Rock Island Argus., 1897-12-07
REPLY THAT sAGAsrA MADE,
Acknowledge Our Interest and Oatlines
. New Policy.

-Ne" Hoicys
The reply TO our note was received on
the sd day of October. II is in the di-
rection Of a better understanding. II
appreciates the friendly purposes of this
government. 1t admits that our country
Is deeply affected by the war in Cuba
and that its desires for peace are just
IL declares that the present Spanish
government Is bound by every consid-
GRAFTON To a change of policy that
should satisfy the United States and
pacify Cuba within q reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put in
to effect the polictical reforms hereto.
fore advocated by the present premier.
without halting for any consideration
IN the path which in its judgment leads
To peace. The military operations. il is
said, will continue. but will be humane
and conducted with ell regard for pri-
vate rights, being accompanied by po-
litical action leading to the autonomy
of cuba while guarding Spanish
sovereignty. This. IL is claimed, will re-
suit in investing Cuba with a distinct
personality. the island to he governed
by an executive and by a local council
or chamber. rcserving to Spain the con-
trol OF the foreign relations, the army
and navy and the judicial administra-
ti"n. To accomplish this the present
government proposes to modify exist
ing legislation by DEGREES, leaving the
Spanish cortes, with the aid of Cuban
senators and deputies, to solve the
economic problem and properly dis
tribute the existing Gebt.
In the absence of n declaration OF the
measures that this government proposes
To take in carrying out its proffer of
good Offices X suggests that Spain be
left free TO conduct military operations
YaAl
United States. for its part, shall enforce
its neutral obligations and cut off the
assistance which it is asserted the in
surgents receive from this country. The
supposition of an indefinite prolongation
OF the war Is denied. 1t is asserted that
the western provinces are already well
nigh reclaimed: that the planting Of
cane and tobacco therein has been re.
sumed. and that by force of arms and
new and ample reforms very early and
complete pacification is hoped for
The immediate amelioration of existing
conditions under the new administra.
ton of Cuban affairs is predicted, and
therewithal the disturbance and all oc.
casion for any change of attitude on the
part of the United States.
Discussion Of the question Of the in.
ternational duties and responsibility.
OF the United States as Spain under.
standS tneH Is presented with an ap-
parent disposition to charge us with
failure In this regard. This charge is
without any basis in fact. 1t could no,
| have been made if Spain had been cog.
| INFANT Of the constant efforts this gov.
ernment has made at the cost Of mil.
| lions and by the employment Of the ad
ministrative machinery Of the natior
| at command to perform its full dut,
| according TO the law of nations. Tha,
II has successfully prevented the de-
parture Of a single military expedition
| or armed vessel from cur shores in VIC
| lation OF our laws would seem to be {
| sufficient answer. But Of this aspect o
the Spanish note it is not necessary t.
| speak further now. Firm in the con
victicn Of a wholly performed obliga
ton. due response TO this charge ha:
been made In diplomatic course.
| Throughout all these horrors ans
dangers TO our own peace this govern
ment has never broken over or in an,
way abrogated its sovereign preroga
tive OF reserving TO itself the deter
mination OF its policy and course ac
cording to its own high sense of righ
and In ccnsonance with the dearest in
terests and convictions Of our own peo
pie, should the prolongation OF the wa
/ so demand