Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1897-10-01
CURA AND SPAIN.
Attitude of the Administration in
the Present Rebellion.

The most important problem with which
this country is now called upon to deal,
that pertaining to it's foreign rela-
tons. concerns its duty toward Spain and
the Cuban Instruction. 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 the larger enjoyment of
liberty and self-control; of organized re-
sistance to the mother country; or oppres-
sion and warfare and of Intellectual set
tiement to be followed by renewed re-
volt. For no enduring period since tho
enfranchisene mt of the continental pos
sessions of Spain in the Western conti-
nent 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 SPANS hold upon the
island and the political vicissitudes and
embarrassments of the home government
might lead 10 the transfer OF Cuba to a
continental power called forth. between
1923 and 1860. various emphatic declara-
tons of the United STATES TO permit no
disturbance of Cuba's connection with
Spain unless in the direction of independ-
ence or acquisition by the United States
through purchase nor has there been any
change of this declared policy since upon
the part of this government.
The revolution which began In 1865
lasted for 10 years. despite the strenuous
efforts OF the successive peninsuar gov
ernments to suppress It, Then. as now.
the government of the United States tes-
titled its grave concern 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. entail
ing great loss of life and treasure and
besides throwing enhanced burdens OF
neutrality upon this government In 1873.
peace was brought about by the truce
of Zanjon, obtained by negotiations be-
tween the Spanish commander. Martinez
de Campos, and the insurgent leaders.
Civilized Code of War DisreEarded.
The present insurrectlon broke out in
February 1895. 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 II carried destruction to
every quarter of the island. developing
wide proportions and defying the efforts
OF Spain for its 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 Ameri-
can people with the gravest apprehen-
sion. There is no desire 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 or self-control
which is the inalienable right of man.
protected in their right to reap the bene-
fit of the exhaustless treasures of their
country.
The offer made by my predecessor, in
April, 1896. rendering the friendly offices
OF this government. failed, and media
ton on our part was not accepted. In
brief, the answer read: There is no eff
fectual way to pacify Cuba. unless 1t be-
gins with the actual submission of the
rebels to the mother country. Then only
can Spain act in the promised direction
of her own motion and after her own
plans.
Concentration Is determination.
The cruel policy of concentration was
Initiated February 1G. 1896. The produce
tive districts controlled by the Spanish
armies were depopulated and the agri-
cultural inhabitants 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 q necessary measure of war and as a
means of cutting off supplies from the
insurgents.
1t has utterly failed as a war measure.
1t was not civilized warfare. 1t was ex-
termination.
Against this abuse OF the rights Of war
I have felt constrained on repeated oc-
casions to enter the firm and earnest pro-
test Of this government. There was much
of public condemn ion OF the treatment
of American citizens by alleged Illegal ar