Warren sheaf., 1898-04-28
NOW DECLARES WAR.
Spain Issues Decree Announcing Ex-
1stence Of Hostilities.
11ves American Vessels Thirty DAYS
IN Which to Leave Her Waters
-Reserves the Right to En-
gage in Privateering.


-Reserves the Right to En-
gage in Privateering.
Madrid, April 25.-The Spanish gov
eminent has formally recognized the
state of war that exists between Spain
and the United States. A royal decree
was gazetted here Sunday announcing
that diplomatic relations between the
two nations had been broken off and
state OF war begun. The decree is as
follows:
Diplomatic relations are broken off be-
tween Spain and the United States. and
the state OF war having begun between the
Two countries, numerous questions of inter-
national law arise which must be pre-
clsely dehned chiefly because the Injustice
ana provocation come from our adver-
saries, and it is they who, by their de-
testable conduct, have caused this grave
conflict.
We have observed with strctest fidelity
the principles of international law and
nave SHOWN the most scrupulous respect
Tor morality and the right of government.
There is an opinion that the fact that we
have not adhered to the declaration of
Paris does not exempt us from the duty of
respecting the principles therein enunci-
ated. The principle Spain unquestionably
privateering. The government now con-
slders 1t most Indispensable to make abso-
lute reserve on this point in order to main
tain our liberty of action and uncontested
right to have recourse to privateering
when we consider it expedient, first by or
ganlzlng Immediately a force of cruisers
auxiliary to the navy, Which will be COM
posed of vessels of our mercantile marine
and with equal distinction in the work of
our navy"
Following is a summary of the more i'm
portant Of the five clauses outlining the
rules Spain will observe during the war:
.'Clause l. The state of war existing be-
tween Spain and the United States annuls
the treaty of peace and amity of October
N, 1875, and the protocol of January IL,
1877, and all other agreements, treaties or
conventions in force between the two coun-
tries.
"Clause 2. From the publication of these
presents 80 days are granted to all ships
Of the United States anchored in our har-
bors to take their departure free of him
drance.
"Clause 8. Notwithstanding that Spain
has not adhered to the declara ton of Paris
the government, respecting the principles
of the law of nations, proposes to observe,
and hereby orders to be observed, the fol-
lowing regulations of maritime law:
81. Neutral flags cover the enemy's mer-
chandise except contraband of war.
q. NeuIFdl 1neTCudHulSe, except contra
band of war; is not seizable under the enc
mys flag.
''3. A blockade to be obligatory must be
effective-viz.: 1t must be maintained with
sufficient force to prevent access to the
enemys littoral.
"a. The Spanish government, upholding
it's right to grant letters of marque, will
at present confine itself to orga MIXING, with
the vessels of the mercantile marine,
force of auxiliary cruisers which will CO.
operate with the navy according to the
needs of the campaign and will be under
naval control.
So In order to capture the enemy,s ships
and confiscate the enemys merchandise
and contraband of war, under whatever
form, the auxiliary cruisers will exercise
the right of search on the high seas and in
the waters under the enemy's jurisdiction
in accordance with interna tiona1 law and
the regulations which will be published.
&c. Defines what is included in contra
band of war, naming weapons, ammuni-
tion, equipments, engines, and, in general,
all the appliances used in war.
~. To be regarded and judged as pirates
with all the rigor of the law are captains,
masters, officers and two-thirds of the
crews Of vessels which, not being Ameri-
can, shall commit acts of war against
Spain even if provided with letters of
marque issued by the United States.''
May Be Forced to ketaliate.
Madrid, April 25.-Spain's adherence
to the right of privateering, if expedi-
ent, has given great satisfaction in
Spain, where the public press markedly
approves the attitude of the govern
ment. Fears are expressed on the con-
tinent that the United States will find
it necessary to retaliate, despite the
adhesion of the government to the dec
laration of Paris. In any case Spain's
attitude will enhance the Importance of
the negotiations of the powers, which,
it is understood, have been initiated
by Italy, with view to making ar
rangements to protect neutrals on the
seas. It is reported from Vienna that
England holds aloof from the negotia-
tions, though this is discredited.
The Kolniche Zeitung remarks, how
ever, that "as neither Spain nor the
United States occupies anything like
position of supremacy on the seas, neu-
trail governments will easily be able to
insist on the adherence of both to the
declaration of Paris,'' and ''looking to
the Importance of American markets
for German industry and commerce."
it expresses 'sdoubts whether the pro-
visions of the existing law of nations
are adequate to meet the necessities of
the case" #.-t -. ..s.-s
This journal thinks it possible that
the war will result in fresh extension
Of the principles applicable to the mat
Herr Tn fact # looks as THOUGH trade