Red Lodge picket. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1889-1907, 1897-12-11

ment is bound by every consideration to
a change of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify CunA within a
reasonable time.
Spain's Promise.
To this end Spain has decided 20 Dut in
to effect the political reforms heretofore
advocated BY the present premier, wita-
out hating for any co9side 'at:on in the
path which in its Judgment leads to
peace. The military opera io1s, it is SAID.
will continue. but will be humane and
conducted. with all rega. Is or private
rights, being accompanied by political
action leading to the autonomy Of r.ll'a.
while guarding Spanish sovereignty. Th:s,
ba with distinct personality, the island
to be governed by an executive and by g.
local council or chamber, reservIg to
Spain the control of the ,faign relations
the army and navy and the luIicl.tl ad-
ministration.
To accomplish this the present govern
ment proposes to modify existing leg;sIa-
ton by decree leaving thu Spanish cor, IS
with the aid of Cuban senators and depn-
ties, to solve the economic problems ard
properly distribute the existing debt. In
the absence Of a declaration of the meas
ures that the government proposes TO
take in carrying out its D"o1ter Of good
offices, it suggests that Soaln be left free
10 conduct military ope1 'tions ard grant
political reforms while the 'Jnita / States
for its part, shall enforce is neutral OBJ
legations and cut off the assistance which
it is asserted the insurgents receive from
this country. The supposi'ion Of an in
definite prolongation of the war is Ge-
MED. 1t is asserted that the western pro-
vinces are already Well nigh Reclaimed:
that the planting of cane and tobacco
therein has been resumed, ard that, by
force Of arms, and new and ample re-
forms, very early and complete pacitica-
ton is hoped for.
The immediate ameloration Of existing
conditions under the new adninist Jon
of Cuban affairs is predicted and there
with all the disturbance and all occasion
the United States. Discussion of the
question of interna tional C.ul;as aEl le-
sponsbilities of the United States, as
Spain understands them, is presented
with an apparent disposition 10 charge US
with failure in this regard. This charge is
without any basis in fact. 1t could not
have been made if Spain had bee'i cos
infant Of the constant effort this govern
ment has made at the cost Of millions and
by the employment of adininiSt"l i've ma
form lis full duty according 20 tne law of
nations. That it has successfully pre-
vented the departure of a single military
expedition or armed vessel froal our
shores in violation of our laws would
seem to be sufficient answer.
But on this aspect Of the Spanish note,
it is not necessary to speak further now.
Firm in the conviction of a wholly Per
formed obligation, due response to this
charge has been made in diplomatic is
sues. Throughout all these hor"Jrs and
dangers to our own peace. this govern
ment has never in any way n5roga-ei lis
sovereign prerogative of reserTing 10 ii
self the determination Of its policy and
course according to its own ngn sense of
right and in conSOnance with the dear
est Interests and convictions of our own
people, should the prolongation Ct the
strife so demand.