The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-12-10
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
The Time Not Ripe for Intervention
on Our Part.

The most important problem with which
this government Is now called upon 10 deal
pertaining to its foreign relations concerns
it's duty toward Spain and the Cuban 1nsur-
rection. Problems and conditions more or
less in common with those now existing
have confronted this government at yarl-
Gus times in the past. The story of Cuba
for many years has been one or unrest,
growing discomfort; an EFFORT toWard a
troll; of organized resistance to- the mother
country; of depression after distress and
warfare and of Intellectual settlement 70 DC
ing period since the acknowledgment OF the
continental possessions OF Spain In the
cuba or the policy of Spain toward Cuba
not caused concern to the United States:
The prospect from time to time that the
weakness of SPANS hold upon the island
and the political yicissitudes and embar-
easements of the home government might
lead to the transfer of Cuba to continen,
1860 various emphatic declarations OF the
policy of the United States to permit no dis
turbance of Cuba's connection with Spain
unless in the direction of independence or
acquisition by us through purchase; nor
has there been any change of this declared
policy since upon the part or the govern
The revolution which began in 1868 lasted
for ten years, despite the strenuous e1N
forts Of the successive pen1nsular gov
the government OF the United States tes-
titled its grave concern, ana orered It's
aid to put an end to bloodshed IN CUBA Sac
refused, and the war dragged on, entailing
great loss of life and treasure, and increased
injury to american interests 6esides thr9 tS
government. In 1875. peace was brought
about by the truce of zanjon, obtained by
negotiations between the Spanish COM
mander, Martinez de Campos, and the in
surgent leaders.
The Present Insurrcction.
The present insurrection broke out In
February 1895. 1t is not my purpose at this
to characterize its tenacious resistance
against the Sv bs forces DsSe ana ssa
every quarter of the island, developing
wide proportions and defying. the efforts
OF Span al or It's h oysa
SO by the .Spaniards than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but fill
with the gravest apprehension. There Vp is
profit by the misfortunes of Spain. we
prosperous and contented, enjoying that
measure Of self control which Is the in
aiienable right Of man, protected in their
treasures of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor In
April, 1896, rendering the friendly Offices
on our part was not accepted. In brief, the
answer read: There Is no effectual way
10 pacify Cuba unless It begins with the
mother country" Then only could Spain
act in the promised direction of her own
motion and after her own plans.
NOT CIvIIixed warfare.
TT, The cruel policy, Of concentration was
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
were depopulated. The agricultural inhab-
itants were herded in and about the gar
their dwellings destroyed. This policy the
late cabinet Of Spain justified as q neces-
sary measure of war and as a means of cut
ting or SUPPLIES from the insurgents. It has
utterly failed as q war measure. 1t was
ton.
Protests Entered.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
l have felt constrained on repeated occa-
sions to enter the firm and earnest pro-
test of this government. There was much
OF public condemnation of the treatment or
and long Imprisonment awaiting trial or
pending protracted judicial proceedings.
felt II my first duty to make instant de.
American citizens under arrest. Before the
change OF the Spanish cabinet In October
last 20 prisoners, citizens of the United
States, had been given their freedom. For
cause Of the conflict the aid of congress was
sought In a special message, and under
the appropriation Of April I, 1897, effective
Cuba, many Of them at their own request
having been returned to the United States.
Minister Woodford's Instructions.
The instructions given to our new min
lister TO Spain before his departure for his
eminent the sincere wish OF the United
States to lend Its aid toward the ending
OF, the war In Cuba by reaching peace
full and lasting result just and honorable
alike to Spain and TO the Cuban people