The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1897-12-08

suppression. The civilized code of war
has been dlsgraced, no less so by the
Spaniards than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but
| fill this government and the American
| people with the gravcst apprehension.
There Is no desire on the part of our
people to profit by the mlsfortunes OF
| Spain. We have only the desire to see
| the Cubans prosperous and contented,
enjoying that measure of self-control
which Is the inalienable right of man.
protected In their right to reap the
| benefit of the exhaustless treasures of
| their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
| April, 1895, rendering the friendly Of
| fees of this government, failed. Any
| mediation on our part was not accept
| ed. In brief the answer read: There
| Is no effectual way to pacify Cuba un-
less II begins with the actual submits
sion of the rebels to the mother coun-
try"
Then only could Spain act in the
promised direction of her own motion
and after her own plans. The cruel
policy of concentration was initiated
February 16, 1896 The productive dis
tricts controlled by the Spanish armies
were depopulated. The agricultural
inhabitants were herded I'm and about
the garrison towns. their lands laid
waste and their dwellings destroyed.
This policy the late cabinet of Spain
| justified as a necessary measure of
war and as a means of cutting off sup
plies from the insurgents. 1t has ut
terly failed as a war measure. 1t was
not civilized warfare. II was exter-
mination.
EARNEST PROTESTS ENTERED.
Against this abuse of the rights of
war l have felt constrained on re-
peated occasions to enter the firm and
earnest protest of this government.
There was much of public condemna-
tion of the treatment of American citi-
zens by alleged Illegal arrests and long
| imprisonment awaiting trial or pending
judicial proceedings. | felt 1t my first
duty to make instant demand for the
| release or speedy trial of all American
| citizens under arrest. Before the
change of the Spanish cabinet In Oc-
tober last 22 prisoners, citizens of the
United States, had been given their
| freedom.
For the relief of our own citizens
suffering because of the conflict the
aid of Congress was sought In a special
message and under the appropriation
of April T. 1897 effective aid has been
| given to American citizens in Cuba,
many of them at their own request
having been returned to the United
States.
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 it's
aid toward the ending of the war in
Cuba by reaching peaceful and last
ing result, just and honorable alike to
Spain and to the Cuban people. These
Instructions recited the character and
duration of the contest, the widespread
losses IL entails, the burdens and re-
straints II imposes upon us, with con
stant disturbance of national interests
and the injury resulting from an in
definite continuance of this state of
things. 1t was stated that at this
juncture our government was con-
strained to seriously inquire If the
time was not ripe when Spain of her
own volition, moved by her own in
terests and every sentiment of hui
humanity, should not put a stop
tn this destructive war and make pro-
posals of settlement honorable to her
self and just to her Cuban colony.
THE SPANISH PROPOSALS.
1t was urged that as II neighboring
nation. with large interests in Cuba
we could be required to wait only a
reasonable time for the mother country
to establish Its authority and restore
peace and order within the borders of
the Island; that we could not contem-
plate an indefinite period for the ac-
complishment of this result. No solu-
tion was proposed to which the slight
est idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach, and, indeed, precise proposals
were withheld to avoid embarrassment nj
to that government. All that was
asked or expected was that some safe
way might be speedily provided and
permanent peace restored.
1t SO CHANGED that the consideration
or this offer, addressed to the same
Spanish administration which had de-
clined the tenders of my predecessor
and which for more than two years
had poured men and treasure into
Cuba in the fruitless effort to suppress
the revolt, fell to others. Between the
departure of Gen. Woodford, the new
envoy. and his arrival in Spain, the
statesman who had shaped the policy
of his country fell by the hand of ar
assassin. and although the cabinet OF
the late premier still held Office and re.
ceived from our envoy the proposals
he bore. that cabinet gave place with.
I'm few days thereafter to a new ad.
ministration under the leadership OF
Sagasta. The reply to our note was
received on the 23d day of October
1t is in the direction OF a better under.
standing. 1t appreciates the friendl,
purposes of this government. 1t ad.
mits that our country IL deeply affect.
ed by the war in Cuba. and that it,
desires for peace are just. 1t declare.
that the present Spanish government
Is bound by every consideration to 6
change of policy that should satisf,
the United States and pacify Cuba
! within reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to pu
! into effect the political reforms hereto
fore advocated by the present premier
without hating for any consideration
In the path which In it's Judgment leadi
to peace. The military operations, Il
Is said, will continue, but will b,
humane and conducted with all re-
! gard for private rights, being accom-
panied by political action leading I,
the autonomy of Cuba. while guardin,
Spanish sovereignty. This, is is claim
ed, will result with investing Cuba will
distinct personality; the island t,
, be governed by an executive and by
local council or chamber, reserving t,
Spain the control Of the foreign rela
I tions. the army and navy and the ju
! dicial administration. To accomplish
this the present government propose,