The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-12-16

ceuures. l Ielt 1t my first duty to make
instant demand for the release or speedy
trial or all American citizens Under ar
rest Before the change of the Spanish
cabinet. In October, q prisoners, citizens
or 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
=, 1871 effective aid has been given to
american citizens in Cuba, and many of
them, at their own request, have been
returned to the United States.
The instructions given to our new min
lister to Spain. before mis- departure for
his post directed him to impress upon
that government the sincere wish of the
United States to lend its aid toward end
ing the war In Cuba, by reaching a peace
1ul 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 1t 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
quire II the time was not-ripe when Spain,
of her own 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. It 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 it's 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 It so CHANGED that the consid-
GRAFTON of this offer, addressed to the
Spanish administration, which had de-
clined 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
of an assassin, and although the cabinet
of the late premier still held office and re-
ceiveds from our envoy the proposals he
bore. that cabinet gave place, within a
few days thereafter, to a new administra-
ton under the leadership of Sagasta.
SPANS Friendly Reply.
The reply to our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the direc-
ton of better understanding. 1t appre-
ciates the friendly proposals of this gov
eminent. 1t admits that our country is
deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that our desires for peace are just. 1t de-
c1ares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every consideration to a
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 re-
forms heretofore advocated by the pres
ent premier, without hating for any con-
sideration in the path which. in its judg-
ment, leads to peace. y
The military operations, it 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 is
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 senators
lens and properly distribute the existing
debt
80 Give Spain d Chance. - -
In the absence of declaration of the
measures that this government proposes
to take in carrying out it's proffer of good
offices, it suggests that Spain be left free
to conduct military operations and grant
political reforms, while the United States,
for it's part shall enforce its neutral obli-
cations, and cut off the assistance which.
it is asserted, the insurgents receive from
this country. The supposition of an in
definite prolongation of the war is de-
MED. 1t is asserted that the Western
provinces are already well-nigh re-
claimed; that the painting of cane and
tobacco therein has been resumed, and
that by force of arms and new and ample
reforms very early and complete pacifi-
cation is hoped for.
The immediate amelioration of existing
conditions under the new administration
of Cuban affairs is predicted, and there
withal the disturbance and all occasion
for any change of attitude on the part of
the United States.
Discussion of the question sof interna-
tional duties and responsibilities of the
United States as Spain understands them,
is presented with an apparent disposition
to charge us with failure in this regard.
This charge is without any basis in fact.
It could not have been made If Spain had
been cognizant of the constant effort this
government has made, at the cost or MIL
lions and by the employment OF the ad-
ministrative machinery at the natiOnal
command, to perform its full duty accord
ing to the law of nations. That II mas
successfully prevented the departure OF
single military expedition or armed vessei
from our shores in violation of our laws
would seem to be a sufficient answer.
But on this aspect of the Spanish note 1t
is not necessary to speak further now.
Firm in the conviction OF wholly per-
formed obligation, due response to TINS
charge has been made in diplomatic Is
sues, Throughout all these horrors ana
dangers to our own peace, this govern
ment has never in any way abrogated It's
sovereign prerogative of Feserving to It
self the determination of Its policy and
course, according to its own high sense OF
right and in consonance with the dearest
interests and convictions of our own peo-
pie. should the prolongation OF the strife
so demand.
OF the untried measures there remain
only:
..Recognition of the Insurgents as bellig-
erents; recognition of the independence OF
C,,ha neutral intervention to end the war
nv imposing rational compromise be-
tween the contestants, and intervention
in favor of one or the other party
rot Ouestion Of Annexation.
/ speak not Of forcible annexation. for
that cannot be thought OF. Inat oy our
s-.5. II morality. would be criminal az
eression. Recognition Of the belligerency
Of the Cuban insurgents has often Deen
canvassed as q possible II not inevitable
step. both In regard to the previous ~
wears. struggle and during the present