Gulf Coast breeze. [volume] (Crawfordville, Fla.) 1897-19??, 1897-12-10

embarrassmsnts of the homo govern.
ment might lead 20 the transfer OF Oupa
10 n con tiuental power called forth be-
tween 1928 and 1850 various emphatic
declarations OF the policy OF che United
States to permit no disturbance OF GU
has connection with Spain unless IN
the direction Of independence or acqui'
sition by us through purchase; nor mas
there been any change OF this declared
policy since upon the part OF the govern
ment.
The present instruction broke out In
February, 1885. It is not my purpose
nj this time TO recall It's remarkable in
crease or TO characterize its tenacious
resistance against the enormous forces
massed against it by Spain. The revolt
and the effortss to subdue IL carried de-
struct,on 70 every quarter OF the island,
developing wide proportions and DEFY
ing the efforts Of Spain for its suppress.
sion. The civilized code was regarded
no less so by che Spaniards than py the
Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but
ill this governments aud the American
people with the gravest apprehension
There 10 no desire on the part OF our
people TO profit by the misfortunes OF
Spain. We have only the desire to see
the Cubans prosperous and contented,
ENJOYING that measure OF self control
which is the inalienable right OF man,
protected Ia their right to reap the BEN
eft of the exhaustless treasures OF their
country.
The cruel policy OF concentration was
initiated Feb. 10. 1896. The productive
districts controlled by the Spanish ar.
mics were depopulated.. The agricult.
ural Inhabitants were herded IN and
about the garrison towns, their lands
laid waste aud their dwellings de-
stroyed. This policy Of the late cabinet
OF Spain was justified as necessary
measure OF war und as means OF cut
ting of supplies from the insurgents.
IL has utterly failed as war measure.
IL was not civilized warfare. IL was
determination.
Against this abuse Of the rights OF
war, / have felt constrained Oh re.
psated occasions to enter che firm aud
earnest protest Of this government
There was much OF public condemna.
ton OF American citizens by alleged
arrests and long imprisonment, await.
ing trial or pending judicial proceed
ings. felt &c my first duty 20 make
instant demands for tho release or
speedy trial OF all American citizens
under arrest Before the change Of the
5paish cabinet In October last % pris.
oners, citizens of the United States. had
been given their freedom.
Mr. woodford's Iustruotiops.
The instructions given to our new
minister TO Spain before his departure
for his post directed him to impress
upon that government the sincere wish
OF the United States to lend It's aid TO-
ward the ending of the war In Cuba by
reaching q peaceful aud lasting result,
Just and honorable alike TO Spain aud
to the Cuban people.
The reply to our note was received on
Oct. rs. Il is In the direcsion Of q. bet.
Vsr- understanding " HppFS6I6vs6 -,
friendly purposes Of this government
IL admits that our country Ia deeply
affected by the war In Cuba and that its
desires for peace are just. II declares
that the present Spanish government Is
bound by every confederation to q
change OF policy that should satisfy the
United States aud pacify Cuba within
has decided TO put into effect che politi'
cal reforms heretofore advocated by the
present premier without halting for
any consideration in the path which, IN
It's Judgment. leads 20 peace. The MIL
itary operations, IL ID said. Will con-
tinue, but will be humane and con-
Quoted with all regard for private
rights, being accompanied by political
action leading to the autonomy OK Cuba.
while guarding Spanish sovereignty.
This. 10 is claimed, will result in invest
ing Cuba with distinct personality;
the island to be governed by an execu.
tive and by q local council or chamber.
reserving to Spain the control or the
foreign relations. the army aud navy
and She judicial administration. To &C.
complish this the present government
proposes to modify existing legislation
By decree. leaving the Spanish cortes.
with the aid OF Cuban senators aud dep
uties, TO solve the economic problem
and properly distribute the existing
debt.
In the absence Of a declaration OF the
measures that the governments propose.
to take in carrying out It's protfsr OF
good offices il suggests that Spain be
left free to conduct military operations
and grant political reforms. while the
United States for its part shall enforce
It's neutral obligations and cut on the
assistance which IL Is asserted the insur-
gents receive from this country. The
superstition Of al indefiuite prolongation
| Of the war IL denied. IL IL asserted that
the western provinces are already well
nigh reclaimed; shat the planting OF
tobacco therein has been resumed and
that by force OF arms and new and am.
ole reforms very early aud complete
pacification Is hoped for.
Discussion Of the question OF interna-
tioual duties aud responsibilities OF the
United States as Spain understands
them IL presented with an apparent dis.