Evening journal., 1897-12-03
ON BEHALF OF CUBA.
The Cuban League Petitions
the President.
TEN REASONS FOR ISLANDS FREEDOM
They Declare Autonomy Is n Foolish
Dream-cuba Would Be Useful to
Us-McISInisy Promises Care
ful Consideration.


WASHINGTON, Dec. s.-Mr. Berke-
ley Balch, secretary Of the Cuban
league, appeared yesterday before Pres
ident Mckinley and presented the fol-
lowing argument in behalf of the Gu
ban insurgents:
Mr. President-We appear before you
IN the name Of those who have died for
the cause of freedom in the island of
Cuba and for those who are stlll ready
TO give their lives today or tomorrow
for this cause. Also representing, as
we claim, majority of the people Of
\ the United States. who believe in that
cause and demand that their wishes
shall now be translated into efficient
action by their chosen representatives
Thanks to the power, honor and patri-
otism of the American press, the pao-
pie today know the essential facts OF
the Cuban situation. We submit to
you, therefore, these ten propositions
for your consideration:
First.-The three wars In Cuba within
the century are proof Of a genuine
movement for the extension OF demo-
cratic principles and the attainment Of
liberty from a tyrannical, corrupt and
alien government.
Second.-Without the indirect aid Civ
en- by this government to Spain, the
patriots would be further advanced in
their struggle
Third.-Spain has lost Cuba as far as
! the present population is concerned If,
however. she is permitted to continue
| the cruel work of exterminating non
combatants she may possibly recon
quer and repopulate the land.
Fourth.-If with our passive aid she
unfortunately succeeds in doing this,
when another generation comes the
revolution win surely begin again. The
governing classes in Spain of all par
ties have regarded Cuba for 30a years
as an orange to be squeezed. They are
unable to consider it otherwise. and no
amount Of diplomatic effort on our part
is likely to change their point of view
The other classes are ignorant. Spain
has held all her colonies with an iron
hand until forced to let go. The war of
liberation in Venezuela lasted IS years.
and during the last FIVE years of the
struggle no quarter was given by either
side.
Fifth.-Autonomy is a foolish dream.
It is evident that neither side under
stands it, wishes it or can administer
II. Spain clearly offers 1t to amuse this
| government and TO gain time.
sixth-A majority OF the people of
this country desire to see a free and in
dependent Cuban republic. An oppos-
ing factor of great force is the money
power II is a fair conclusion to urge
that a majority of our people believe
that the assistance of our government
til now has been given to Spain and
withheld from the republic on account
of the influence that emanates from
great financial interests, usually afraid
Of patriotic aggressive movements.
Seventh.-Our people have hoped for
| favorable action for Cuba from the pres
ent administration and have patiently
waited to give the administration time
for consideration Of the wise road to
this end. That patience is now ex-
hausted.
Eighth.-very few Cubans and stilI
fewer people in this country desire i'm
mediate annexation, but independence
Is clearly due to Cuban valor and sac
rifces.
Ninth.--It is Of supreme Importance
to our future defense that Cuba should
be in the possession of a friendly power.
This Spain has never been and probably
can never be.
Tenth.-The friendship of the repub-
lie of Cuba is worth vastly more to us
than that Of Spain. for reasons OF busi-
ness and defense. It is our duty and
self interest to recognize the belligeren-
ey and, logically following this the in
dependence OF the republic and to con-
clude with a defensive and offensive
alliance. If this is not compatible with
a continued friendship with Spain, so
much the worse for Spain. If Spain
attacks us we can take care of our
own.
Out Of the experience OF our work and
from the study of over 20 years, this
league asserts that these ten PROPOSE
tions are true and that their right un-
derstandlng leads to the only action
which will solve the problem.
And now; Mr.. President in behalf of
those we represent we thank you for
this opportunity to present their views.
We hope for such action on your part
as will bring a correct solution. We de-
sire to state that this league and our
sympathizers have enlisted for the
war" or until such time as the repub-
lie of Cuba shall become a fact in his
tory
The president said he would give the
argument careful consideration.