The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1897-12-08


concern to the United States,
The prospect from time TO time that the
weakness OF spain's hold npon the island
and the political yieissitudes and eInbar-
easements OF the home government might
lead to the transfer OF Cuba to a conti-
mental power called forth. between 1923 and
1860 various emphatic declarations otathe
policy OF the United States to permit no
disturbances OF Cuba's connection with
Spain unless In the direction OF independ-
ence or acquisition by the United states
through purchase
The revolution which began In 1868 lasted
for ten years, despite the strenuous efforts
OF the successive peninsular governments
The overtures made by General Grant
were refused and the war dragged on en-
failing graf loss OF life and treasure and IN
creased injury to American interests besides
throwing EXCHANGED burdens of neutrality
upon this government.
The Present Insurrection-
The present Instruction broke out In
February 1895 The revolt and the Efforts
to subdue 1t carried destruction to every
quarter OF the island, defying the efforts OF
Spain for Its suppression The civilized
code OF war has been disregarded, no less
SO by the Spaniards than by the Cubans.
The existing conditions cannot but I'LL
this government and the American people
with the gravest apprehension There Is no
desire ON the part of our people to prout
by the mIsfortunes of Spain. We have only
the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and
contented. enjoying that measure OF self
The ofer made by my predecessor in
April, 1896. rendering the friendly offices
of this government. failed. Then only could
Spain act In the promised direction of her
own motion and after her own plans
The cruel policy OF concentration was in
itiated Feb. 16. 1896 The productive dis
trIcts controlled by the Spanish armies We're
depopuiated. The agricultural Inhabitants
were brought In the garrison towns, their
lands laid waste. This policy the late cab
met OF Spain Justified necessary meas
ure of war and as means of cutting on
supplies from the insurgents. II has ut
terly failed war measure 1t was not
civilized warfare. 1t was determination.
Entered Protests.
Against this abuse of the rights of war
/ 1 have felt constrained on repeated occa-
sIons to enter the firm and earnest protest
of this government There was much of
/ public condemnation of the treatment of
American citizens by alleged Illegal ar
rests and long imprisonment awaiting trial
or pending protracted judicial proceedings
1 felt 1t my first duty to make instant de-
/ mand for the release or speedy trial OF all
American citizens under arrest. Before the
change of the Spanish cabinet in October
last - citizens of the United States had
been given their freedom
The instructions given to our new minis
ter 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 n peaceful
to Spain and to the Cuban people.
No solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach, and indeed precise proposals We're
government.
An that was asked expected was that
some safe way might be speedily provided
and permanent peace restored.
Between the departure of General Wood
ford, the new envoy, and his arrival In
Spain, the statesman, who had shaped the
nj t.Ts NNF4fF n Il
assassin, and although the cabinet OF the
| late premier still held office and received
cabinet gave place within a few days there
after to Il new administration under the
leadership of Sagasta.
Spain's New Policy.
The reply 10 note was received on
the sd tlay of October. 1t is in the direc-
| tion ef a better understanding. 1t appre-
ciates the friendly purposes of this govern
| ment. 1t admits that our country is deep
| ~ affected by the war in Cuba and that Its
desires for peace are just
It declared that the present Spanish gov
| ernmcmt X hor;G by every consideration
/ to n change OF policy that should satisfy
| the United States and paclfy Cuba within n
reasonable time. To this end Spain has
| decided to put into effect the political re-
forms heretofore advocated by the present
premier. without hating for any consider
alton III the path which In its judgment
/ leads to IcaCe.
THE military operations, 1t is said, Will
continue but will be humane and conduct
ed with all regard for private rights, being
accomplished by political action leading to
the autonomy of Cubs while guarding Span
| Ish sovereignty. This, 1t is claimed. Will
result in Investing Cuba with distinct
| personality; the island to be governed by
an executive and n local council or cham
| Der, reserving to Spain the control of the
| foreign relations, the army and navy and
i the judicial administration.
The immediate ameloriation of existing
conditions under the new administration Of
| Cuban affairs is predicted and therewithal
/ the disturbance and all occasion for any
change OF attitude on the part of the Unit
/ ed States
Discussion of the question of the interna-
tionaI duties and responsibilities of the
/ United States as Spain understands them
| is presented, with an apparent disposition
| to charge us with failure in this regard.
This charge Is without any basis in fact.
1t could not have been made II Spain had
| been cogniZant of the consistent efforts
| this government has made at 'the cost os
/ millions and by the employment of the ad-
mInistrative machinery of the nation Mt
| command to perform Its full duty according
| to the law of nations.
That 1t has successfully prevented the de-
| parture of single military expedition or
| armed vessel from our shores in violation
| of our laws would seem to be sufficient
| answer.
But of this aspect of the Spanish note
| IL Is not necessary to speak further now.
| Firm in the conviction of wholly per
| formed obligation due response to this
| charEE has been made in diplomatic course.
L
| gers to our own peace this government has
never In any way abrOgated its sovereign
| preorgative of reserv1ng to itself the deter.
| mination OF its policy and course accordir
| to its own high sense OF right and incon-
| sonance with the dearest interests and con-
| victiOns of our own people should the pro-
| longation of the strife demand.
OF the untrIed measures there remain
| only: Recognition of the insurgents as bel
| ligerents; recogn ton of the independence
| of Cuba; neutral Intervention to end the
4 imposing q rational COMPROMISE
| tween the contestants, and intervention in
| favor of one the other party.
| BeIIigerent Rights Discussed.
Recognition of the belligerency of the Gu
ban insurgents has often been canvassei
| as possible If not Inevitable step both in
regard to the previous 10 yedrs' struggle
| and during the present war.
I am not unmindful that the two houses
| of congress in the spring of 1896 expressed
the opinion by concurrent resolution that
| condition of public war existed requiring
or justifyIng the recognition of state OF
| belligerency in Cuba. and during the extra
session the senate voted joint resolution