New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-07


For the relief Of our own citizens. suffering
because Of the conflict. the aid OF Congress was
sought in a special message and under the ap-
Precipitation Of Arril 4. 1897. effective aid has
been given to American citizens in Cuba, many
Of them at their own request having been re-
turned to the United States.
INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL wOODFORD.
The instructions given to our new Minister
to Spain before his departure for his post. d.
rected him to impress upon that Government
the sincere wish Of the United States to lend
its 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 charac-
ter and duration Of the contest. the widespread
losses It entails the burdens and restraints 1t
imposes upon u.s. with constant disturbance OF
National interests and the injury resulting from
an indefinite continuance OF this state OF things
1t is stated that at this juncture our Govern
ment was constrained to seriously inquire II the
time not ripe when Spain. OF ner own
vOtion. moved by her own interests ana every
sentiment Of humanity. should put stop 10
this destructive war and make proposals Oh SET
Element honorable to herself and Just 10 her
Cuban colony. 1t was urged that as he'sh-
boring nation. with large interests In Cuoa we
could be required to wait only reasonable time
for the mother country to establish Its author-
ity and restore peace and order within the Dor
ders Of the island: that we could not contem-
plate an indefinite period for the accomplish
ment of this result
No solution was proposed to which the slight
est idea Of humiliation to Spain could attach
and, indeed. the precise proposals were with
held to avoid embarrassment to that govern
hot qk Or
some safe way might be speedily provided and
permanent peace restored. 1t CHANGED that
the consideration Of this offer addressed to the
same Spanish administ ration which had de-
clined the tenders Of my predecessor and which
for more than two years had poured men ana
treasure into Cuba in the fruitiess enort 10
suppress the revolt fell TO others. Between the
departure Of General Woodford the new envoy
and his arrival In Spain. the statesman VINO
had shaped the policy OF his country fell by
the hand OF assassin: and although the cani-
net OF the late Premier still held office and re-
ceived from our envoy the proposals he bore.
that cabinet gave place within a few days
thereafter to a new administration under the
leadership OF Sagasta.
THE NEW PREMIER'S REPLY.
The reply to our note was received on the I'D
day OF October. It is in the direction OF bet
ter understanding. 1t appreciates the friendly
purposes OF this Government 1t admits that
our country is deeply affected by the war IN
Cuba and that its desires for peace are JUST.
II declares that the present Spanish Govern
ment Is bound by every consideration 10
change OF policy that should satisfy the United
States and pacify Cuba within reasonable
time To this end Spain has decided to put into
effect the political reforms heretofore advocated
by the present Premier. without hating for any
consideration in the path which. In lis Juds-
ment leads TO peace. The military operations
II Is said. will continue. but VIII be humane
and conducted with all regard FOR private
rights. being accompanied b. political action
leading TO the autonomy OF Cuba while guard
ing Spanish sovereignty. This 1t is claimed.
will result In investing Cuba with q dlstlnc'
personality. the island to be governed by an
executive and by a local council or chamber
reserving to Spain the control OF the foreign re-
lat,ons. the army and navy and the judicial ad-
mInistration. To accomplish this the present
Government proposes to modify existing legis-
latIon hy decree leaving tho Spanish Cortes
with the aid OF Cuban Senators and Deputies
to solve the economic problem and properly ais
tribute the existing debt
In the absence OF declaration or tho meas
ures that this Government proposes TO take IN
carrvinp out its prefer Of good offices, Il sug-
ges,s that Spain be left free to conduct military
operations ard grant political reforms while
the United States for It's part. shall enforce It's
neutral obligations and cut of the Assistance
which II is asserted. the insurgents receive
from this country. The supposition or an In
definite prolongation OF the war Is denied IL Is
asserted that the western provinces are al
ready well-nigh reclaimed: that the planting OF
cane and tobacco therein has been resumed ana
that by force Of arms and new and ample re-
forms very early and complete pacifcation Is
hoped for.
SPANS UNJUST CHARGES.
The immediate amelloration OF existing con-
ditions under the new administration OF Cuban
affairs ia predicted, and therewithal the disturb
ance and all occasion for any change OF atti-
,,,do an tho mart Of the United States. Dis
cusslon OF the question OF the international du-
ties and responsibilities OF the United States
as Snain understands them. is presented with an
onrarent DISPOSITION 10 charge us with failure
In ,b,s re.ard This charge Is without any
ha ala In fact II could not have been made II
cra,r had been cognizant OF the constant ef-
forts this Government has made at the cost OF
millions and by the employment OF the ad-
n,iristratiye ministry Of the nation at command
70 perform It's full duty according to the law
NJ nations That II has successfully prevented
the departure of a single expedition or armed
vessel from our shores In violation OF our laws
would seem to be q sufficient answer bu' Oh
this aspect OF the Spanish note II Is not heces-
sary TO speak further now. FIRM IN the con''o'
zion ~ a wholly performed obligation due re-
snorse 10 this charge has been made In diplo-
matte course - >,
r,rorgbout all these horrors and dangers to
our own neace. this Government has never In
any way abrogated It's sovereign prerogauVe
q, reservipc TO itself the determination OF us
Motley and course according to Its own hish
sense Of right and In cons nance with the dear
est interests and convictions OF our own people,
should the prolongation Of the strife SO demand