Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-12-09
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
Island Must Not Pass Into the Hands
of Another Power.

The most important problem with which
this government is now called upon to deal
pertaining to it's foreign relations con-
Germs it's duty toward Spain and the
Cuban insurrection. Problems and condi-
tons more or less in common with those
now existing have confronted this gov
eminent 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 enjoyment Of liberty and
self CONTROL of organized resistance to the
mother country of depression after dis
tress and warfare and of Intellectual settle
ment to be followed by renewed revolt.
For no enduring period since the en-
reimbursement of the continental possess
sions of Spain in the Western continent
has the condition of Cuba or the policy of
Spain toward Cuba not caused concern to
the United States,
The prospect from time to time that the
weakness Of Spain's hold upon the island
and the political vicissitudes and embar-
easements of the home government might
lead to the transfer of Cuba to a con-
tinental power called forth, between 1923
and 1860, various emphatic declarations of
the policy of the United States to permit
no disturbance of Cuba's connection with
Spain unlss in the direction of independ-
ence or acquisition by us through pur-
chase; nor has there been any change of
this declared policy 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 gov
ernments to suppress it. Then, as now,
the government of the United States testi-
fed it's grave concern and offered it's
aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba.
The overtures made by Gen. Grant were
refused and the war dragged on, entailing
great loss of life and treasure and in
in n
sides throwing enhanced burdens of neu-
tralty on the government. In 1878 peace
was brought about by the truce of Zanjon,
obtained by negotiations between the
Spanish commander, Martinez de Campos,
and the insurgent leaders.
Code of waG. Disregarded.
The present instruction broke out in
February, 1895. 1t is not my purpose at
this time to recall it's remarkable increase
or to characterize it's 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 defying the efforts
of Spain for it's suppression. The civilized
code of war has been disregarded no less
so by the Spaniards than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but fill
this government and the American people
with the gravest apprehension. There is
no desire on the Part of our people to
profit by the mistortunes of Spain. We
have only the desire to see the Cusans
prosperous and coEt9nted, enjoying that
measure of self-control viii is the in
alienable right of man, protected in their
right to reap the benefit of exhaustless
treasures of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
April, 1886. rendering the friendly Offices
of this government failed. Any media
ton 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
submission of the rebels to the mother
country.
Then, only, could Spain act in the
promised direction Of her own motion and
after her own plans.
The cruel policy of concentration was
initiated Feb. Is, 1896 The prospective
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
were depopulated The agricultural in
hahitants were herded in and about the
garrison towns, their lands laid waste and
their dwellings destroyed. This Policy the
late cabinet of Spain justified as a neces-
sary measure of war and as a means Of
cutting off supplies from the insurgents
1t has utterly failed as war measure. 1t
was not civilized warfare. 1t was exter-
mination.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
| have felt constrained on 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.
I felt it my first duty to make instant de-
ma nd ha Ko1o co nr