Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1897-12-14

NOuiANiS
h offer made by my predecessor, in
April, 1896, rendering the friendly offices
of this government, failed, and media
ton on our part was not accepted. In
brief. the answer read: There is no eff
fectual way to pacify Cuba, unless 1t be-
gins with the actual submission of the
rebels to the mother country. Ihen only
can Spain act in the promised direction
of her own motion and after her own
plans.
Concentration Is determination.
The cruel policy of concentration was
initiated February 16, 1896. The produc-
tive districts controlled by the Spanish
armies were depopulated and the agri-
cultural inhabitants were herded in and
about the garrison towns their lands laid
waste and their dwellings destroyed. This
policy the late cabinet of Spain JUSTIFIED
as a 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 ex-
termination.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
l have felt constrained, on repeated oc-
c%asions, to enter the firm and earnest pro-
test of this government. There was much
of public condemnation of the treatment
of American citizens by alleged illegal ar
rests and long Imprisonment awaiting
trial of pending ~pTotracted judicial pro-
cedures. l felt 1t 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, in October, % 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, 1897. effective aid has been given to
American citizens in Cuba, and many of
them, at their own request, nave been
returned to the United States.
Instructions to Minister WOOdfOrd.
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 it's aid toward end
ing the war in Cuba, by reaching a peace
full and lasting result. just and honor
able alike to Spain and the Cuban people,
These instructions recited the character
and duration of the contest. the wide
spread losses it entails, the burdens and
restraint 1t 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
ernment was constrained to seriously in
quire If the time was not ripe when Spain,
of her W volition, 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
colony. 1t was urged that, as a neigh
boring nation with large interests in
Cuba, we could be required to wait only
a reasonable time for the mother coun-
try to establish its authority and restore
peace and order within the borders of the
island; that we could not contemplate an
indefinite period for the accomplishment
of these results.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain
could attach. All that was asked or ex-
pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace
restored. 1t so CHANGED that the consid-
Grafton of this offer, addressed to the
Spanish administration, which had de-
cllned the tenders of my predecessor and
which for more than two years had poured
more treasure into Cuba in the fruitless
effort to suppress the revolt, fell to 9TH
ers. Between the departure of General
Woodford. the new envoy, and his arrival
In Spain, the statesman who had shaped
the policy of his country fell by the hand
or an assassin, and although the cabinet
of the late premier still held office and re-
ceived from our envoy the proposals he
bore. that cabinet gave place, within a
lew days thereafter, to a new administra-
ton under the leadership of Sagasta.
Spain's Friendly Reply.
The reply to our note was received on
the 2Sd day of October. 1t is in the direc-
ton of a better understanding. 1t appre-
ciates the friendly proposals of this gov
eminent. 1t admits hat our ountry is
deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that our desires for peace are just. 1t de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every consideration to A.
change of policy hat should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within n
reasonable time. To this end. Spain has
decided to put into effect the political re-
forms heretofore advocated by the pres
ent premier, without halting for any con-
sideration In the path which, in its iudr-
ment, leads to peace.
The military operations, 1t is said. will
continue, but will be humane and con-
Quoted with all regard for private rights.
being accompanied by political action
leading to the autonomy of Cuba. while
guarding Spanish sovereignty. This. IT ia
claimed, will result in investing Cuba with
a distinct personality. the island to be
governed by an executive and by a local
council or chamber, reserving to Spain
the control of the foreign relations. the
army and navy and the judicial admins
trations.
To accomplish this, the present govern
ment proposes to modify existing legis-
lation by decree, leaving the Spanish
cortes, with the aid of Cuban senator's
and deputies, to solve the economic prob
lens and properly distribute the existing
debt.
Give Spain n Chance.
In the absence of a declaration of the
measures that this government PROMISES
to take in carrying out its prefer of good
offices, 1t suggests hat Spain be left free
10 conduct military operations and grant
poiticaI reforms. wnile the United States,
for its part, shall enforce its neutral ohIJ
| CATIONS. and Ont of tho anI.I..--