The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1897-12-10

! justified as a necessary measure of war
and as a means of cutting off supplies
from the insurgents. 1t has utterly
failed as a war measure. 1t was not
| civilized warfare; it was determination
Against this abuse of the rights of
war have felt constrained on repeated
occasions to enter the firm and earnest
protest of this government. There was
much of public condemnation of the
treatment of American citizens by al
legged illegal arrests and long imprison-
ment awaiting trial or pending pro-
tracted judicial proceedings. 1 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. % prisoners, citizens of
the United States, had been given their
freedom.
The instructions given to our new
minister to Spain before his departure
for his post directed him to impress up
on that government the sincere wish of
the United States to lend its aid toward
the ending of the war in Cuba by reach
ing a peaceful and lasting result, just
and honorable alike to Spain and to the
Cuban people These instructions re-
cited the character and duration of the
contest the widespread losses it en-
tails, the burdens and restraints it i'm
poses upon us, with constant disturb
ance of national interests, aRd the in
jury resulting from an indefinite con-
tinuance of this state of things. 1t was
stated that at this juncture our gov
eminent 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
destructive war and make proposals of
settlement honorable to herself and just
to her Cuban colony.
1t is urged that as a neighboring
nation with large interests in Cuba we
could be required to wait only a rea-
sonable time for the mother country to
establish its authority and restore peace
and order within the borders of the is
land; that we could not contemplate an
indefinite period for the accomplish
ment of this result.
NO SOLUTION PROPOSED.
No solution was proposed to which
the slightest idea of humiliation to
Spain could attach, and indeed the
precise proposals were withheld to
avoid embarrassment to that govern
ment. All that was asked or expected
was that some safe way might be
F0eedily provided and permanent peace
I restored.
The reply to our note was received
on Oct. 49, 1t is in the direction
of a better understanding. 1t appreci-
ates the friendly purposes of this gov
eminent. 1t admits that our country is
deeply affected by the war in Cuba and
that it's desires for peace are just. 1t
declares that the present Spanish gov
eminent is bound by every considera-
ton to a change of policy that should
So tisfy the United States and pacify
Cuba within reasonable time To this
end Spain has decided to put into effect
the political reforms heretofore advo-
Gated by the present premier without
hating for any consideration in the
path which in its judgment leads to
peace. The military operations, it is
said, will continue, but will be humane
and conducted with all regard for pri-
vate rights, being accompanied by po-
litical action leading to the autonomy
of Cuba while guarding Spanish sover-
eighty. This, it is claimed, will result
in investing Cuba with a distinct per-
sonality the island to be governed by
an executive and by local council or
chamber, reserving to Spain the control
of the foreign relations, the armF and
navy and the judicial administration.
To accomplish this the present govern
ment proposes to modify existing legis-
lation by decree, leaving the Spanish
cortes, with the aid of Cuban senators
and deputies, to solve the economic
problem and properly distribute the ex-
listing debt.
SPANS MODERATE REPLY.
In the absence of a declaration of the
measures that this government proposes
| to take in carrying out its proffer of
! good offices it suggests that Spain be
! left free to conduct military operations
| and grant political reforms, while the
| United States for its part shall enforceits
! neutral obligations and cut off the as
/ sistance which it is asserted the inSur-
| gents receive from this country. The
/ sllpposition of an indefinite prolonga-
! ton of the war is denied. 1t is asserted
| that the western provinces are already
| we'll nigh reclaimed, that the planting
! of cane and tobacco therein has been
resumed and that by force of arms and
new and ample reforms very early and
complete pacificatiOn is hoped for.
The immediate amelioration of exist
/ ing conditions under the new adminis-
tration of Cuban affairs is predicted
! and Herewith all the disturbance and
/ all occasion for any change of attitude
on the part of the United States. Dis
cussion of the question of the interna-
! tional duties and responsibilities of the
! United States as Spain understands
them is made with an apparent DISPOSE
ton to charge us with failure in this re-
( gard. This charge is without any basis
in fact 1t could not have been made IL
Spain had been cognizant of the con-
slant efforts this government, has made
at the cost of millions and by the en-
| ployment of the administrative minis
try of the nation at command to per-
form its full duty according to the law
of nations. That 1t hes successfully pre-
vented the departure of a single eXpedi-
ton or armed vessel from our shores in
violation of our laws would seem to be
q sufficient answer.
OF the untried measures there remain
only recognition of the insurgents as
belligerents, recognition of the indie
pendence of Cuba. neutral intervention
to end the war by imposing a rational
compromise between the contestants
and Intervention in favor of one or the
other party.
NO FORCIBLE ANNEXATION.
I speak not of forcible annexation, for
that cannot be thought of. That, by
our code of morality, would be crimi-
nal aggression.
Recognition of the belligerency of the
Cuban insurgents has often been can