Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1897-12-11

Believes That Cuba Would BE Ruled
I'm Moderation.


But should such step be now taken
when IL is apparent that a hopeful change
has supervened in the policy of Spain
toward Cuba? A new government has
taken office in the mother country. 1t is
pledged in advance to the declaration that
all the effort in the world can not suffice
to maintain peace in Cuba by the bayonet
that vague promises of reform after sub
jugation afford no solution of the insular
problem; that, with substitution of COM
manders must come a change of the past
system of warfare for once in harmony
with a new policy which shall no longer
aim to drive the Cubans to the honorable
alternative of taking to the tbicket or
succumbing in misery; that reforms must
be instituted in accordance with the needs
and circumstances of the time and that
these reforms, while designed to give full
autonomy to the colony and to create a
virtual entity and self-contrOlled admin
istration, shall yet conserve ard affirm
the sovereignty of Spain by just distri-
button of powers and burdens upon a
basis of mutual interest untainted by
methods of selfish eXpediency.
The first acts of the new government lie
in these honorable paths. The policy of
cruel rapine and determination that so
long shocked the universal sentiment of
humanity, has been reversed UnGer the
new military commander a broad Glenn
ency is proffered. Measures have already
been set on foot to relieve the horrors of
starvation. The power of the Spanish
armies 1t is asserted, is to be used not
to spread ruin and desolation, but TO pro-
tect the resumption of peaceful agricul-
tural pursuits and productive industries
That past methods are futile to enforce
a peace by subjugation, is freely admitted
and that ruin without Cancellation must
inevitably fail to win for Spain the fidelity
of a contented dependency.
DEGREES in application to the fore
shadowed reforms have already been pro-
mulgated. The full text of these DEGREES
has not been received, but, as furnished in
a Geographic summary from our minister
are:
All civil and electoral rights of PENN
sular Spaniards are. in virtue of existing
constitutional assembly forthwith ex-
tended to colonial Spaniards. scheme
of autonomy has been proclaimed by de-
cree, to become effective upon ratification
by the cortes. 1t creates a Cuban par
lament, which. with the insular executive,
can consider and vote upon all subjects
affecting local order and interests pos
seSSing unlimited powers save to mat
tiers of state. war and the navy, as to
which the governor general acts by his
own authority as the delegate of the cen
trial government.
This parliament receives the oath of
the governor general to preserve faithful
ly the liberties and privileges of the col
ony, and to it the colonial secretaries are
responsible. 1t has the right to propose
to the central government, through the
governor general, notifications of the
charter and to invite new projects of law
or executive measures in the interest of
the colony.
Powers of the Assembly.
Besides its local powers it is competent
first, to regulate electoral registration and
procedure and prescribe the qualifica-
tons of electors and the manner of ex-
ercising suffrage second. to organize
courts of justice with native judges from
members Of the local bar; third, to frame
the insular budget, both as to eXpendi-
lures and revenues to meet the Cuban
share Of the national budget. which latter
viii be voted by the national cortes with
deputies; fourth to initiate or take part
in the negotiations of the national govern
ment for commercial treaties which may
effect Cuban interests; fifth, to accept or
reject commercial treaties which the ma
tional government may have concluded
without the participation OF the cuban
government; sixth, to frame the colonial
tariff acting in accord with the PENN
sular government in scheduling articles of
mutual commerce between the mother
country and the colonies.
Before introducing or voting upon Dlll.
the Cuban government or the chambers
viii lay the project oeke the the 6 eentrai
all the correspondence in such regard be
ing made public. Finally all conflicts of
jurisdiction arising between the different
municipal, provincial and insular assem-
bles or between the latter and the insular
executive power, and which from thelr
nature may not be referrable TO the cen
trail government for decision, shall be sub
mitted TO the Cortes.
That the government of Sagasta has en-
tered upon a course, from which recession
with honor is impossible, can hardly be
questioned; that, in the few weeks it has
existed, il has made earnest OF the SINGER
ity of it's professions is undeniable /
shall not impugn its insecurity, nor should
Impotence be suffered to embarrass Ii in
the task it has undertaken. 1t IS honestly
due to Spain and to our friendly relations
with Spain that she should be given a
tons and to prove the asserted efficacy
of the new order Of things TO which she
stands irrteeyocably committed; She en has
orders intlamed the American mind and
shocked the civilized world. She has mod
and has undertaken to care for the help
less and permit those who desire to re-
sumo the cultivation of their fields ID do
the Spanish government In their lawful
Competitor prisoners, heretofore sentenc-
ject of repeated diplomatic correspondence
during both this and the preceding ad-
minstration. Not a single American cti-
zen is now under arrest or in confinement
in Cuba of whom this government has
any knowledge.
Prepared for EFFICIENCY.
The near future will demonstrate wheth-
err the indispensable condition of right
eous peace, just alike to the CubanS ana
to Spain, as well as equitable to all our
interests, SO Intimately involved in the
welfare of Cuba, is likely to be attained.
If not the eXigency of further and other
action by the United States will remain to
be taken. When that time comes that ac-
ton will be determined in the line of in
disputable right and duty 1t will be
faced without misgiving or hesitancy, In
the light of the obligation this government
owes to itself, to the people who have
contided to it the protection of their in
terests and honor, and to humanity.
Sure Of the right, keeping free from all
offense ourselves, actuated only by up
right and patriotic considerations, moved
government will continue its watchful
career over the rights and property of
American citizens and will abate nol.e Of
off n n y of I
agencies, peace which shall be honor
able and enduring; If it shall hereafter
be a duty imposed by our obligations to
TO Intervene with force It shall be with