The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-03
PLEA OF CUBAN LEAGUE.
WHY THE ORGANIZ4TTON THINKS
THIS GOVERNHENT SHOULD ACT.
Suggests That Spain VIII ENterminate the
Insurgents and Repopulate the Island
Autonomy Foolish Dream.

WASHINGTON, d. c., Dec. 2-Mr.
Berkley Balch. secretary Of the Cuban
League appeared before President Nc
Kinley and presented the following argu-
ment in behalf of the Cuban insurgents.
'Ar. Presidcnt.-We appear before you
in the name Of those who have died for
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 the
United States, who believe i'm that cause
and demand that their wishes shall now
ba translated into efficient action by
their chosen representatives. Thanks To
the power, honor and patriotism Of the
American press. the people to-day know
the essential facts of the Cuban sltua-
ton. We submit 20 YOU therefore, these
ten propositions for your consideration.
"First-The three wars I'm Cuba within
this century. are proof of a genuine move
ment for the extension of Democratic
principles and the attainment OF liberty
from "A tyrannical, corrupt and alien gov
eminent.
"Second-Without the Indirect aid given
by this government TO Spain. the patriots
would be farther advanced in their strug-
gle
"Thrd-Spain has lost Cuba as far as
the present population Is concerned IT,
however, she is permitted to continue the
cruel war of extern inatirG non-cOmbat-
ants she may possibly Te-cOnquer and
re-populate the island
''FOurth-lf with our passive aid she
unfortunately succeeds I'm doing this
when another generation comes, the rev.
olu,ion will surely begin again. The gov
erning classes in Spain Of an parties have
regarded cuba for three hundred years
az an orange % be squeezed. They are
unable to consider it Otherwise and no
amount Of diplomatic efforts on our part
IS likely 10 change their point Of view.
Inc otner classes are ignorant Spain
mas held all her colonies with an Iron
hand until forced 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.
FOOLISH DRAEM.
! "FInh-AutOnomy is n foolish dream.
II is evident that neither side understands
IT, wishes it or can administer it, that
1t was designed 10 amuse this government
and TO gain time.
"Sixth-A majority Of the people OF this
country desire 10 see n free and indepen-
dent Cuban republic. An opposing factor
OF great force is the money power. Ii
Is a fair conclusion 10 urge thai q ma
Jority OF orr people believe that the svm-
pathy of orr "o~"rnment ull now has
been given 10 Spain and withheld from
the Eepdhhc InG-r the influence that en-
anates from great financial interests
usually afraid Of the patriotic aggressive
movement"
18th. Our people nave hoped for favora-
bic action for cuba from tire present ad-
ministrati0n. and have patiently waited I'D
give the administration time for consid-
Grafton for the Wisest road 10 TINS end.
That patience is now exhausted.
18th. Very few Cuhans and stil fewer
people i'm this country desire auueN1liln.
but independence is clearly due to CUBAN
CUBA'S FRIENDSHIP.
Goth. The friendship of The republic Of
Cuba Is worth vastly more 20 as than
that OF Spain. for reasons Of business and
defence. II Is our duty ana SER inl' crest
70 recognize the delinquency ANA los .caily
following this, tho independence OF ihc
republic. and 10 conclude with defensive
aud offensive alliance. II this .s not COM
patihle with "a continued friendship With
Spain. so much the worse Tor SPAIN ID
Spain attacks MS We can take care OF our
own.
10th. out Of the experience Of our
work and great study Of oror twenty
years this league asserts that lh.se 'en
propositions are true. and that tnelf sht
understanding leads 10 ;he only aclon
which will solve the problem.
And now. Mr.. President. in hehalt OF
those whom we represent, we thark YOU
fer this opportunity 10 present ehtif Vows.
We hone for such action on your r1rt
as will bring a correct solution. We oe-
sire 10 state that this league ana our
sympathizers have enlisted for the war,
or until such time ms the republic or 'una
shall become fact tn history
The President said he would give the
argument careful consideration.