Omaha daily bee., 1897-03-30

u ItOIlie SilOItu DiONtolih iil o9 ~
system and as a means OF putting down a
war caused by its desires for money and
power. TO kill the suspect, to XIII the
to kill the helpless wounded, to kill all
who are able. to impede its desolatinE
action, all this is eomprshsnsiSle as the
derstood and carried on warfare.
But not to pause at the holy and vener-
ated hearth; personiiisation OF all most
emblem of weakness, nor at children,
overwhelming symbol Of inoffensive limo
cence. To bring upon these destruction,
ruin and murder, constant and cruel, ah,
sir, how horrible this Is. The pen falls
from my hand when I think of 1t, and !
doubt. at times, human nature, In con-
templating with my eyes. dim with tears,
so many hearths outraged, so many women
sacrificed, SO many children cruelty and
uselessly destroyed by the Spanish col
umns.
The Spanish, unable to exercise acts OF
sovereignty over the interior of Cuba,
have forced the peasants to concentrate
in villages, where 1t is hoped misery will
force them to serve. in the armies of a
government which they abhor. Not only
the only means by which they can live
not only are they forced to die OF starva-
ton, but they are branded as decided sup
porters of our arms, and against them,
their wives and children, is directed Il
fearful and cruel persecution.
Ought such facts to be tolerated by q
civilized people? Can human powers, for
getting the fundamental principles OF
Christian community, permit these things
to go on? Is it possible that civilized
people will consent to the sacrifice of I'M
armed and defenseless men? Can the
American people view with culpable indif-
ference the slow but complete extermina-
ton of thousands of Innocent Americans
No, you have declared that they cannot'
that such acts Of barbnrity ought not to
brilliant initiative you have taken In pro
testing strongly against. the killing of Eu-
ropeans and Christians In Armenia and in
China lppOllnripR them with evidence of
heartfelt energy.
Knowing this, 1 today frankly and legally
completely prevent the acts of vandalism
that l deplore. It does not suffice that ]
protect the families 8 Of Gf U1anS who Join
ample of civilization, respeet- and put at
immediate liberty prisoners OF war, cure
vent reprisals. 1t still appears that the
Spaniards are amenable to no form of per
Su MS, sir, .n the v yic iiS;l ppdteeo Of ii this sS cr rTsiie war
lave caused much pain TO an old and UNI
fortunate father, but nothing has made
recite, unless it is to see that you remain
Indifferent to them; Say 70 the spaniard,
US US as the they please. ' But that they m re,
spect the pacific population. that they must
not outrage women nor butcher innocent
precedent for such action. Read the sadly
famous proclamation of the Spanish gen
Ideally t the reprodtu Ta Of P This war;. and DIRE re.
member the honorable and high-minded
protest that the secretary of state formu-
lated against 1t.
The American people march legitimately
at the head of the western continent. and
they should not longer tolerate. the cold
and systematic assassination of defense
less Americans, lest history impute to them
a participation in these atrocities
Initiate the high example that | have
indicated above. Your conduct, further
more, will be based solid}y upon the Mon
roe doctrine, for this can refer only to
u~surpation of American territories and not
to the defense of the people of America
against European ambitions. 1t cannot
mean to protect American soil and leave
it's helpless jewellers EXPOSED to the cruel
ties of a ~sanguinary and despotic European
power. 1t must extend to the defense o:
TIE principles. which animate. modern CIV
ilization and form an integral part of the
culture and life of the American people.
Crown your honorable history of states
manship with a noble act of Christian char
ity. Say to Spain that murder must stop;
hat cruelty must ceasetan1 put the stamp
of your authority on what you say. Thou.
sands of hearts will cui down eternal
benedictions on your memory and God. the
supremely merciful: will see in it the most
meritorious work of your entire life. I am
your humble servant, NJ. NJ