San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-12-06

Der 4, 1875, wherein he declares the
conditions in Cuba warranted neither
recognition of independence, nor the
recognition of belligerency. He adds
that moreover, q recognition of bellig-
erency would confer upon neither par
ty to the conflict status not hereto
fore actually possessed, while it would
weigh heavily in Spain's behalf, giving
her the right TO search on the high seas
and extending her maritime rights to
the margin of our territorial waters.
For these reasons" says the presi-
dent, II regard the recognition of the
belligerency of the Cuban insurgents
as now unwise and therefore unadmis-
sable. Should that step, however, be
deemed wise hereafter, as a matter of
right and duty, the executive will take
it," He pointed to hopeful change in
the Spanish policy, to the pledge of re-
| form and to the abatement of the hor-
| rors of war as reasons against the in
| terventiOn on humanitarian grounds.
The first acts of the new government
| lie in honorable paths. 1t hos outlined
the policy of rapine and determination
| been reversed, broad clemencies prof
| fered, measures have been taken to re-
lieve the horrors of starvation and the
| power of the Spanish armies, it is as
serted, is to be used not TO spread ruin
and DISSOLUTION, but to protect the re-
sumption of agricultural industries.
The president touches ON the scheme
of the Spanish government and says it
is honestly due to Spain that she should
be given reasonable chance to reach
her expectations and to prove the as
serted policy of the new order of things
to which she stands irrevOcably com
mitted. He points to the many conces-
siOns already made, to the modification
of the horrible order of concentration,
to the release of the Competitor pris-
oners and to the fact that not single
American citizen is now under arrest
in Cuba He says the near future will
demonstrate whether righteous peace
is likely to be attained; If not, the eff
ficiency of further and other action by
the United States will remain TO be
taken The government Will continue
its watchfulness over every American
citizen and its efforts to bring about
honorable peace. Says the president:
"If it should hereafter appear to be
duty imposed by our obligations to
ourselves, to civilization and to hui
, mainly to intervene with force, it shall
he without fault on our part and only
because the necessity for such action
; will be so clear as to command the sup
port and approval of the civilized
| world"
The president next takes up the sub
ject of annexation of the Hawaiian Is
lands. which he says should be ac-
complished. Rapidly reviewing his
former arguments in favor of anneXa-
ton, he says legislation is required in
the event of a ratification of the treaty
and that just provision should be
made for self rule in local matters
with the largest political liberty to the
Hawaians. He says the dispute be-
tween Japan and Hawaii over the inn
migration question is now satisfactory,
the countries having come to settle
ment by negotiations; that our govern
| ment has not interviewed, and that II is
learned that Japan is now confident in
the intention of this government to
deal with all possible Interior questions
affecting her interests in the broadcast
spirit of friendliness.
Mr.. Merry to be received administer
70 Nicaragua on account of the obliga-
tions of that country to the diet of the
Greater Republic of Cenral America.
As a basis there is no legal authority
at present to accredit him to the diet
and Mr. Baker the present minister,
at Managua, has been directed TO pres
ent his letters of recall. Mr.. NJ. Rod
rev Hunter is said to be likewise ac-
credited to Honduras, a member of the
Greater Republic, and his cause is
awaiting action.
The Nicaragua canal is spoken Of as
| of large Importance to our country
and the promise is made of further
reference to the subject when the
report of the commission now at work
| is sent TO Congress. The president
says of the international monetary
Commission that Notwithstanding dill
| Iigence effort has failed so far tosecure
| an agreement. Qualification is eX-
pressed at the action of France in this
matter in joining in our efforts and 1t
| is said negotiations are still pending.
| Meanwhile ENJOYS have not made their
| final report. believing that doubts
| raised in certain quarters respecting
| the feasibility of maintaining par
| ity between gold and silver may yet
| be solved. The presidentearnestly
hopes their labor may bring about an
| International agreement. Mr. Kas-
son. of Iowa is said to be conducting
negotiations with several governments
| for reciprocity arrangements under
the tariff act and it is believed that by
careful exercise of the powers en-
gendered by the act some grievances
ofour own and other countries in our
mutual trade relations may be re-
moved or alleviated and the volume of
our commercial exchange enlarged.
President Mckinley earnestly urges
the Improvement of our merchant mar