The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-12-03
THE CAUSE OF CUBA.
Reasons for interference by United
States Fully Stated.
PETITION TO PRESIDENT MKlNLty
Sets Forth the Justice Of the Re-
public's Cause.
SPAIN HAS LOST THE ISLAND
So Far rs the Present Generation Ia
Concerned, and the Next Would
Renew the Fight.
SPAIN HAS LOST THE ISLAND


Batch. secretary OF the Cuban league. APP
peared today before President Mckinley
and presented the following argument in
behalf OF the Cuban Insurgents:
Mr.. President--we appear before you in
the name of these who have died for the
cause of freedom In the Island of Cuba
and for those who are still ready to give
their lives today or tomorrow for this
cause. Also representing. as we claim, a
majority of the people Of the United States
who believe in that cause, and demand that
their wishes shall now be translated into
efficient effect by their chosen representa-
tives. Thanks to the power, homer ami pa
triotism of the American press, the people
today know the essential facts of The
Cuban situation. We submit 10 you. there
fore. these ten propositions for your con-
sheraton:
y !. The three wars in Cuba within this
century are proof of genuine movement,
extension OF democratic principles and the
attainment of liberty from tyrannical and
corrupt government.
.. Without the indirect aid given by this
government TO Spain the patriots would
be farther advanced In their struggle.
3. Spain has lost Cuba as far as the pres
ent population is concerned. IT, however,
she is permitted TO continue the cruel war
OF extermination of non-combatants. she
may possibly r'econquer and repopulate the
island.
4. If with our passive aid she unfor-
tuDately succeeds tn doing this, when an
al,
surely begin again. The governing classes
in Spain Of all parties have regarded Cuba
for three hundred years as an orange TO
be squeezed They are unable to consider
1t otherwise and no amount Of diplomatic
effort. on our part is likely to change their
point Of view. The other classes are ignor-
ant. Spain has held all her colonies with
an iron hand until forced to let go. The war
of liberation in VENEZUELA lasted fifteen
years; during the last Ave years of the
struggle no quarter was given by either
side. 81
s. Autonomy is a foolish dream. 1t Is
evident that neither side understands II,
wishes 1t, or can admire It. Spain clearly
offers 1t to amuse this government and to
gain time
8. A majority of the people Of this cou,i,
try desire to see Cuba free and an inde-
pendent Cuban republic An opposing fac
tor of great force is the money power. II
Is fair conclusion to urge that ma
jority of our people bslicye the assistance
Of your government until now has been
given to Spain ana withheld from the re-
public on account of the influence that
emanates from great financial interests
usually afraid OF patriotic aggressive
movement
I. our people have hoped for favorable
| action for Cuba from the present admins
| tration and have patiently waited 10 give
the administrator time for the consldera-
| ton of the wise road to this end. That pa
| thence is now exhausted.
| s. Very few Cubans and very fcw REQ
| ple in this country desire immediate an
nexation, hut Independence is clearly due
| TO Cuban valor and sacrifices.
Q. IT. is of supreme Importance to oul
| future defense that Cuba should b" in tnt
| roesession of a friendly power. This SPAN
has never been and probably never can be
10. The friendship OF the republic OF
| Cuba Ia worth vastly more to us than that
OF Spain for reasons OF business ana ne-
| Tense. 1t is our duty and self interest "a
recognize the bellgerency and, logically
following this, the Independence Of The
republic and to conclude with defensive
| and offensive alliance. II this lis not com
patible with a continued friendship with
Spain. so much the worse for Spain II
| Spain attacks us we can take care OF our
| own.
| Out of the experience OF our work and
from the study OF over twenty yeare. THIS
| league asserts that these ten propositions
are true and that the right understanding
leads to the only action that will solve the
problem.
| And now, Mr.. President. on 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 correct solution. We desire u
state that this league and its sympathizers
"haye enlisted for the war" or until such
time ar the republic OF Cuba shall become
fact in history.
| The president said he would give the ar
gument careful consideration.