The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-11
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
The Time Not Ripe for Intervention
on Our Part.

The most important problem with which
this government is now called upon TO deal
pertaining to its foreign relations concerns
it's duty toward Spain and the cuban insur-
rection Problems and conditions more or
less in common with those now existing
have confronted this government at Earl--
Gus times in the past. The story OF CUBA
for many years has been one of unrest,
growing discomfort. an EFFORT toward a
larger enjoyment of liberty and self-con-
troll; of organized resistance TO the mother
country: OF depression after distress and
warfare and of Intellectual settlement TO he
followed by renewed revolt. For no endur-
ing period since the acknowledgements OF the
continental possessions of Spain in the
western continent has the condition OF
Cuba or the policy of Spain toward CUBA
not caused concern to the United states.
The prospect from time to time that the
weakness of Spain's hold upon the island
and the political vicissitudes and embar-
easements of the home government might
lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continent
tai power called forth. between 1873 and
1860, various emphatic declarations OF the
policy of the United States to permit no dis
turbance of Cuba's connection with Spain
unless in the direction OF independence or
acquisition by us through purchase; nor
has there been any change OF this declared
policy since upon the part or the govern
ment. $50
The revolution which began in 1865 lasted
for ten years, despite the strenuous ef-
forts of the successive peninsular gov
ernments to suppress II. Then, as now,
the government Of the United States tes-
aid TO put an end to bloodshed in cuba.
The overtures made by Gen. Grant were
refused, and the war dragged on, entaiing
great loss of life and treasure. and increased
injury to American interests besides throw
ing enhanced burdens on neutrality on the
government. In lS's. peace was brought
negotiations between the Spanish COM
mander, Martinez de Campos, and the In
surgent leaders.
The Present Insurrcction.
February, 1895. 1t is not my purpose at this
time to recall its remarkable increase, or
TO characterize its tenacious resistance
AGAINST 1t by Spain. The revolt and the
efforts to subdue IL carried destruction 10
every quarter of the island developing
wide proportions and defyinE 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
proht by the misfortunes of Spain. We
have only the desire to see the Cubans
prosperous and contented enjoying that
measure OF self control which is the in
alienabie right Of man. protected in their
right TO reap the benefit of the exhaustless
treasures of their country.
Inc ole 0mer 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
10 pacify cuba unless II 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.
Not Civilized Warfare.
The cruel policy of concentration was
initiated February 16, 1886. The productive
districts controlled by the Spanish armies
We're depopulated. The agricultural inhab-
tants were herded in ard about the gar
rison towns, their lands laid waste and
their dwellings destroyed. This policy the
late cabinet Of Spain Justified as a neces-
ssary me asure of war and as means Of cut
ting or SUPPLIES from the insurgents 1t has
utterly failed as a war measure. 1t was
not civilized warfare 1t was extermna-
ton,
Protests Entered.
Against this abuse of the rights OF war
i have felt constrained on repeated occa-
sions to enter the firm and earnest pro-
test of this government There was much
OF public condemnation Of the treatment OF
American citiz ms by alleged illegal arrests
and long Imprisonment awaiting trial or
P et II Pro drat judicial proceedings
mand 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. For
the rellef or our own citizens suffering be-
cause OF the conflict the aid of congress was
sought IN special message, and under
the appropriation of April 4, 1897 effective
aid has been given to American citizens in
CUBA, many OF them at their own reuue ST
having been returned to the United States.
Minister Woodford's Instructions.
The Instructions given to our new min
lister to Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that gov
States TO lend its aid toward the ending
OF the war in Cuba by reaching a pence
ful and lasting result, Just and honorable
alike to Spain and to the Cuban people.