The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-12-07

MESSAGE


their right to reap the benefit of the OK
haustless treasures of their country. The
offer made by my predecessor IN April
1896 rendering the offices of this govern
ment failed. Any mediation on our part
was not accepted. In brief the answer
read: "There is no effectual way to pac-
ify Cuba unless 1t begins with the actual
submission of the rebels 60 the mother
country" Then only could Spain act IN
the promised direction of her own mo-
tion and after her own TlanS.
The cruel policy Of concentration was
initiated Feb. IL. 1896 The productive
districts controlled by the Spaniards were
depopulated. The agricultural nhab't-
ants were herded in and about the gar
rison towns. their lands laid waste ana
their dwellings destroyed. This policy the
late cabinet of Spain justified as ncccs-
Sary measure of war and as means ol
cutting off supplies from the insurgents.
II has utterly failed as a war measure. IL
was not civilized warfare. 1t was 'N-
termination.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
] have felt constrained on repeated occa-
sions 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 llleEaI
arrests and long imprisonment awaiting
trial or pending protracted ju'lciai pro-
ceedngs. l felt it my first duty 10 make
instant demand for the release or
speedy trial of all American citizens
under arrest Before the Spanish
cabinet in October last twenty-five
prisoners citizens of the United states.
had been given their freedom. FOR the
relief oC our own citizcns, suffering be-
cause of the conflict, the aid OF congress
was sought in special message ana un-
der the appropriation of April 4, lS9h ef-
4 1. zs..n n \ q
citizens in cuba, many of them at their
own request having been enabled to re-
turn to the United States.
The Wish of the United states.
The instructions given to our minister
TO Spain before his departure for his post
recommended him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish of the Unit
ed States to lend it's aid toward the end
ing of the war in Cuba by reaching a
peaceful and lasting result just and
honorable alike to Spain and to the Gu
ban people. These instructions recitcd
the character and duration OF the con-
test. the widespread losses it entails. the
burdens and restraints it imposes upon
us, with constant disturbance of ma
tional interests and the injury resulting
from an indefinite continuance of this
state of things. 1t was stated that at
this juncture our government was con-
strained to seriously inquire If the time
was not ripe when Spain, of her own
Volition. moved by her own interests and
every sentiment Of humanity should put
a stop to this destructive war ana make
proposals of settlement 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 it's authority and restore
hnrlHrG
the island; that we could not contom-
plate an indefinite period for the accom-
plishment of this result
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain
could attach and indeed the precise pro-
posals were withheld to avoid cmbar-
rassment to that government. All that
was asked or expected was that some
safe way he speedily provided and per-
manent peace restored. 1t so ChanCcd
that the consideration of this offer ad-
dressed to the same Spanish administra-
tion which had declined the tenders of
my predecessor, and which for more than
two years had poured men and treasure
into Cuba in the fruitless effort to sup
press the revolt. fell to others. Between
the departure of General Woodford, the
rev envoy, and his arrival i'm Spain, the
statesman who had shaped the policy of
his country fell by the hand of an as
sassin, and although the cabinet of the
premier still held office and received from
our envoy the proposals he bore, that
cabinet gave place in few days there
after to a new administration under the
leadership of Sagasta,
Spain's Promises.
The reply to our note was received on
the 23rd day of October. 1t appreciates
the friendly purposes of this govern
ment. 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 present Spanish gov
eminent is bound by every considera-
tion 10 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 reforms heretofore advocated by
the present premier, without halting for
any consideration in the path which in
its judgment leads to peace. The mill
tary operations, it is said, will continue
but Will be humane and conducted with
all regard for private rights. being ac-
companied by political action leading
to the autonomy of Cuba while guard
ing Spanish sovereignty. This, it is
claimed, Will result in investing Cuba
with distinct personality, the island to
be governed by an executive and by a
local council or chamber rcserving to
Spain the control of the foreign rcla-
tions, the army and navy, and the Judi
Cial administration. To accomplish this
the present government proposes to mod
ify existing Legislation by decree, leav-
ing the Spanish Cortes, with the aid of
Cuban senators and deputies, to solve
the economic problems and properly dis
tribute the existing debt.
In the absence OF "A declara ton of
measures that this government proposes
N =
good offices il suggests that Spain be left
free to conduct military operations ard
grant political reforms, while the United
States for its part shall enforce it's neu-
tral obligations ana cut off the assistance
winch 1t Is asserted the insurgents re-
ceiFe from this country; the Suppo-
sitiOn of an indefinite prolonging of the
war is denied, 1t is asserted that when
provinces are already well nigh re-
claimed, that planting cane and tobacco
has been resun ed, and that by force Of
arms and new and ample reforms very
early and complete pacifiCation is hoped
for, theimmediate amelioration Of existing
conditions under the new administration
of Cuban affairs is predicted, and there
Withal the disturbance and all occa-
sion for any change of attitude on the
part of the United States.
International Duties.
The discussion of the question of inter-
national duties and responsibilities of the
United States as Spain understands them
II made with an apparent disposition to
charge us with failure in this regard.
This charge is without any basis in fact.
1t could not have been made IL Spain
had been cognizant of the constant eff
forts this government has made at the
cost of millions, and by the employment
of the administrative agency of the ma
tion at command to perform its full duty
according to the law of nations. That il
has successfully prevented the departure
of "a single expedition or armed vessel
from our Shores in violation OF our laws
would seem 10 be a sufficient answer. Bur