The silver lance., 1897-12-10

cited the character and duration Of the
contest, the widespread losses 1t en-
tailed. the burdens and restraints It
imposes upon US, and Its constant dis
turbance OF national interests and the
injury resulting from an indefinite con-
tinuance of things. II was stated that
at this juncture our government was
constrained to seriously inquire II the
time was not ripe when Spain, OF her
own volition, moved by her own inter-
ests and every sentiment of humanity,
should not put stop to this destructive
war and make proposals OF settlement
honorable to herself and just to her Gu
ban coleny.
1t was urged that as n neighborlng
nation. with large interests in Cuba, we
could be required to wait only reas-
enable time for the mother country TO
establish its authority and restore
peace and order within the borders OF
the island, that we could not contem-
plate an indefinite period for the ac-
complishments of these results. No so
luton was proposed to which the slight
est idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach. and, indeed, precise proposals
were withheld to avoid making them TO
that government. All that was asked
or expressed was that some safe way
nent peace restored.
1t so Glanced that the consideration
offered was addressed to the same
Spanish administration which had de-
clined the tenders of my predecessor.
and which for more than two years
had poured men and treasure into Cuba.
in the fruitless effort to suppress the re-
volt, fell to others. Between the depart
ure of General Woodford and his arri-
val in Spain, the statesman who had
shaped the policy of his country. fell
by the hand of an assassin, although
that Cabinet received from our envoy
the proposals before il gave way with
in a few days to new administration
under the leadership of Sagasta.
spain's Reply.
The reply to our note was received
October 23d. 1t is in the direction OF
better understanding. 1t appreci-
ates our friendly purposes. 1t admits
that our country is deeply affected by
the war; and that its desires for peace
are Just 1t declares that the present
Spanish government is bound by ev-
cry consideration to change its policy
so as to satisfy the United States and
pacify Cuba within reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put
into effect the political reforms hereto
fore advocated by the present premier,
without halting for any consideration
in the path, which in its judgment
leads to peace. The military opera
tions, it said. would continue, but
would be humane. and conducted with
all regard to private rights. being ac-
companied by political action leading
to the autonomy of Cuba, while guard
| ing Spanish sovereignty.
In the absence of n declartion of the
measures that this government pur-
poses to take in carrying out its proffer
| of its good Offices, ii suggests that
| Spain be left free to conduct its mill
| tary operations and grant political re-
| forms, while the United States, for its
part, shall enforce its neutral obliga-
tions and cut off the assistance which II
| is asserted the insurgents receive from
this country.
The suppostion of an indefinite pro
longation of the war Is denied. 1t ID
asserted that the western provinces
are already well nigh reclaimed. that
| the planting of cane and tobacco has
been resumed, and that by force OF
| arms and new and ample reforms
very early and complete qualification is
hoped for.
The immediate amelioration of ex-
isting conditions under the new ad-
ministration of Cuban affairs is pre-
dicted, and Herewith all the disturb
ances. and all occasion for any change
of attitude on the part of the United
States.
Discussion of the question of inter-
national duties and the responsible
ties of the United States, as Spain un-
derstands them. is presented, with an
apparent disposition to charge us with
failure in this regard. This charge Is
without any basis In fact. 1t could
not have been made II Spain had been
cognizant of the constant efforts this
government has made Mt the cost of
millions to perform its full duty to the
law of nations. That it has success
fully prevented the departure of sin
gle military expedition or armed YES
sci from our shores in violation of our
laws would seem to be n sufficient an
swer to the question. But of this as
pect of the Spanish note 1t is not neces-
sary to speak further now. Firm in
the conviction of n wholly performed
obligation, due response to this charge
has been made in diplomatic course.
ForcibIe Annexation Cannot He Considered.
Throughout all these horrors and
dangers to our own peace. this govern
ment has never In any way abrogated
its sovereign prerogative of reserving
to itself the determination of its policy
and course. according to its own high
sense of right, and in consonance with
the dearest interests ami convictions of
| our own people. should the prolonga-
| ton of the strife so demand.
OF the untried measures there remain
only:
Recognition of the insurgents as bel
| ligerents. recognition of the independ-
ence of Cuba. national Intervention to
end the war by imposing national
compromise between the contestants,
or prevention in favor of one or the
| other parties.
| I speak not of forcible annexation,
for that cannot be thought of. That,