Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1897-12-11

D
of American citizens by alleged illegal
arrests and long imprisonment awaiting
trial or pending protracted Judicial pro-
cedures | felt it my first duty to make
instant demand for the release or speedy
trial of all American citizens under ar
rest Before the change of the Spanish
cabinet III october. y 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 special message,
and Unde~ the appropriation of April 4,
ilaG' cfferti,,e aid has been given to
American citizens in Cuba. and many of
them, at their own request have been re-
turned to the United States.
Policy of the United States.
The instructions given 10 our new min
lister to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish Of the Unit
ed States to lend it's aid toward ending the
war in Cuba. by reaching heacetul and
lasting result, just and honorable alike TO
Spain and the Cuban people.
These instructions recited the character
and duration of the contest, the vide
spread losses it entails, the burdens and
restraint it imposes upon us, with con-
slant disturbance of national interests,
and the injury resulting from an indefinite
continuance of this state of things. 1t
was stated that, at this juncture, our gov
eminent was constrained to seriously in
uuire if the time was not ripe when Spain,
of her own V1litiOn, moved by her own IN
terests and every sentiment of humanity.
should put a stop to this destructive war
and make proposals of settlement, honor
able to herself and just to her Cuban col
ony. 1t was urged that. as neighborlng
nation with large interests in Cuba. we
could be required to wait only reason
able time for the mother country to es-
tabiish it's authority and restore peace
and order within the borders of the ISL
and; that we could not contemplate an
ind mi tod for he n 8 q
of these results.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation TO SPAN
could attach All that was asked or CX-
pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace
restored. 1t so CHANGED that the cons!d-
same Spanish administration which had
declined the tenders of my predecessor
and which, for more than two years, had
poured men and treasury into CUBA, IN
the frutless effort to suppress the re-
volt, fell to others. Between the depart
ure of General Woodford, the new envoy
and his arrival in Spain, the Statesman
who had shaped the policy of his coua-
try fell by the hand of an assassin, and
although the cabinet of the late premier
still held office and received from our en-
Voy the proposals he bore, that CABINET
gave place within a few days thereo Ter
to a new administration under the leader
ship of Sagasta.
The reply to our note vas received on
the 23rd day of October. 1t is IN he di-
rection of a better understanding. Il APP
pTeciates the friendly purposes oil TINS
government. 1t admits tnat our country
is deeply affected by the war in Cuba ard
that it's desires for peace are Just. II &C.
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every c3nsid7r2t non &c
a change of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacifY CUBA WltEiA
reasonable time.
Spuin's Promise.
To this end Spain has decided 20 put in
to effect the political reforms heretofore
advocated by the present premier, with
path which in it's judgment leads to
peace. The military operations, 1t i SAID,
will continue, but will be humane and
conducted with all regl71s or private
rights, being accompanied by political
action leading to the autonomy OF tlura.
while guarding Spanish sovereignty. tbs,
1t is claimed, will result IN investing ca,
. ba. with distiqct >pcrApnal!ty the island
to be governed by an executive and by q
local council or chamber, re5erVlng to
Spain the control of the reign relations
the army and navy and the JuIlclAl ud-
ministratiOn.
TO accomplish this the present govern
ment proposes TO modify 2X'&-Il9 Ie5-sla-
ton by decree leaving the Spanish cores
with the aid of Cuban senators and d6Du-
ties, to solve the economic problems ard
/ properly distribute the existing debt In
I the absence of a declaration of The meas
ures that the government proposes TO
take in carrying out its pCoIIer Of good
/ Offices it suggests that Spain DC left free
20 conduct military oDerluOlS ara grant
political reforms while tie intel States
for it's part, shall enforce It's neutral OBJ
/ legations and cut off the assistance WhlCh
/ it is asserted the insurgents receive rom
this country. The suppoSllon or an IN
definite prolongatton of the war IS de-
MED. 1t is asserted that the western Pro-
vinces are already we'll nigh Reclaimed
therein has been resumed, ana that, by
force of arms, and new ana ample re-
forms, very early and complete paclfra-
The immediate amelioratlon OF existing
conditions under the new admihlS!:tloH
of Cuban affairs is predicted ana there
with all the disturbance and all occasion
for any change of attitude on me part OF
/ the United States. Discussion OF the
question of international duties @n1 le-
sponsiblites of the United states, a.
Spain understands them, ~ preScnteo
with an apparent disposition 10 thatsc u
with failure in this regard. ms chd5se ~
without any basis in fact II couIu HO'
have been made if Spain had been cos
infant of the constant effort TINS govern
/ ment has made at the cost Of m!llonS duo
by the employment of administering ma
chinery at the national commend 10 per,
form it's full duty according 20 tue law %
nations That it has succ es5t2i II, pre-,
vented the departure, of single II, ar,
expedition or armed vessel from o Uui
shores in violation of our laws "oui1
seem to be a sufficient answer. ,..o
But on this aspect OF the 9 fnrtber now
Firm in the conviction of a Wholly pS Sr
formed obligation, due Response 10 1H is
sues throughout all these hor"JIs anC
dangers to our own peace, tals govern u,
ment has never in any way aorogaI9 "a ~ ~
sovereign prerogative OF reserElnS ~ n ~
Course coi se according to its own hlgn sense o
right and in consonance, with the oea r,
est interests and convictions Or out ~" ~,
people. should the prolohsatloh ~ LAW
strife so demand.
LINES OF POSSIBLE ACIIoN
FOrcibIe Annexation Can NOT h'
Thought OF.
OF untried measures there remain only