Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-12-10
IN BEHALF OF CUBA'S CAUSE.
Ten Propositions Submitted to the Presi-
don't nv the Cuban League Of America.

don't by the Cuban League Of America.
Washington, Dec. 6.-Fresident Mck1n-
ley to-day gave hearing to Berkeley
Balch, secretary OF the Cuban League or
America. Col. Ethan Allen, president OF
the League, was unable TO come to WASH
ington with the secretary, who submitted
to Mr.. Mckinley the following written
argument in behalf Of the Cuban cause:
Mr.. President: We appear before you
in the name Of those who have died Tor
the cause of freedom in the island OF
Cuba and for those who are still ready to
give their lives to-day or tomorrow for
this cause; also representing, as we
claim, a majority of the people OF tho
United States, who believe in that cause
and demand that their wishes shall now
be translated into efficient action by their
chosen representatives. Thanks to the
power, honor, and patriotism of the Am
erican press the people to-day know the
essential facts Of the Cuban situation.
We submit to you, therefore, these ten
propositions for your consideration:
"First-The three wars in Cuba within
this century are proof of a genuine move
ment for the extension of democratic
principles and the attainment Of liberty
from tyrannical, corrupt and alien gov
eminent.
"Second-Without the indirect aid Civ.
en- by this government to Spain, the pa
triots would be further advanced in their
struggle.
'"Thrd-Spain has lost Cuba as far as
the present population is concerned. If,
however, she is permitted to continue the
cruel work OF DISCRIMINATING non-combat.
ants she may possibly reconquer and re-
populate the island.
"Fourth-If, with our passive aid, she
unfortunately succeeds In doing this, when
another generation comes the revolution
will surely begin again. The governing
classes in Spain of all parties have re-
garded Cuba for 300 years as an orange
to be squeezed. They are unable to con.
slider it otherwise. and no amount Of dip
lolnatlc effort on our part is likely to
change their point of view. The other
classes are ignorant. Spain has held all
her colonies with an iron hand until fore
ed to let go. The war of liberation in
Venezuela lasted fifteen years, and during
the last five years of the struggle no
quarter was given by either side. !!
"Fiftll--Autcnomy is a foolish dream
1t is evident that neither side understands
it. wishes it, nor can administer 1t. Spain
clearly offers it, to amuse this govern
ment and to gain time
"SiXth-A majority Of the people of this
country desire to sec a free and independ-
cnt Cuban republic. An opposing factor of
great force is the money power. It Is
a fair conclusion to urge that a majority
of our people believe that the assistance
OF our government till now has been CIV
en- to Spain and withheld from the re-
public on account of the influence that
emanatcs from great financial interests,
n n t,.nsf Il -
movements.
"SeVentll--Our people have hoped for
favorable action for Cuba from the pres
ent administration, and have patiently
waited to give the administration time
for the consideration Of the wise road
to this end. That patience is now ex-
hausted.
"Eighth-Very few Cubans and still few
err people in this country desire immediate
annexation, but independence is clearly
due to Cuban valor and sacrifices.
''Ninth-lt is of supreme Importance to
our future defence that Cuba be in the
possession of a friendly power. This
Spain has never been and probably can
never be.
"Tenth-Thc friendship of the republic
OF Cuba is worth vastly more to us than
that OF Spain. for reasons Of business and
est to recognize the belligerency, and log.
ically following this, the Independence
OF the republic, and to conclude with it
defensive and offensive alliance. II
this is not compatible with continued
friendship with Spain, so much the worse
for Spain. If Spain attacks US we can
take care of our own
out of the experience Of our work, and
from the study OF over twenty years, this
league asserts that these ten PROPOSE.
tions are true, and that their right un.
| derstandins leads to the only action which
will solve the problem.
And now. Mr.. President. in behalf of
those we represent, we thank YOU for this
opportunity TO present their views. We
hope for such action on your part as
will bring n correct solution. We desire
to state that this league and our sympa,-
thizers have enlisted for the war; or un.
til such time as the republic of Cuba shall
become a fact in history"