Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-06

sary measure of war and a means of
cutting of supplies from the insurgents.
il has utterly failed a war measure. 1t
was not civilized warfare. 1t was extermi-
nation.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
I have felt constrained repeated occa-
sions to enter the firm and earnest protest
OF this Government There was much of
public condemnation of the treatment of
American citizens by alleged Illegal arrests
and long imprisonment awaiting trial or
pending protracted judicial proceedings. 1
felt it nv first duty to make instant de-
mani for the release or speedy trial of all
American citiZens under arrest. Before the
change of the Spanish Cabinet in October
last twenty-five prisoners. citizens of the
United States, had been given their free
dom
For the relief of our own citizens suffer
ing becat of the conflict the aid of Con-
gress was sought in a special message. and
under the appropriation of April 4. 1897,
effective aid has been given to American
citizens in Cuba. many of them at their
own request having been returned to the
United States
The instructions given to our new Minis
ter 10 Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
Government the sincere wish of the United
States TO lend its aid toward the ending
of the war in Cuba by reaching peaceful
and lasting result, just and honorable alike
to Spain and TO the Cuban people. These
instructions rccited the character and dura-
ton OF the contest the widespread losses it
entails. the burdens and restraints it i'm
poses upon us with constant disturbance of
National interests. and the injury resulting
from an indefinite continuance of this state
of things. 1t was stated that at this juno
ture our government constrained 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 de-
sJructive and make proposals of set
Element honorable to herself and just 10
her Caban colony. 1t was urged that a
E"ighboring nation, with large interests in
Cuba. We could be required to wait only "A
reasonable time for the mother country TO
establish its authority and restore peace
and order within the borders of the Island,
that could not contemplate an indefinite
period for the accomplishment of this
sult.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach, and indeed precise proposals We're
Withheld to avoid embarrassment to that
pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored 1t so CHANGED that the considera-
tion of this offer. addressed to the same
Spanish Administration 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 suppress the revolt, fell to others.
Between the departure Of General Wood
ford. thu 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 received
from our Envoy the proposals he bore, that
Cabinet gave place within a few days
thereafter TO a new Administration. under
the leadership of Sagasta.
>pain's Latest Promise.
The reply to our note received on
TIE 2;:l day of October. 1t is in the direc-
ton of better understanding. 1t APP
prscidtas the friendly purposes of this gov
ernment. II admits that country is
deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that its desires for peace just. 1t de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
rr-nt j. 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 present
premier. without halting for any consider
alton in the path which in its Judgment
isadS to peace. The military operations. it
is said. will continue, but will be humane
and conducted with all regard for private
rights being accompanied by political ac-
ton leading to the autonomy of Cuba,
While guarding Spanish sovereignty. This,
ii is claimed. will result in investing Cuba
with q 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 adj
ninIstratlon. To accomplish this the pres
ent government proposes to modify existing
legislation by decree. leaving the Spanish
CCItSs. with the aid of Cuban senators
and deputies. TO solve the economic prob
lem and properly distribute the existing
dtpt.
In the absence of declaration of the
measures that this government proposes
10 take i'll carrying out its proffer of good
offices ii suggests that Spain be left free
10 conduct military operations and grant
political reforms. while the United States
for its Uart shall enforce its neutral obli-
1t IL asserted the insurgents receive from
this country. The supposition of an in
deiinIt" prolongatiCn of the war is denied
Ii IL asserted that the western provinces
are already well-nigh reclaimed that the
planting OF cane and tobacco therein has
been resumed. and that by force of arms
and new and ample reforms very early and
complete racification is hoped for
The Immediate amelioration of existing
conditions under the new administration of
Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewithal
the disturbance and all occasion for any
change of attitude the part of the
United States Discussion of the question
OF the International duties and RESPONSE
bili;ies of the United States as Spain under
STANDS them Is presented, with an apparent
disposition to charge US with failure in
this regard. This charge is without any
basis III fact. 1t could not have been made
II Spain had been cognizant of the con-
slant efforts this government has made at
the cost Of millions and by the employment
of the administrative machinery of the