Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1897-12-08

CQanSG OF the spanish CdUIHel, III OCIODer
last, twenty-five prisoners, citizens OF the
United States had been given their free
dom.
For the relief Of our own citizens, suf-
fering because Of the conflict, the aid of
congress was sought in special message,
and under the appropriation Of April 4,
1897, effective aid has been given to Ameri-
can citizens in Cuba, many of them at
their own request having been returned to
the United States.
Instructions to WOOdfOrd.
The instructions given to our new min
lister to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish Of the United
States to lend it's aid toward the ending Of
the war in Cuba by reaching a peaceful
and lasting result just and honorable alike
to Spain and to the Cuban people. These
instructions recited the character and du-
ration of the contest the widespread losses
it entails the burdens and restraints it
imposes upon us, with constant disturbance
of national interests and the injury re-
sulting 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 Volt
ton, moved by her own interests and every
sentiment of humanity, should put stop
to this destructive war and make proposals
Of settlement honorable to herself and
just to her Cuban colony. 1t was urged
that, as a neighboring nation with large
interests in Cuba, we could be required to
wait only reasonable time for the mother
country to esta blish it's authority and re-
store order within the borders OF the is
land; that we could not contemplate an in
definite period for the accomplishment Of
this result.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea Of humiliation to Spain could
attach, and, indeed, precise proposals were
| withheld to avoid embarrassment to that
government. All that was asked or ex-
| pected was that some safe way might be
! speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored. 1t so CHANGED that the considera
ton 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 eff
! fort to suppress the revolt fell to others.
| Between the departure of Gen. Woodford,
| the new envoy, and his arrival in Spain,
the statesman who had shaped the policy
! Of his country fell by the hand Of an as
s&ssin, 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 there
after to a new administration under the
! leadership Of Sagasta
The reply to our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the di-
rection of a better understanding. 1t ap-
preciates the friendly purposes of this
government. 1t admits that our country
is deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that it's desires for peace are just. 1t de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment is bound by every consideration to q
change of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within a
reasonable time.
,o,,4
| into effect the political reforms heretofore
advocated by the present premier, without
hating for any consideration in the path
which in its judgment leads to peace. The
| military operations, it is said will con-
tinue, but will be humane and conducted
with all regard for private rights, being
accompanied by political action leading to
the autonomy Of Cuba while guarding
Spanish sovereignty.
This, it is claimed, will result in in
vesting Cuba with distinct personality
the island will be governed by an execu-
tive and by a local council or chamber,
reserving to Spain the control Of the for
eign relations, the army and navy and the
judicial administration. To accomplish
this the present government proposes tic
modify existing legislation by decree
| leaving the Spanish cortes with the ald
of Cuban senators and deputies, to solve
the economic problem and properly as
| tribute the existing debt.
In the absence Of declaration Of the
measures that this government proposes to
| take in carrying out its protfer OF good OIL
| fees it suggests that Spain be left Tree to
| conduct military operations and grant po-
Itical reforms. while the United States for
it's part shall enforce it's neutral obliga-
tions and cut off the assistance, which, Il
| is asserted, the insurgents receive from
this country.
The supposition of an indefinite pro-
Iongation Of the war is denied. 1t is as
serted that the Western provinces are al
ready we'll nigh reclaimed; that the plant
ing of cane and tobacco therein has been
resumed and that by force of arms and
new and ample reforms very early and
complete pacifcation is hoped for.
Spain Promises AmeIioration.
The immediate amelioraticn of existing
conditions under the new administration OF
Cuban affairs is predicted, and herewith
all the disturbance and all occasion for any
change of attitude on the part of the Unit
ed States is ObViated.
Discussion of the question of the inter
national duties and responsibilities Of the
United States, as Spain understands them
are presented, with an apparent disposition
to charge us with failure in this regard
The charge is without any basis in fact. Ii
could not have been made it Spain haC
been cogniZant Of the constant efforts this
lions and by the employment of the admin
istrative machinery of the nation at com
mand to perform it's full duty according tc
the law of nations. That it has successful
1y prevented the departure of single mill
tary expedition or armed vessel from oul
shores in violation of our laws would seen
to be a sufficient answer But Of this as
pect of the Spanish note it is not necessary
} to speak further now. Firm in the con
viction Of a wholly performed obligation
due response to this charge has been made
in diplomatic course.
Throughout all these horrors and dan
gers to our own peace this government ha:
never broken nor even in any way abro
gated it's sovereign prerogative of reserv
ing to itself the determination of it's polio!
and course according to it's own high sens
of right and in consonance with the deares
interests and convictions of our own peopl
/ should the prolongation of the war so de
mand.
Of the untried measures there renal
only: Recognition of the insurgents a
belligerents; recognition Of the independ
/ ence of Cuba; neutral intervention to en-
S the war by imposing. a rational compro
: mise between the contestants, and inter
l vention in favor of one or the other party