peaceful
and lasting result, just and honorable alike
to Spain and to the Cuban people. These
instructions recited the character and du-
ration OF the contest, the widespread losses
1t entails. the burdens and restraints it
imposes upon us, with constant disturbance
or national interests and the injury re-
sulting from an indefinite continuance OF
his state Of things. 1t was stated that at
this juncture our government was CON-
strained to seriously inquire IL the time
was not ripe when Spain, Of her own Volt
ton. moved by her own interests and every
sentiment of humanity, should put a stop
w eAAS oSoSA NoA u4AA A4onS
Of settlement honorable to herself and
just to her Cuban colony. 1t was urged
that, 40 a neighboring nation with large
interests in Cuba, we could be required to
wait only a reasonable time for the mother
country to establish its authority and re-
store order within the borders OF the is
land; that we could not contemplate an in
definite period for the accomplishment Of
this result.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach. and, indeed, precise proposals were
withheld to avoid embarrassment to that
government. All hat was asked or ex-
pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored. 1t so CHANGED that the considera-
tion of this offer, addressed to the same
Spanish administration which had declined
the tenders of my predecessor. and which
for more than two years had poured men
and treasure into Cuba in the fruitless eff
fort to suppress the revolt, fell to others.
Between the departure Of Gen. Woodford,
the new envoy. and his arrival in Spain,
the statesman who had shaped the policy
Of his country fell by the hand of an as
sassin. and although the cabinet of the
from our envoy the proposals he bore. that
cabinet gave place within a few days there
after to a new administration under the
leadership Of Sagat:ta.
The reply to our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the di-
rection of a better understanding. 1t ap-
preciates 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. 1t de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every consideration to a
change of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within a
reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put
into effect the political reforms heretofore
advocated by the present premier, without
hating for any consideration in the path
which in its Judgment leads to peace. The
military operations. it is said. will con-
with all regard for private rights. being
accompanied by political action leading to
the autonomy of Cuba while guarding
Spanish sovereignty.
This. 1t is claimed, will result in in
vesting Cuba with a distinct personality;
the island will be governed by an execu-
tive and by a local council CT chamber,
reserving to Spain the control of the for
eign relations. the army and navy and the
judicial administration. To accomplish
this the present government pro. oses to
modify existing legislation by decree.
leaving the Spanish cortes with the aid
of Cuban senator's and deputies, to solve
liz SCOiOIlliC IbOOiSli dll0 plOpSAiy 49,
tribute the existing debt.
In the absence Of a declaration of the
measures that this government proposes to
take in carrying out its proffer of good Of
fees it suggests that Spain be left free to
conduct military operations and grant po-
litical reforms, 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 superstition of an indefinite pro-
lonsation of the war is denied. 1t is as
serted that the Western provinces are al
ready we'll nigh reclaimed; that the plant
resumed and that by force Of arms and
new and ample reforms very early n
complete pacification is hoped for.
Spain Promises Amclioration.
The immediate amelioration Of existing
conditions under the new administration Of
Cuban affairs is predicted, and herewith
all the disturbance and all occasion for any
change of attitude on the part Of the Unit
ed States is obviatei.
Discussion of the question Of the inter-
national dutieo and responsibilities OF the
United States. ao Spain understands them,
are presented, with an apparent disposition
to charge US with failure in this regard.
The charge is without any basis in fact. It
could not have been made II Spain had
been cogn1Zant OF the constant efforts this
government has made at the cost of mil
lions and by the employment Of the admin
istrative machinery Of the nation at COM
mand to perform its full duty according to
the law Of nations. That it has successful
ly prevented the departure of a single mill
tary expedition or armed vessel from our
shores in violation of our laws would seem
to be a sufficient answer. But Of his as
pect OF the Spanish note it is not necessary
to speak further now. Firm in the con-
viction Of a wholly performed Obligation.
due response to this charge has been made
in diplomatic course
Throughout all these horrors and dan.
gers to our own peace this government has
never broken nor even in any way abro-
gated its sovereign p~rercgative of reserv-
ing to itself the determination of its policy
and course according to its own high sense
Of right and in c%onsonancc with the dearest
interests and convictions of cur own people
should the ~prolongation of the war 90 de-
mand.
OF the untried measures there remain
only: Recognition OF the insurgents as
belligcrents; recognition of the independ-
ence of Cuba; neutral intervention to end
the war by imposing a rational compro-
mise between the contestants, and inter-
vention in favor of one or the other party.
I speak not of forcible annexation, for
that cannot be thought of. That by our
code Of morality would be criminal az