Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-12-10

tlon.
1 concur with the secretary of the treas
ury In his recommendation that national
banks be allowed to issue notes to the face
value. of the bonds which they have depos-
| tied for circulation, and that the tax on
circulating notes secured by deposit of such
! bonds be reduced to one-half of per cen,
per annum.
also join him in recommending that au-
| thority be given for the estabis hment ca
national banks with minimum capital OF
| S25, 900. This will enable the smaller villages
and agricultural regions of the country to
be supplied with currency to meet their
needs. 49, ~ - ~ - ~
Recommend that the issue of national
bank notes be restricted to the denomina-
tion of ten dollars and upwards.
If the suggestions 1 have herein made
shall have the approval of Congress then 1
would recommend that national banks be
required to redeem their notes in gold.
The Conflict In Cuba.
The most important problem with which
this government is now called upon to deal,
pertaining to its foreign relations, concerns
its duty toward Spain and the Cuban insur-
recton.
The present insurrect broke out in
February, 1885 1t is not my purpose at
this time to all its remarkable increase
or to characterize its tenacious resistance
against the enormous forces massed against
1t by Spain The civilized code of war has
been disre garded, no less by the Spaniards
than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but fill this
government and the American people with
the gravest apprehension There is no de-
sire on the part of our people to profit by
the misfortunes of Spain. We have only
the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and
taH f.x,ir hat Of plf-
control which is the inalenable right of
man, protected in their right to reap the
benefit OF the exhaustless treasures OF their
country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
April 1896, rendering the friendly Offices of
the 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"
Then only cou Id Spain act in the promised
direction of her own motion and after her
own plans
The cruel policy of concentration was in
itiatcd february 16 1896. This policy the
late cabinet of Spain justified as neces-
sary measure of war and as means of cut
ting off supplies from the insurgents 1t has
utterly failed as war measure. 1t was
not civilized warfare. 1t was EXTERN ina
war have felt constrained on repe ated &C.
casions to enter the firm and earnest pro-
test of this government
spain's Recent Promise. sd. ..
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 its aid toward the
ending of the war in Cuba by reaching
peaceful and lasting result, just and hon
orable alike to Spain and the Cuban people.
No solution was proposed to which the
idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach, and indeed precise proposals were
to avoid embarrassment to that
government All that was asked or expect
ca was that some safe way night be speed
lily provided and permanent peace
restored Between the departure
of General Woodford, the new
envoy, and his arrival in Spain the
who had sh aped the policy of his
country fell by the hand of an assassin, and
although the cabinet of the late premier
still held office and received from our envoy
the prop ,sals he bore. that cabinet gave
place within few days thereafter to new
under the leadership of Sa-
gasta
The reply to our note was received on the
23d day of October. 1t is in the direction of
a better understanding. 1t appreciates tho
purposes of this government. 1t
admits that our country is deeply affected
by the war in Cuba and that its desires for
peace are just. 1t declares that the pres
emit Spanish government is bound by every
consideration to change of policy that
should satisfy the United States and pacify
Cuba within a reasonable time To this
end Spain has decided to put into effect
the political reforms heretofore advocated
by the present pre- mier, without hating for
any consideration in the path which in its
judgmen leads to peace. The military OPP
it is said, will continue. but will be
humane and conducted with all regard for
private rights, being accompanied by polit-
cal action leading to the autonomy of Cuba
while guarding Spanish sovereignty. This
It is claimed, will result in investing Cuba
with distinct personality; the island to be
governed by an executive and by local
council or chamber, reserving to Spain the
control of the foreign relations, the army
md navy and the judicial administration.
1t suggests that Spain be left free to con-
duct military operations and grant political
reforms, while the United States for its part
shall enforce its neutral obligations and cut
off the assistance which, it is asserted the
Insurgents receive from this country The
Imposition of an indefinite prolongation of
he war is denied The immediate anchor
,tion of existing conditions under the new
of Cuban affairs is pre-
lictcd. and therewithal the disturbance
md all occasion for any change of attitude
On the part of the United States
Discussion of the question of international
iuties and responsibilities of the United
states, as Spain understands them, is pre-
ented. with an apparent disposi ton to
,harge US with failure in this regard
Spain's Charges Repudiated.
This charge Is without any basis in fact
/ could not have been made If Spain had |
)een cognizant of the constant efforts this |
government has made at the cost of mil |
ions by the employ of the admins |
rative machinery of the nation at COM |
nand to perform its full duty according to |
he law of nations That it has success !
ully prevented the departure of a single |
military expedition or armed vessel from |
,ur shores in violation of our laws would |
eem to be a sufficient answer. But of this |
lspect of he Spanish note it Is not neces- |
AIRY to speak further now Firm in the |
onvictiin of a wholly performed obliga-
ion, due response to this charge has been |
nade in diplomatic issues. Throughout all |
hese horrors and dangers to our own peace |
his government has never in any way |
brogated Its sovereign prerogative of re-
CRYING to itself the determination of its |
'oicy and course accordingto its own high |
ense of right and in consonance with the |
earest interests and convictions of our own
'eople should the prolongatlon of the strife
o demand.
In nP