The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-12-06

The rsp.. ~ i.ote was received on
the z3d day OF October, IL Is I'm the dlrec-
tion OF better understanding V APP
precistes the friendly purposes OF this gov
ernment. II admits that our country is
deeply affected by the war I'm Cubs ana
that its desires for peace are lust II de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment Is bound by every consderat tion To a
change OF policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within q
reasonable time. To this end SPAIN has
decided 20 put into effect the political re-
forms heretofore advocated by the pres
ent premier. without hating for any con-
sideration .n, the path which in It's iudg-
ment leade1o peace. The military opera
tions. IL is said. Will continue. but will be
humane and conducted with all regard
for private rights, being accompanied by
political action leading TO the autonomy
OF Cuba. while guarding Spanish sover-
eighty. This. II is claimed. will result I'm
investing Cuba with a distinct personal-
ity. the island 10 be governed by an execu-
tive and by local council or chamber. re-
serving TO Spain the control OF the for
eign relations. the army and navy ami tho
judicial administration. To accomplish
this the present government proposes 10
modify existing legislation by decree Ieav-
irg the Spanish cortes with the aid of Gu
ban senators and deputies. to solve .he
economic problem and properly distribute
the existing debt.
In the absence OF a declaration of the
measures that this government proposes
TO take i'm carrying out it's proffer of good
offices. II suggests that Spain be left free
to conduct military operations and Grant
political reforms. while The United states.
for it's part. shall enforce IT'S neutral oh
legations and cut off the assistance which
IL IN asserted the insurgents receive from
this country. The supposition OF an in
az he a.,
IL is assorted that the western provinces
are already well nigh reclaimed: that the
planting of cane and tobacco therein has
been resumed and that by force OF arms
and new and ample reforms very carly
and complete pacihcaton is hoped for.
The immediate amelioration OF existing
conditions under the new administration
OF Cuban affairs is predicted and there
withal the disturbance and all occasion
for any change OF attitude on the part OF
the United States.
Discussion of the question OF the inter
national duties and responsibilities OF
the United States as Spain understands
them is accompanied with an apparent
disposition 10 charge US with failure in
this regard. This charge is without any
basis I'm fact. 1t could not have been
made " Spain had been cognizant OF the
constant efforts this government has
made at the cost of millions and by the
employment OF the administrative minis
try OF the nation at command, TO per-
form it's full duty according to the law of
nations. That it has successfully pre-
vented the departure os a single exredi-
tion of armed vessels from our shores
i'm violation of our laws would seem 10
be sufficient answer. But OF this as
pect OF the Spanish note II Is not neces-
sary TO speak further now. Firm in the
conviction of wholly performed obIiga-
tion due response to this charge has been
made i'm diplomatic course.
That by our code of morality would be
criminal aggression. Recognition of the
belllgerency of the Cuban insurgents has
often been canvassed as possible. II not
Inevitable. step both In regard 10 the pre-
vious ten years Struggle and during the
present war j am not unmindful that
the two houses OF congress in the spring
OF 1896 expressed the opinion by concur
rent resolution that a condition of pub
lie war existed, requiring or justifyinR
the recognition OF state of belligerency
I'm Cuba. and during the extra session the
senate voted a joint resolution OF like I'm
port which, however, was not brought
TO a vote in the house OF representatives
In the presence of these significant ex-
pressions of the sentiment OF the leris-
lative branch. IL behOoves the executive
TO soberly consider the conditions under
which SO important a measure must needs
rest for Justification IL is to be serious
rection possesses beyond dispute the at
tributes of statehood which alone can
demand the recognition OF helligerency
In it's favor. Possession i'm short OF the
essential qualifications OF sovereignty by
the insurgents and the conduct OF the
war by them according to the receiv ii
rode of war are no less important fac-
tors toward the determination of tho
problem of belligerency tsan are the i'm
nuences and consequences OF the strug-
gle upon the internal policy of the recog-
niZing state.
The wise utterances OF President
Grant in his memorable message of Dec.
z, 1873. are signally relevant to the pres
ent situation In Cuba, and il may be
wholesome now TO recall them. At that
time a ruinous conflict had for seven
years wasted the neighborng island
During all those years an utter disre-
gard OF the laws of civilized warfare
and OF the just demands of humanity
which called forth expressions of con-
demnation from the nations of christen-
dom, continued unaba ated. Desolation
and ruin pervaded that productive re-
gion, enormously affecting the commerce
of all commercial nations, but that of
the United States more than any other
BY reason of proximity and larger trade
Intercourse At that iuncture. General
Grant uttered these words, which now
as then, sum up the elements OF the
problem: "A recognition of the indepen-
dence of Cuba being. In my opinion. i'm
practicable and indefensible. the question
which next presents itself is that OF the
recognition Of belligerent rights in the
parties to the contest In q former mes
cage 10 congress- / had occasion to con-
Hloer tnis question. and reached the con-
clusion that the conflict in cuba. dread
ful AID devastating as were its Incl
dents did not rise 10 the fearful dignity
of war. 1t Is possible that the acts OF
foreign powers. and even acts OF
Spain herself OF this very nature
might be pointed 10 I'm defence Of
such recognition, but now, as In
its past history. the United States SHOULD
carefully avoid the false lights which
might lead II into the mazes of doubtful
law and Of questionable propriety and ad-
here rigidly and sterny. 10 the rule which
has teen It's guidc-of doing only that
which Is right and honest and OF good
report. The question of according or OF
Withholding rights OF bellgerency must
be judged I'm every case in view OF the
particular attending facts. Unless justi-
fed by necessity, { w always, and, justly
regarded as an unfriendly act and a
eratuitous demonstration OF moral sup
port to he rebellion. II H. necessary and
II Is required when the interests and
49,