The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-12-07
TEN PROPOSITIONS
LAID BEFORE THE PRESIDENT
BY THE CUBAN LEAGUE
h Cause Of Freedom Retarded by Indirect
Aid of Our Government to SpAin-Ihe
Proposition of Autonomy to Gain Time.
The People Demand Recognition uf. the
Cubans-nou Interference by Our Gov
ernment the Result Of Influence Of he
Money Power

Cubans-Noa Interference by Our Gov
IN the Result Of Influence Of the
Money Power
y Washington, December 2.-Mr. Berk-
ley BaIch, secretary of the Cuban
League, appeared before President Nc
Kinley and presented the following ar
gument in behalf of the Cuban insur-
gents:
Mr.. President:-We appear before
you in the name OF those who nave died
for the cause of freedom in, the island
of Cuba, and for those who are still
ready to give their lives today or to-
morrow for the cause; also represent
ing as we claim, a majority OF the peo-
pie Of the United States. who believe in
that cause, and demand that their
wishes shall now DE translated into
efficient action by their chosen repre-
sentatives. Thanks to the power, honor
and patriotism of the American press,
the people today know the essential
facts Of the Cuban situation. We sub
nit to you, therefore,. these ten propo-
sitions for your considerations:
/. The three wars in Cuba within
this century are proof of a genuine
movement for the extension of demo-
cratic principles and the attainment of
liberty from a ~tyrannical, corrupt and
alien government.
2. Without the indirect aid given by
this government to Spain, the patriots
would be further advanced in their
struggle.
3. Spain has lost Cuba as far as the
present population is concerned. If,
however, she is permitted to continue
the cruel work of exterminating non
cOmbatants, she may possibly recon-
quer and r~e-populate the island.
4. If with our passive aid, she un-
fortunately succeeds in doing this,
when another generation comes, the
revolution will surely begin again. The
covering classes in Spain of all parties
have regarded Cuba for 800 years as an
orange to be squeezed. They are un-
able to consider it otherwise and no
amount of diplomatic effort on our part
is likely to change their point of view.
The other classes are ignorant. Spain
has held all her colonies with an iron
hand until forced to let go. The war
of liberation in Venezuela lasted fifteen
years and during the last five years of
the struggle no quarter was given by
, either side.
5. ono is a foolish dream. 1t is
: evident that neither side understands
it. wishes it, or can administer it. 1t
is proposed to amuse this government
and to gain time.
6. A majority of the people of this
country desire to see a free and indie
, pendent Cuban republic. An opposing
factor Of great force is the money
power. 1t is a fair conclusion to urge,
that a majority of our people believe
that the assistance Of our government,
till now, has been given to Spain and
withheld from the republic, on account
of the influence that eminateS from
great financial interests, usually afraid
Of patriotic aggressive movements.
Z. Our people have hoped for favor
able action for Cuba from the present
administration and have patiently
waited to give the administration time
for consideration of the wise road to
this end. That patience is now ex-
hauSted.
8. Very few Cubans and still fewer
people of this country desire immediate
annexation; but independence is clear
ly due to Cuban valor and sacrifices.
9. The friendship of the republic of
Cuba is. worth vastly more to us than
that of Spain, for reasons of business
and defense. 1t is our duty and self
interest to recognize the bellligerency,
and, logically follow this, the indepen-
uCilCC VI ilc lCpuDIII, dIlu " ollSluu
with a defensive and offensive alliance.
If this is not compatible with a con-
tinued friendship with Spain, so much
the worse for Spain. If Spain attacks
us we can take care of our own.
10. Out of the experience of our work
and from the study OF over twenty
years this league asserts that these ten
| propositions are true and that their
right understanding leads to the only
action which will solve the problem.
And now, Mr.. President, in 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 a correct solution. We
desire to state that this league and our
sympathizers have enlisted for the
war or until such times as the repub-
lie Of Cuba shall become a fact in his
tory.
The president said he would give the
argument careful consideration.
Fraud Cases Dismissed
Birmingham, Ala, December I'm