The times., 1898-12-06

pended at the discretion of the Presi-
dent" That this act of provision came
none too soon was disclosed when the ap-
plication of the fund was undertaken.
Our coasts were practically undefended.
Our Navy needed large provision for in
creased ammunition and supplies, and
even numbers to cope with any sudden
attack from the navy of Spain, which
comprised modern vessels of the highest
type of continental perfection. Our Army
also required enlargement of men and
munitions. The details of the hurried
preparation for the dreaded contingency
is told in the reports of the Secretaries of
War and of the Navy. and need not be
repeated here. 1t is sufficient to say that
the outbreak of war when ii did come
found our nation not unprepared to meet
the conflict.
POWERS COUNSEL PEACE.
Nor was the apprehension of coming
strife confined to our own country. 1t
was felt by the continental powers, which.
on April 6, through their ambassadors
and envoys. addressed to the Executive
an expression of hope that humanity and
moderation might mark the course of this
Government and people. and that further
negotiations would lead to an agreement
which, while securing the maintenance OF
peace, would afford all necessary guaran-
tees for the re-establshment of order in
Cuba. In responding to that representa-
ton. said ! shared the hope the ENJOYS
had expressed that peace might be pre-
served in n manner to terminate the
chronic condition of disturbance in Cuba
so injurious and nenacing to our Interests
and tranquility, as we'll as shocking to
our sentiments of humanity; and while
approaching the humanitarian and disin-
terested character of the communication
they had made on behalf of the powers l
stated the confidence of this Government.
for its part. that equal appreciation
would be shown for its own earnest and
unselfish endeayors to fulfill a duty to hu-
manity by ending a situation the indefinite
prolongation OF which had become insult
ferable.
FAILURE OF NEGOTIATIONS.
Still animated by the hope of u peace
ful solution and obeying the dictates of
duty, no effor, was relaxed to bring about
speedy ending of the Cuban struggle.
Negotiations to this object conti uad &C
lively with the government of Spain.
six months armistice in Cuba, with a
view to effect the recognition Of her pao-
pies right to independence. Besides this
the instant revocation of the order cf
recommendation was asked, so that I e
sufferers. returning to thei. homes and
aided by united American and Spanish
effort, might be put in way to 81: port
themselves, and, b. orderly resumption
OF the well-nish destroyed productive en-
ergies of the Island, contribute to the res
toration of its transquiiity ard well-be-
ing. Negotiations continuei for some lit
tie zine at Madrid. resulting in offers by
the Spanish government which c,uid NOT
but be regarded as Inadequate. 1t IVES
proposed to confide the preparation Of
peace 10 the insular parliament, yet 10
be convened under the autonomous de-
crees of November. 1897, but WITHOUT i'm
pairment in anywise of the constitutions,
powers of the Madrid government, which.
to that end, would grant an armistice If
solicited by the insurgents. for such tma
as the general-in-chief might see fit II
fix. How and with what scope of di j.
cretionary powers the insular par;ia-
ment was expected to set ab5ut the
preparation" of peace did not appear.
If it were to be by negotiation with the
Insurgents, the issue seemed to rest on
the one side with n body chosen b. a
fraction of the electors in the districts
under Spanish control, and on the other
with the insurgent population holding
the interior country, unrepresented In the
so-cailed parliament, and defiant at the
suggestion of suing for peace.
CONGRESS ASKED TO ACT.
Grieved and disappointed at this bar
ren outcome of my sincere endeavors to
reach practicable solution. felt it my
duty to remit the whole question to the
Congress. In the message of April IL,
1898, I announced that with this last
overture in the direction of immediate
peace in Cuba, and its disappointing re-
ception by Spain, the effort of the Ex-
ecutive was brought to an end / again
reviewed the alternative courses of ac-
ton which had been proposed, concluding
that the only one consonant with inter-
national policy and compatible with our
firm-set historical traditions was inter-
vention as neutral to stop the war and
check the hopeless sacrifice of life, even
though that resort involved "ho tie con-
straint upon both the parties to the con-
icoa- -siS NCii " tHlOiCe a Truce as 10
guide the eventual settlement The
grounds 1ustifying that step were, the
interests of humanity; the duty to mo-
tect the life and property of our citizens
in Cuba; the right to check injury to our
commerce and people through the devas-
tation os the island, and, most impor-
tant, the need of removing at once and
forever the constant menace and the bur-
dens entailed upon our Government by
the uncertainties and peri!s of the situa-
ton caused by the unendurable disturb
ance in Cuba. l said:
The long trial has proved that the OBJ
ject for which Spain has waged the war
cannot be attained. The fire of insurrec-
ton may flame or may smolder with vary-
ing seasons, but it has not been, and i,
Is plain that 1t cannot be, extinguished
by present methods. The only hope of re-
lief and repose from condition which can
no longer be endured is the enforced paci-
fication Of Cuba. In the name of human
ity, in the name of civilization, in behalf
of endangered American interests which
give us the right and the duty to speak
and to act, the war in Cuba must stop"
In view of all this, the Congress was
asked to authorize and empower the Presi-
dent to take measures to secure a full
and final termination of hostilities between
Spain and the people of Cuba aud to Sc
cure in the island the establishment of
stable government. capable of maintain
ing order and observing its international
Obligations. insuring peace and tranquility,
and the security of its citizens as well as
our own. and for the accomplishment of
those ends to use the military and naval
forces of the United States as might be
necessary; with added authority to con-
tnue generous relief to the starving peo-
pie of Cuba.
The response of the Congress. after nine
days of earnest deiiberation, during which