Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-12-07

SPAN unless IN the direction VI iHuepetiu-
ence or acquisition by the United States
through purchase. Nor has there been any
change of this declared policy since upon
the part of the government.
Our Policy in the War of 1868.
The revolution which began in 1868 lasted
for ten years, despite the strenuous efforts
of the successive peninsular governments
to suppress it. Then. as now, the govern
ment of the United States testified its
great concern and offered its aid to put
an end 10 bloodshed in Cuba. The
overtures made by General Grant were
refused and the war dragged on. en-
failing great loss of life and treasure.
and increased injury to American in
terests, besides throwing enhanced bur-
dens of neutrality upon this govern
ment. In 1873 peace was brought about
by the truce of Zanjon. obtained by nego-
tiations between the Spanish commander.
Martinez de Campos. and the insurgent
leaders.
The present insurrection broke out in
February, 1895. 1t is not my purpose at
this time to recall its remarkable increase
against the enormous forces massed
against it by Spain. The revolt and the
efforts to subdue it carried destruction to
every quarter of the island. developing
wide proportions and 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 fill
this government and the American people
with the gravest apprehension. There is
no desire on the part of our people to profit
by the misfortunes of Spain. We have
only the desire to see the Cubans pros
porous and contented. enjoying that mea-
sure of self-control which is the inalienable
right of man. protected in their right to
reap the benefit of the exhaustless trea-
sures of their country.
The offer made by my predecessor in
April. 1896. rendering the friendly Offices
| of this government failed. Any mediation
on our part was not accepted. In brief,
the answer read: There is no effectual
way to pacify Cuba unless it begins with
| the actual submission of the rebels to the
mother country" 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 February 16. 1896. The productive
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
were depopulated and the agricultural
inhabitants were herded in and about gar
riGOn bai lot
| their dwellings destroyed. This policy the
| late cabinet Of Spain justified as a neces-
sary measure of war and a means Of
cutting of supplies from the insurgents.
Weyler's Policy Condemned.
1t has utterly failed as a war issue. It
| was not civilized warfare. 1t was ex-
termination. Against this abuse of the
rights of war 1 have felt constrained on
repeated occasions to enter the firm and
| earnest protest of this government.
There was much public condemnation of
the treatment of American citizens by al
legged Illegal arrests and long Imprisonment
awaiting trial or pending protracted judi
cial procedures. 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 October last. twenty-five prison.
ers, citizens of the United States had been
given their freedom.
For the relief of our own citizens suffer-
ing because of the conflict, the aid of con-
! gress was sought in a special message and
under the appropriation of April l. 1887, eff
| fective aid has been given to American citi-
| zens in Cuba, and many of them, at their
| own request. have been returned to the
| United States.
Minister Woodford's Instructions.
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 a peaceful
| and lasting result, just and honorable alike
! to Spain and to the Cuban people. These
| instructions recited the character and dura-
| tion of the contest. the widespread losses it
! entails. the burdens and restraints it i'm
| poses upon us. with constant disturbance
| oil national interests and the injury result
| ing from an indefinite continuance of thi,
| state of things. 1t was stated that at this
| juncture our government was, constrained
| to seriously inquire If the time was not ripe
| when Spain of her own volition moved by
| her own interests and every sentiment Of
humanity, should put a stop to this de-
| structive war and make proposals of set
| tiement honorable to herself and just to
her Cuban colony. 1t was urged that, as
Eeighboring 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; ;
| period for the accomplishment of this re-
| srlt. No solution was proposed to which
| the slightest idea of humiliation to Spain
| could attach, and indeed precise proposals
| that government. All that was asked or
| expected was that some safe way might be
| speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored.
New Regime in Spain.
1t so chanced that the consideration of
| this offer. addressed to the same Spanish
| administration which had declined the ten
| ders Of my predecessors 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 General Woodford, the
| new envoy. and his arrival in Spain the
| statesman who had shaped the policy of his
| country fell by the hand of an assassin, and
| although the cabinet of the late premier
| still held office and received from our en-
voy the proposals he bore. that cabinet
| gave place within a few DAYS IN