The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-12-09
Julian LEAGUE ARGUMENT
TEN PROPOSITIONS WE'RE SUBMIT
TED TO PRESIDENT M'KIN-
LEY YESTERDAY.
AUTONOMY Is A FOOLISH DREAM
The President Urged to Take Action
In the Interest of Free Cuba.
The President Promised to
Consider the Matter.

Washington, Dec. 2.-Mr Berkeley
Ratch, secretary of the Cuban league,
appeared today before President McKin-
ley and presented the following argu-
nent in behalf of the Cuban insurgents:
Mr.. President-We appear before you
in The name OF those who have died for
the cause of freedom in the land of
Cuba and for those who are still ready
to give their lives today or tomorrow for
this cause. Also representing, as We
claim, majority OF the people Of the
United States, who believe in that cause
and demand that their wishes shall now
be put into effect by their chosen repre-
sentatives. Thanks to the power, honor
and patriotism Of the American press,
the people today know the essential facts
of the Cuban situation. We submit to
yOu, therefore, these ten propositions for
your consideration:
"First-Lrhe three wars in Cuba within
this century are proof of genuine move
ment, extension Of democratic principles
and the attainment of liberty from a
tyrannical corrupt and alien government.
"Second-Without the indirect aid
given by this government TO Spain the
patriots would be further advanced in
their struggle.
"Third-Spain has lost Cuba as far as
the present population is concerned. If,
however, bue 10 IHTuiIittu W tOHlluut the
cruel war of determination of non
combatants, she may possibly reconquer
and repopulate the island.
"ourth-If, with our PASSIVE aid, she
unfortunately succeeds in doing this,
when another generation comes the revo-
luton will surely come again. The gov
erning classes have regarded Cuba for
300 years as an orange to be squeezed.
They are unable to consider il other
mud M Iiplnmptip effort n mart
is likely to change their point Of view.
The other classes are ignorant Of ii.
Spain has held all her colonies with an
iron hand until forced to let go. The
war of liberation in Venezuela lasted
fifteen years and during the last five
years of the struggle no quarter was gwen
by either side.
"Fifth-Autonomy is a foolish dream
1t IL evident that neither side under
stands it, wishes it or can admire it.
"Sixth.-A majority Of the people of
this country desire TO see a free ard in
dependent Cuban republic. An oppos-
ing factor of great force is the major
power. 1t is fair conclusion to say
that majority Of our people believe the
assistance of your governments, until now;
has been given to Spain and withheld
from the republic on account of the in
hucnce that emanates from great imam
.cial interests usually afraid Of patrl-
otto. aggressive movement.
"Seventh-Our people have hoped for
favorable action for Cuba by the pres
ent administration, and have patiently
awaited to give the Americans time for
consideration Of the wise way for re-
lief. That patience is now exhausted.
'Eighth-Very few Cubans, and still
fewer people in that country, desire i'm
mediate annexation, but independence is
clearly due to Cuban valor and sacri-
fees.
"Ninth-It is of supreme Importance to
our future defense that Cuba should be
in the possession of n friendly power
This Spain has never been and probably
never can be.
"Tenth-Thc friendship of the repub
lie of Cuba is worth vastly more to us
than that of Spain, for reasons of bust
ness and of defense. 1t is our duty and
self interest to recognize the beliger-
ency, and, logically following this, the
independence of the republic, and to con
clude with defensive and offensive al
lance. If this is not compatible with
continued friendship with Spain, much
the worse for Spain. If Spain attacks
ins we can take care OF our own.
"Out of the experience of our work
and from the study Of over twenty years
this league asserts that these ten .propo-
sitions are true, and that our right I'M
derstanding leads to the only action
which will solve the problem.
"And now, Mr.. President, in behalf of
those we represent, we thank you for
this opportunity to present their views.
We hope for such action on your part
as will bring n correct solution. We de-
sire to state that this league and our
,sympathizers have enlisted for the war
or until such time as the republic of
Cuba shall become fact in history
The president said he would give the
argument consideration.