Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-12-10

of Spain's hold upon the island and the
political vicissitudes and embarrassments
Of the home government might lead to the
transfer Of Cuba to continental power
called forth. between 1923 and 1851. va
rious emphatic declarations of the pol
Icy of the United States to permit no
disturbance of Cuba's connection with
Spain unless III the direction or lnde-
pendence or acquisition by us through
purchase-nor has there been any change
Of this declared policy since upon the
part of the government.
Situation In Cuba Grave.
The revolution which began in 1868
lasted for ten years despite the strenu-
Gus efforts Of the successive peninsular
governments to suppress 1t. Then, as
now, the government Of the United States
testified it's grave concern and offered its
aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba.
The overtures made by Gen. Grant were
refused and the war dragged on. entailing
great loss of life and treasure and IN
creased injury TO American interests. be-
sides throwing enhanced burdens of neu-
trality on the government. In 1873 peace
was brought about by the truce of Fan
Jon, obtained by negotiations between
Wv
Campos, and the insurgent leaders.
The present instruction broke out in
February, 1895. 1t Is not my purpose at
this time to recall its remarkakle in
crease or to characterize its tenacious re-
sistance, against the enopmous forces
m maiassed against Spain. The revolt
and the efforts to subdue it carried des-
truction to every quarter OF the island,
developing wide proportions and defying
the efforts of Spain for it's suppression.
The civilized code Of war has been dis
regarded, no less SO by the Spaniards
than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot hut fill
this government and the American peo-
ple with the gravest apprehension. There
is no desire on the part of our people
to profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We
have only the desire to Sc the Cubans
prosperous and contented. enjoying that
measure of self-control which Is the
inalienable right of man, protected in
their right to reap the benefit of the en-
haustless treasures Of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
Anril. 1886, rendering the friendly offices
Of this government failed. Any mediation
on our part was not accepted. In brief.
the answer read: There is no effectual
way to pacify Cuba unless it begins with
the actual submission of the rebels to
the mother country Then only could
Spain act in the promised direction of her
own motion and after her own plan.
Calls spain's Policy Cruel.
The cruel policy Of concentration was
initiated February 16, 1896. The produc-
tive districts controlled by the Spanish
armies were depopulated. The agricul-
tural inhabitants were herded in and
about the garrison towns, their lands laid
waste and their dwellings destroyed. This
policy of the late cabinet Of Spain was
justified as necessary measure of war
and as a means of cutting off supplies
from the insurgents. 1t has utterly failed
as a war measure. 1t was not civilized
warfare. 1t was determination.
Against this abuse of the rights Of war
have felt constrained on repeated occas-
ions to enter the firm and earnest protest
of this government. There was much Of
nuhlic condemnation Of the treatment Of
American citizens by alleged illegal ar
rests and long Imprisonment awaiting
trial or pending protracted judicial pro-
ceedings.
l felt it my first duty to make instant
demand for the release or speedy trial of
all American citizens under arrest. Before
the change of the Spanish cabinet in Oc-
tober last, twenty-five prisoners. citizens
of the United States, had been given their
freedom.
For the relief Of our own citizens suf-
fering because of the conflict the aid of
congress was sought in a special mes
sage. and under the appropriation Of
April 4, 1887, effective aid has been given
to American citizens in Cuba. many Of
them at their own request having been
returned to the United States.
The instructions given to our new min
lister to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish Of the
United States to lend its aid toward the
ending Of the war in Cuba by reaching a
peaceful and lasting result, and honor
able alike to Spain and to the Cuban reo-
pie
These instructions recited the character
and duration of the contest, the wide
spread losses it entails, the burdens and
restraints 1t imposes upon us, with con-
slant disturbance of national interests
and the injury resulting from an indefin-
lite continuance of this state of things.
Time Ripe for q Change
1t was stated at this juncture our gov
eminent was constrained to seriously In
qure If the time was not ripe when Spain,
terests and every sentiment of humanity,
should not put stop to this destructive
war ard make proposals of settlement
honorable to herself and just to her Gu
ban colony. It was urged that as a
neighboring nation, with large interests
in Cuba, we could be required to wait
only reasonable time for the mother
country to establish It's authority and re-
store order within the borders OF the
island; that we could not contemplate an
indefinite period for the accomplishment
Of this result.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain
could attach and indeed precise proposals
were withheld 10 avoid embarrassment to
that government. All that was asked or
expected was that some safe way might
be speedily provided and permanent peace
restored. It 50 CHANGED that the consld~