Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-12-09
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
Island lgsst Not Pass into the Hands
Of Another Power.

- N1OSaC1 HVVVCIs -r
The most important problem with which
this government 10 now called upon to deal
pertaining to Its foreign relations con-
Germs its duty toward Spain and the
Cuban fnsurrection. Problems and condi-
tions more or less In common with those
now existing have confronted this gov
eminent at various times In the past. The
story OF Cuba for many years has been one
OF unrest, growing discomfort. an effort
toward Q larger enjoyment OF liberty and
self control. Of organized resistance to the
mother country. Of depression after dis
tress and warfare ard OF Intellectual settle
ment to be follow, by renewed revolt.
For no enduring period since the en-
reimbursement Of the continental posses
sions OF Spain In the Western continent
has the condition Of 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 vicissitudes and embar-
rassments OF the homo government might
lead 70 the transfer OF Cuba to 4 con-
tinental power called forth. between 1929
and 1860. various emphatic declarations Of
the policy of the United States to permit
no disturbance Of Cuba's connection with
Spain unlss In the direction Of independ-
ence or acquisition by us through pur-
chase: nor has there been any change OF
this declared policy since upon the part
OF the government.
me revolution which began in 1858
lasted for ten years, despite the strenuous
Efforts Of the successive pentnsular gov
eruments to suppress 1t. Then, 40 now,
the government or the United States testi-
fed it, grave concern and offered its
aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba.
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-
eides throwing enhanced burdens Of neu-
trality on the government. In 1878 peace
was brought about by the truce Of Zanjon.
obtained by negotiations between the
Spanish commander, Martinez dc Campos.
and the insursent leaders.
Code Of War DlsreEardeA.
The present tnsurrection broke out in
February. Lass. It II net my purpose ut
this time to recall its remarkable increase
or to characterize Ito tenacious resistance
against the enormous forces massed
against It BY Spain. Tho revolt and the
efforts to subdue 1t carried destruction to
every quarter Of the island, de seloptag
wide proportions and defytng the efforts
Of Spain for Its suppression. The civiliz I'd
code Of war has been d~isregarded. no less
70 BY the SpaniArds than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannet but Ali
this government a the American peopls
with the gravest apprehension. There il
no desire on the Part Of our PEG IL to
profit BY b miseortunes Of Spain. We
have only the desire to see the Gu ans
prosperous and contented enjoying thai
measure OF seif-ccntrol VIII b 10 the IN
alienable right Of ~ protected in the'r
right to reap the ben At OF exha usti.ss
treasures Of their country.
The Oder made BY my predecessor In
April. 1888. tenderiny the frie dly oaices
Of this government, failed. Any me4a-
ton on our part wss not acctp pied. In
brief the answer read:
Cuba unless It begins vi b Ire actnal
submission Of the rebels to the N th,r
country"
Then. only. could Spain act in tn.
promised direction Of her own motion and
after her own plans.
The cruel 20 icy o. co-centra4'on was
initiated Feb. IS 1876. The pr, pective
we're depopulated. Tae ayr cultural in
habitants were h-rdrd In Z about the
garrison towns, 'heir lands 'sti waite ami
heir dwellings d strogfd Thu ollcy tbs
ate cabinet Of Epain JUSTIFIED IS q noes
sary measure OF war and a. Q means o
,utting on supplies from the insu rent
Il has utterly sa'led ss I wal measure. 1t
was not civilissd warfare. Il vas extsr-
mination.
Against this abuse Of the rights Of war
have felt ccrstra'neS on repeated ccca.
sSlons - inter the lrm and earnest protest
81 this government. There Wa much Of
public condemnation Of the treatment Of
AmsrieanscitiSens BY alleged illegal arrests
and long impriscnrnent awaiting trial or
I tslt Il - 1rxt duty 70 make instant de-
1870 - - Rn1eAAn a. AnnAR trial ~ Al