Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-12-14

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, and honor
able alike to Spain and to the Cuban peo-
pie.
These instructions rected the character
and duration of the contest, the wide
spread losses 1t entails, the burdens and
restraints 1t imposes upon us, with con-
slant disturbance of national interests
and the injury resulting from an indefin-
lite continuance of this state Of things
Time Ripe for Change
1t was stated at this juncture our gov
eminent was constrained to seriously in
quire If the time was not ripe when Spain,
of her own volition, moved by her own in
terests and every sentiment of humanity.
should not put stop to this destructive
war and make proposals of settlement
honorable to herself and just to her Gu
ban colony. 1t was urged that as
neighboring nation, with large interests
in Cuba, we could be required to wait
only reasonable time for the mother
country to establish it's authority and re-
store order within the borders of the
island; that we could not contemplate an
indefinite 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
expected was that some safe way might
be speedily provided and permanent peace
restored. 1t so CHANGED that the consid-
Grafton 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 effort to suppress the re-
volt, fell to others.
Between the departure of General
Woodford, the new envoy, and his ar
rival in Spain, the statesman who had
shaped the policy of his country, fell by
the hand of an assassin and, although the
cabinet of the late premier still held Of
flee and received from our envoy the pro-
posals he bore, that cabinet gave place
within few days thereafter 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 direc-
ton of better understanding.
Recognized as Friendly Power.
1t appreciates the friendly purposes Of
this government 1t admits that our coun-
try is deeply affected by the war in Cuba
and that It's desires for peace are just.
1t declares that the present Spanish gov
eminent Is bound by every considerati
to change of policy that should satisfy
the United States and pacify Cuba within
a reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put
into effect the political reforms hereto
advocated w he piar
without hating for any consideration in
the path which in its judgment leads to
peace. The military operations Ii Is said
will continue, but will be humane and
conducted with all regard for private
rights, being accompanied by political ac-
ton leading TO the autonomy of Cuba
while guarding Spanish sovereignty.
This, IL is claimed. will result in invest
ing Cuba with distinct personality: the
island TO be governed by an executive and
by local council of chamber, reserving
to Spain the control of the foreign rela-
lions, the army and navy and the judi
cial administration. To accomplish this
the present government proposes to modl-
fly existing legislation by decree. leaving
the Spanish cortes, with the aid of Gu
ban senators and deputies. to solve the
economic problem and properly distribute
the existing debt.
measures that this government proposes
to take in carrying out its proffer of good
offices 1t suggests that Spain be left free
to conduct military operations and grant
political reforms, while the United States.
for it's part, shall enforce Its neutral OBJ
legations and cut off the assistance which
it is asserted the insurgents receive from
this country.
The suppostion Of an indefinite prolon-
cation of the war is denied. 1t Is assert
ed that the western provinces are we'll
nigh reclaimed; that the planting of cane
and tobacco therein has been resumed and
that by force Of arms and new and am
pie reforms very early and complete
paciflcation is hoped for.
Better State Of Affairs Predicted.
The immediate ameloration of exist
ing conditions under the new administra-
ton of Cuban affairs is predicted and
the disturbance and all oc-
casion for any change of attitude on the
part of the United States. Discussion of
the question of the international duties
and responsibilities of the United States
as Spain understands them Is presented
with an apparent disposition to charge us
with failure In this regard.