The silver star., 1897-12-09

constitutional authority, forthwith ex-
tended to colonial Spnniar.ls. A scheme
of autonomy has been proclaimed by
decree to be effective upon ratification
by the c0rtes. 1t creates Cuban par
lament which, with the insular execu-
tive, can consider and vote upon all
subjects affecting local order and in
terests, possessing unlimited powers
save as to matters of state, war and
the navy, as to which the governor gen.
erals acts by his own authority after
the delegate of the central government.
1t has the right to propose to the central
government. through the governor gem
eral, modification of the national char
ter and to initiate new projects of
law or executive measures In the inter-
est OF the colony.
That the government of Sagasta has
entered upon course by which q re-
cession with honor is impossible can
hardly be questioned, and that in the
few weeks 1t has existed it has made
earnest of the sincerity of its profess
sions Is undeniable. shall not impugn
its sincerity, and impatience should be
suffered rather than to embarrass 1t in
the task 1t has undertaken.
Will Give Spain Chance.
~ hOhSStlN uue III SSDHIu IllHJ size
should be given reasonable chance to
realize her expectations and prove the
asserted efficacy of the new order of
things to which she stands irrevocably
committed. She has recalled the com
mander whose brutal orders infiamed
the American mind and shocked the
civilized world. She has modified the
horrible order of concentration and has
undertaken to care for the helpless and
permit those who desire to resume the
cultivation of their farms to do so and
assures them of the protection of the
Spanish government in their lawful
pursuits against Outrages. She has re-
leased the Competitor prisoners here
tOfOre sentenced to death and who
have been the subject of repeated dplo-
matte correspondence during both this
and the preceding administration. Not
single citizen is now under arrest or
in confinement in Cuba of whom this
government has any knowledge. The
near future will demonstrate whether
the Indispensable conditions of n
righteous peace-just alike to the Gu
bans and to Spain rs well, equitable
TO all our interests so intimately in
TO be attained. If not the exigencies of
further and other action by the United
States will remain to be taken.
When the time comes that action will
be determined in the line of indisput-
able right and duty. 1t will be faced
without misgiving or hesitancy in the
light of the obligation this government
owes to itself. to the people who have
confided to it the protection of their in
terests and honor. and to humanity.
Sure of the right. keeping free from
all Offenses ourselves. actuated only by
upright and patriotic considerations,
moved neither by passion nor selfish
ness, the government will continue its
watchful care over the rights and prop
erty of American citizens and will
abate none of its efforts to bring about
by peaceful agencies IL peace which
shall be honorable and enduring II 1t
shall hereafter appear to be n duty i'm
posed by our obligations TO ourselves,
to civilization and humanity to inter-
vene with force. 1t shall be done with
out fault on our part and only because
the necessity of such action will be so
clear as to command the support and
approval of the civilized world.
Tho wolcott NIission.
Under the provisions of the act OF
Congress, approved March 3. 1897, for
the promotion of an international
agreement respecting bimetallism, /
appointed Hon. Edward o. Wolcott Of
Colorado. Hon. Adlai l.. Stevenson of
Illinois and Hon. Charles ]. Paine of
Massachusetts as special ENJOYS to
represent the United States. They
have been diligent in their efforts to
secure the cooperation of European
countries In an international settle
ment of the question, but up to this
time have not been able to secure an
agreement. They have not made their
final report as further negotiations are
pending and In contemplation. 1t Is
to be earnestly hoped that their labor
may result In nn international agree
ment which will bring about recOgni-
tion of both gold and silver ms money
upon such terms and with such safe-
guards as will secure the use of both
metals upon n basis which shall work
no injustice to any class of our citl-
zens.
Hawaiian Islands should Ee Annexed.
BY special message dated the 10th
day of June last laid before the SEN
ate n treaty having for It's purpose the
incorporation of the Hawaiian islands
as III iittHTui lhrt vi INC Uulteu
States and It's sovereignty. While
consistently disavowing from n very
enrly period an aggressive policy Of
absorption In regard To the Hawaiian
islands. n long series OF declarations
through threc-puartcrs OF n century
have proclaimed the vital interests OF
the United Stntcs In the Independent
life of the islands ana their intImnte
commercial lpUcnIence uuou this
country. At the same time 1t has re-
peatedly asserted that In no event
could the entity OF Hawaiian state
hood ccnsc by the passage of the
Islands under the domination or under
any power other thnn the United
States, M II natural strength binds the
islands and is renlizcd by the free will
of the Hawaiian state. lf the treaty
IL confirmed. ms every consideration
of dignity nnd honor requires. the wis
dom OF Congress will sce to II TINT the
natives. perhaps hnrdly yet fitted to
shnre In the highest franchises OF clti-