Gulf Coast breeze. [volume] (Crawfordville, Fla.) 1897-19??, 1897-12-10

island aud the political vicissitudes anu
embarrassrnents Of the home govern
ment might lead 60 the transfer OF Ouoa
60 A continental power called forth De-
tween 1898 aud 1850 various emphatic
declarations OF the policy OF the United
states 60 hermit no disturbance OF Gu
ba's connection with Spain unless III
the direction Of Independence or acqui'
sition by us through purchase; nor mas
there been any change OF shis declared
policy since upon the part OF tho govern
ment.
The present instruction broke out IN
February, 1885. II is not my purpose
at this time to recall its remarkable In
crease or 10 characterize its tenacious
resistance against the enormous forces
massed against IL by Spain. The revolt
and the efYortss to subdue II carried de-
struosion to every quarter OF she island
developing wide proportions and defy'
ing the efforts OF Spain for Its suppress.
sion. The civilized code was regarded
no less 80 by the Spaniards than oy the
Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but
Ill this government aud the American
people with che gravest apprehension.
There 10 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 aud contented.
enjoying that measure OF self control
which is the inalienable right OF man.
protected Ia their right to reap the BEN
eft of the exhaustless treasures OF their
country.
The cruel policy OF concentration was
initiated Feb 10. 1886. The productive
districts controlled by the Spanish ar.
mics were depopulated. The agrioult..
ural inhabitants were herded III and
about the garrison towns. their lands
laid waste and their dwellings de-
stroyed. This policy OF the late cabinet
Of Spain was justified as q necessary
measure OF war aud as o means OF cut
ting OF supplies from the insurgents.
1t has utterly failed as q war measure.
IL was not civilized warfare. IL was
determination.
Against this abuse Of the rights OF
war. I have felt constrained Oh re.
psated occasions to enter the firm aud
earnest protest OF this government
There was much OF public condemna.
ton of American citizens BY alleged
arrests and long imprisonment. await
ing trial or pending judicial proceed.
ings. / felt it my hrst duty 90 make
instant demands for the release or
speedy trial OF ell American citizens
under arrest Before the change of che
Spaish cabinet In October last 20 pris.
oners, citizens OF the United States, had
oeen given their freedom.
Mr.. woodford's Instructions.
The instructions given to our new
minister to Spain before his departure
for his post directed him to impress
upon that government the sincere wish
| Of the United States to lend its aid TO.
ward the ending of the war in Cuba by
reaching a peaceful aud lasting result,
Just aud honorable alike TO Spain aud
to the Cuban people.
The reply to our note was received on
Oct 20. IL is In the direction Of q bet.
ter understanding. It appreciates the
friendly purposes OF this government
1t admits that our country is deeply
affected by the war in Cuba aud that its
desires for peace are just IL declares
that the present Spanish government is
bound by every consideration to a
change Of policy that should satisfy the
United States aud pacify Cuba within
Il reasonable time. 10 this end Spain
has decided to put into effect the politi,
cal reforms heretofore advocated by the
present premier without hating for
any consideration in the path which, IN
its Judgment, leads to peace. The mil
itary operations. il Is said. will con-
tinue, but will be humane and con.
Quoted with all regard for private
rights, being accompanied by political
action leading to the autonomy Of Cuba.
while guarding Spanish sovereignty.
This, 10 is claimed, will result in invest.
ing Cuba with distinct personality
the island to be governed by on execu.
tive aud by local council or chamber
reserving to Spain the control Of the
foreign relations, the army aud navy
and the Judicial administration. To &C.
complish this the present government
proposes to modify existing Legislation
by decree, leaving the Spanish cortes
with the aid Of Cuban senators aud dep
uties, to solve the economic problem
and properly distribute the existing
debt.
In the absence OF a declaration OF tn,
measures that the government proposes
to take in carrying out its proffer o
good offices it suggests that Spain b.
left free to conduct military operation
and grant political reforms. while tn
United States for its part shall enforc
It's neutral obligations and cut Of tn
assistance which IL Is asserted the insur
gents receive from this country. Tn
superstition Of an indefinite prolong gator
Of the war Is denied. II Is asserted tina
the western provinces are already vel
nigh reclaimed; that the planting o
tobacco therein has been resumed an,
that by force Of arms and new aud am
pie reforms very early and complet
qualification Is hoped for.
Discussion of the question OF iuterna
tional duties aud responsibilities of tn
United States as Spain understand
them is presented with III apparent dis
Dositiou to charge us nth faIlure in tbi