The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-07
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
THE CUBAN INsURRECTIoN.

Past and Present Conditions Re-
viewed--InterventiOn Not Warranted.
The most Important problem with which
this government is now called upon to deal
pertaining to its foreign relations concerns
it's duty toward Spain and the Cuban insur-
rection. Problems and conditions more or
less in common with those now existing
have confronted this government at various
times in the past. The story of Cuba for
many years has been one of unrest growing
discomfort, an effort toward a larger en-
joyment OF liberty and self-control, of or
ganized resistance to the mother country,
of depression after distress and warfare,
and of Intellectual settlement, to be fol-
lowed by renewed revolt. For no enduring
period since the enfranchisement of the con-
! tinental possessions of Spain in the West
ern continent has the condition of Cuba or
the policy of Spain toward Cuba not caused
concerl to the United States.
The prospect from time to time that the
weakness of Spains hold upon the island
and the political vicissitudes and embarrass-
ments of the home government might lead
to the transfer of Cuba to a continental
power called forth. between 1923 and 1860,
various emphatic declarations of the policy
of the United States to permit no disturb
ance of Cubas connection with Spain, un-
less in the direction of independence or ac-
QUESTION by us through purchase; nor has
there been any change of this declared poll
| icy since upon the part of the government.
The revolution which began in 1868 lasted
| for ten years, despite the strenuous efforts
of the successive peninsular governments to
suppress it. Then, as now, the government
| of the United States testified it's grave con-
cern, and offered its aid to put an end to
bloodshed in Cuba. The overtures made by
General Grant were refused, and the war
| dragged on, entailing great loss of life and
| treasure and increased injury to American
interests, besides throwing enhanced bur-
dens of neutrality upon this government.
In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce
of Zanjon, obtained by negotiations between
the Spanish commander, Martinez De Cam
pos, and the insurgent leaders.
The present insurrecticn broke out in Feb
ruary, 1886. 1t is not my purpose at this
time to recall its remarkable increase or to
characterize its tenacious resistance against
the enormous forces massed against it by
Spain. The revolt and the efforts to subdue
it carried destruction TO every quarter of
the island, developing wide proportions and
sion. The civilized code of war has been
dsregarded. no less so by the Spaniards
The existing conditions cannot but fill this
government and the American people with
the graVeSt Apprehension. There is no de-
sire on the part of our people to profit by
the misfortunes of Spain. We have only
the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and
contented-enjoying that measure of self
control which is the inalienable right of man
| protected in their right to reap the benefit
of the exhaustless treasures of their coun-
try
OUR MEDIATION REJECTED.
| The offer made by my predecessor in April,
1896, rendering the friendly offices of this
| government, failed. Any mediation on our
part was not accepted. In brief, the answer
read: There is no effectual way to pacify
Cuba unless it begins with the actual sub
mission of the rebels TO the mother coun-
try" Then only could Spain act in the
promised direction of her own motion and
| after her own plans.
| The cruel policy of concentration was ini-
! tiated Feb is, 1896. The productive districts
| controlled by the Spanish armies were de-
populated The agricultural inhabitants
| were herded in and about the garrison
| towns their lands laid waste and their
| dwellings destroyed. This policy tho late
| Cabinet of Spain justified as a necessary
measure OF war and as means of cutting
| off supplies from the insurgents. 1t has ut
| terly failed as q war measure. IL was not
| Civilized warfare. 1t was determination
Against this abuse Of the rights of war