Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1897-12-08
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
Island Must Not Pass Into the Hands
of Another Power.

The most important problem with which
this government is now called upon to deal
pertaining to its foreign relations con-
Germs it's duty toward Spain and the
Cuban insurrection. Problems and condi-
tions more or less in common with those
now existing have confronted this gov
eminent at various times in the past. The
story of Cuba for many years has been one
of unrest, growing discomfort, an effort
toward a larger enjoyment Of liberty and
self control. of organized resistance to the
mother country, of depression after dis
tress and warfare and Of Intellectual settle
ment to be followed by renewed revolt.
For no enduring period since the en-
reimbursement of the continental posses
sions of Spain in the Western continent
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 held upon the island
and the political vicisstudes and embar-
easements of the home government might
lead to the transfer of Cuba to a con-
tinental power called forth, between 1923
and 1860, various emphatic declarations of
the policy Of the United States to permit
no disturbance of Cuba's connection with
Spain unlss in the direction Of independ-
ence or acquisition by us through pur-
chase; nor has there been any change of
this declared policy since upon the part
OF the government.
The revolution which began in 1858
lasted for ten years, despite the strenuous
efforts Of the successive peninsular gov
ernments to suppress it. Then, as now,
the government of the United States testi-
fed its grave concern and offered its
aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba.
The overtures made by Gen. Grant were
refused and the war dragged on, entailing
great loss Of life and treasure and in
iYoiII To intn no
sides throwing enhanced burdens of neu-
trality on the government. In 1878 peace
was brought about by the truce of Zanjon,
obtained by negotiations between the
Spanish commander, Martinez de CamIos,
and the insurgent leaders.
Code Of War Disregarded.
The present instruction broke out. in
February, 1895. 1t is not my purpose at
this time to recall it's remarkable increase
or to characterize its tenacious resistance
against the enormous forces massed
against it by Spain. The revolt and tine
efforts to subdue it carried destruction to
every quarter Of the island developing
wide proportions ana defying the efforts
Of Spain for it's 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 American people
with the gravest apprehension. 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 of self-control which is the in
alienable right Of man, protected in their
right to reap the benefit of eXhaustless
treasures Of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
April, 1896, rendering the friendly offices
/ of this government, failed. Any media
! ton on our part was not accepted In
brief the answer read:
"There is no effectual way to pacify
! Cuba unless it begins with the actual
submission of the rebels to the mother
country
Then. only, could Spain act in tbs
promised direction of her own motio1a and
after her own plans.
The cruel policy of concentration wa
initiated Feb. Is, 1895. The prospective
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
were depopulated. The agricultural in
| habitants were herded in and about tn
garrison towns, their lands laid waste an
their dwellings destroyed This policy tn
late cabinet of Spain justified as a neces
sary measure OF war and as a means o
cutting off supplies from the insurgents
II has utterly failed as war measure.
was not civilized warfare. It was eXter
mination.
Against this abuse of the rights Of wa
T have felt constrained On repeated Occa
sions to enter the firm and earnest protes
of this government. There was much c
public condemnation of the treatment c
American citizens by alleged illegal arrest
. and long imprisonment awaiting trial G
pending protracted judicial proceedings
| felt It my first duty to make instant de
/ mand for the release or speedy trial Of g.