Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-12-11

the paramount authority OF. Spain accord
ing TO the international code of war. For
these reasons regard the recognition OF
rs now unwlse, and therefore inadmissabie.
Should that step hereafter be deemed wise
as ays me- measuTe sure Gf right and duty the execu-
Intervention.
Intervention upon humanita rian grounds
has been frequently suggested, and has not
failed to receive my most anxious and
step be now taken. when 1t is apparent
that a hopeful change has superVened in
government has taken office in the mother
country. 1t is pledged In advance to the
declaration that all the efforts OF the world
by the bayonet; that vague promises of re-
form after subjugation AFFORD no solution
stitution of eommanders IN must ' come
change of the past system of warfare for
one in harmony with a new policy which
the horrible alternative of taking to the
thicket or succumbing In misery" that re-
with the needs and circumstances of the
time, and that these reforms, while de-
signed to give full autonomy to the colony
trolled ADMINISTRATION, shall yet conserve
and affirm the sovereignty of Spain by a
pon 1qs5 diih,p6utl9n d9 Of powers and
by methods of selfish expediency
Lies in Honorable Paths.
The first acts of the new government lie
In these honorable paths. The policy of
long shocked the UNIVERSAL sentiment Of
humanity has been reversed. Under the
new =, military commander broad clemency
ton. The power Of the Spanish armies natsf it
and desolation, but to protect the resump:
tion of peaceful agricultural pursuits and
productive industries. That past ethods
freely admitted, and that ruin without con-
s.llation must inevitably fail to win for
ency. DEGREES in application of the fore
Swallowed reforms have already been pro-
mulgated
should Give Spain n Chance.
That the government of Sagasta has en-
with honor is impossible can hardly be
questioned; that in the few weeks it has
of its professions is undeniable. ] shall not
impugn its sincerity, nor should impatience
be suffered to embarrass 1t In the task 1t
has undertaken. 1t Is honestly due Spain
and to our friendly relations with spain
that she should be given a reasonab BILE
chance to realize her expectations, and to
prove the asserted efficacy of the new or
der Of things to WHICH she stands ire
vocably committed, She, has, recalled the
the American mind and shocked the civ
illzed world. She has modified the horrible
oIueI VI CoHCeHlIdtlOn, ana mas Undertaken
to care for the helpless and permit those
who desire to resume the cultivation of
their fields to do So and assures them of
the protection of the Spanish government
in their lawful occupations. She has Just
released the Competitor prisoners here
been the subject of repeated diplomatic
correspondence during both this and the
preceding administration.
VIII Not Hesitate to Act,
Not single American citizen is now in
arrest or confinement in Cuba of whom
this government has any knowledge. The
near future Will demonstrate whether
peace, just alike to the. Cubans. and to
Spain, as we'll as equitable to all our in
terests so intimately involved in the well
fare of Cuba. is likely to be attained.
If not, the exigency of further and other
action by the United States will remain
action viii be, determined in the line of
indisputable right and duty 1t Will be
faced without misgiving or hesitancy In the
light of the obligation this government
fided to it the, protection of their interests
and honor and to humanity. Sure OF the
right, keeping free from all offense our
selves, actuated only by upright and patri-
otic considerations, moved neither by pas
sion nor .selfishness,, the government will
and property of American citizens and Will
abate none of its efforts to bring about by
peaceful agencies peace which shall be
honorable and enduring. II 1t shall here
obligations to ourselves. TO civilization and
humanity to intervene with force, 1t shall
be without fault on our part and only be-
cause the necessity for such action Will be
so clear as to command the support and
approval of the civilized world.