Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-12-09

American citizens under arrest. Before the
change of the Spanish cabinet. in October
last. twenty-five prisoners, citizens OF the
United States had been given their free
dom.
For the relief Of our own citizens, sui
ferins because Of the conflict, the aid Of
congress, Was sought In q special message,
and under the appropriation Of April 1.
1857, effective aid has been given to Ameri-
can citizens in Cuba. many OF them at
their " request having been returned to
the United States.
Instructions to wOodf0rd.
The instructions given to our new min
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 its aid toward the ending OF
the war in Cuba by reaching q peaceful
and lasting result. Just and honorable alike
to Spain n to the Cuban people. Theoe
instructions recited the character and du-
ration Of the contest. the widespread losses
it entails, the burdens and restraints It
imposes upon us, with constant disturbance
OF national interests and the injury re-
sulting from an indefinite continuance of
this state Of things. It was stated that at
this juncture our government was con-
strained to seriously inquire II the time
was not ripe when Spain, Of her own Volt
ton, moved by her own interests and every
sentiment Of humanity. should put a stop
to this destructive war and a proposals
OF settlement honorable to herself and
Just to her Cuban colony. It was urged
that, al q neighboring nation with large
In Cuba, we could be required to
wait only . reasonable time for the mother
country to establish Its authority and re-
AtnSA NAlra wv&Hhlu ~ >,lo~ - 49, l.
land; that we could not contemplate an in
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 ex-
pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored. It SO CHANGED that the c%onsidera-
ton OF this offer. addressed to the came
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 ef-
fort to suppress the revolt, fell to others.
Between the departure OF Gen. Woodford,
the new envoy. and his arrival in Spain,
Of his country fell by the hand Of an as
scssin. and although the cabinet OF the
latc premier still held Office and received
from our envoy the proposals he bore, that
cabinet gave place within a few days there
after to q new administration under the
leadership Of Sagasta.
The reply to our note was received on
the sd day OF October. 1t IL in the di-
rection Of q better understanding. 1t ap-
preciates the friendly purposes Of this
government. It admits that our country
Is deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that Its desires for peace are just. It de-
clares that the present Spanish govern
ment IL bound by every consideration to q
change Of policy that should satisfy the
United States and pacify Cuba within q
reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put
into effect the political reforms heretofore
a advocated by the present premier, without
hating for any consideration in the path
which In Its Judgment leads to peace. h
military operations. 1t is said. will con-
tinue. but will be humane and conducted
with all regard for private rights. being
accompanied by political action leading to
the autonomy Of Cuba while guarding
Spanish sovereignty.
This, II II claimed, will result in in
vesting Cuba with q distinct personality:
the island will be governed ty a execu-
tive and by q local council or chamber.
reserving to Spain the control OF the for
I'll Ic2AIAoAes nv UiAly oAO navy ~hu ~
judicial administration. To accomplish
this tho present government proposes to
modify existing legislation by decree.
leaving the Spanish cortes with the aid
Of Cuban senators and deputies. to solve
the economic problem and properly dis
tribute the existing debt.
In the absence Of q declaration Of the
that this government proposes to
in carrying out its profer Of good Of
fces 1t suggests hat Spain be left free to
military operations n grant po-
Ntical reforms. while the United States for
its part shall enforce its neutral obliga-
and cut OF the assistance. which. it
IL asserted, the insurgents receive from
this country.
The superstition Of IN indefinite pro-
lonEation Of the war IL denied. It is as
serted that the Western provinces are al
ready we'll nigh reclaimed: that the plant
ing Of cane a tobacco therein has been
resumed Int that by force OF arm1 anu
and ample reforms very early and
pacidcation II hoped for.
Spain Promises Amelioration.
The immediate amelioration Of existing
conditions under then new administration OF
Cuban affairs 10 predicted, and Herewith
all The disturbance and all occasion for any
change Of attitude on the part OF the Unit
cd States Is obviated.
VI SAO 4uCS<AOA Va - A1lCA~
duties and responsibilities of the
States. q. Spain understands them,
are presented, with an apparent disposition
to charge " with failure in this regard.
The charge 10 without any basis In fact. It
could not have been made II Spain had
cognizant OF the constant efforts his
government has made at the cost OF mil
lions and BY the employment OF the admin
machinery Of tho nation at COM
mand to perform its full duty according to
tho law Of nations. That It has successful
~ prevented the departure OF q single mill
tary expedition or armed vessel from cur
shores in violation of our laws would seem
be q eufhcicnt answer. But Of this as
pect OF the Spanish note It is not necessary
to speak further now. Firm in the con-
Of Z wholly performed Obligation.
due response to this charge has been made
In diplomatic course.
Throughout all these horrors n Ian
gers to our own peace this government has
broken nor even in any way abro-
gated its sovereign ~prercgative Of reserv-
ing to itself the determination Of It's policy
and course according to its own high sense
OF right and in ~consonance with the dearest
n convictions of our own people
should the prolongation OF the war 20 de-
ma nd.