The bee., 1898-12-08

Cuba. In responding TO that representa-
ton, j also shared the hope that the en-
voys had expressed, that peace might be
preserved In a manner 10 terminate the
chronic condition of disturbance In Cuba
ests and tranquility, as well as
shocking to our sentiments OF hu-
manity; and, while apprecia,thlns the
actor OF the communication they had
made on behalf of the powers, | stated
part. that equal appreciation would be
a u for it's earnest and unselfish en-
do-.vors to fulfll duty of humanity, by
CATION of what had become insunerable.
ANIMATED BY HOPE OF PEACEFUL
Still animated by the hope OF a peaceful
solution and obeying the dictates ofduty,
no effort was relaxed 90 bring about
sPsedy enuing oi , inc S Snct" continSed se-
lively with the government OF spain,
looking TO the immediate conclusion OF a
six months armistice In Cuba with
view TO effect the recognition OF her peo-
pies right to independence. Besides TINS;
the instant revocation OF the order OF
sufferers, returning to their homes, and
aided by united American and Spanish Ell
fort might be put in a way TO s ,ipp as
the well nigh destroyed productive ener-
giles OF the island. contribute TO the res
toration OF it's tranquility and well being
Negotiations continued for some little
time nj Madrid. resulting in offers by the
Spanish government which could not out
be regarded as inadequate.
SPANS PROPOSITION.
IL was proposed TO confide the restora-
ton OF peace 20 an insuiar government.
yet TO be convened under the autonomous
impairment In any wise OF the constitu-
tlonal powers OF the Madrid government
which. 60 that end, would grant an ar
mistice, N solicited by the insurgents. for
such time as the general in -chief might
see 1T TO fix. How and with what scope
OF discretionary powers the insular par
Lament was expected to set about the
preparation OF peace did not appear.
III IL was to be by negotiation with the
insurgents. the issue seemed to rest on
OF the electors in the districts under Span
ish control, and on the other With the IN
surgent population holding the interior
parliament, and defiant at the suggestion
OF suing for peace.
THE QUESTION REAiITTED TO CON-
GRESS
Grived and disappointed at this barren
outcome OF my sincere endeaNors 10
reach a practicable solution, felt II my
duty to remit the whole question TO con-
gress. In the message OF April ii, ISIS,
/ announced that, with this last overture
In the direction OF immediate peace IN
Cuba and its Disappointing reception by
Spain, the effort OF the executive was
brought to an end. l again renewed the
alternative course OF action which had
prepared, CONCLUDING that ne only one
and compatible with our flrn set histor-
ical traditions was intervention rs neu-
trial TO stop the war and check the hope.
lcss sacrifice OF life even though that
report involved hostile conatraint upon
both the parties TO the contest, as well as
10 enforce a truce as to guide the eventful
JusTITicATIoN FOR OUR COURSE.
The grounds justifying that step were
In the Interests Of humanity; the duty 70
lien In Cuba; the right TO check injury TO
our commerce and the people through tho
devastation OF the Island. and, most I'M
portant, the need OF removing at once
and forever the constant menace and the
burden entailed upon our government by
the uncertainties and perils the situation
caused by tho interminable disturbance
In Cuba.
can not be attained. The fire OF insur-
rection may flame or may shoulder with
varying seasons. but II has not been, and |
Il is plain that Il can not be, cytinguished
by present methods. The only hope OF
relief ind repose from a condition which |
pacincation OF Cuba. In the name Of hui
manity, In the name OF civilization, In be-
half OF endangered American interests
speak, actual war i'm Cuba must stop"
THE PRESIDENTS REQUEST TO |
CONGRESS.
In view OF all this. congress was asked |
70 urge and empower the president TO |
take measures TO secure a full and final
termination Of hostiities between Spain |
and the people of Cuba, and to secure In |
the island the establishment OF a stable
government, capable OF maintaining or
der and observing It's International obh- |
cations, insuring peace and tranquility, |
and the security of its citizens as well as
our own, and for the accomplishment OF
forces OF the United States as might be |
necessary, with added authority to con- |
tinue generous relief TO the starving peo-
pie of Cuba.
THE RESPONSE OF CONGRESS-.
The response of the congress, after nine |
days OF earnest elaboration, during which |
the almost unanimous sentiment OF your |
as to the expediency of coupling the pro- |
posed action with a formal recognition
Of the republic Of cuba rs the true and
Osition which failed OF adoption-the con-
gress, after conference, on the 18th OF /
April, 10y vote OF AZ TO 30 IN the senate, |
and 81 to IN the house of representa- |
lives, passed the memorable joint resolu-
ton DECLARING.
First That the people of the island of |
Cuba are and of right ought to be, free |
and Independent.
''Second-That It Is the duty OF the |
United States TO demand, and the gov
eminent of the United States does hereby |
demand. that Spain at once relinquish Its |
authority and government In the island |
of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval |
forces from Cuba and Cuban waters.
"Third-That the president OF the Unit /
ed States be- and he hereby is, directed and |
forees Of the United states, and and to cali
into actual service Of the United States |
the militia of the several states TO such
extent as may be necessary TO carry these
resolutions into effect.
"Fourth-That the United States here
by disclaims any disposition or intention
to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or
control over said island. except for the |
qualification thereof, and asserts its de-
termination when that is accomplished.
to leave the government and control OF
the island TO its people,"
This resolution was approved by the
executive on the next day, April 20.
OUR RESOLVE se eS0iMMuNicATEp TO
A copy. was at once. communicated TO
the Spanish minister at this capital, who
forthwith announced that his continuance
possible, he asked for his passports,
which were given him. He. thereupon
withdrew from washington, Leaving the
United States 10 the French ambassador
and the Austro-Hungarian minister.
simultaneously with It's communication
to the Spanish minister, Gen. Woodford,
the American minister at Madrid. was
telegraphed confirmation of the text OF
municate It to the government of Spain
with the formal demand that II at once
relinduish its authority and government
in tho island of Cuba and withdraw It's
forces therefrom, coupling this demand
with announcements of the intentions OF
THIS government as 10 the OF
island, in conformity with the fourth
clause of the resolution, and giving Spain
until noon of April 20 10 reply.
THE ACTION OF SPAIN.
The demand. although, as above shown.
officially made known 10 the Spanish en-
Voy here, was not delivered at Madrid.
After the instruction reached Gen. Wood
ford, on the morning OF April u, but be-
fore he could present. Il, the Spanish min
lister OF state notified him that upon the
PRESIDENTS approval of the joint resolu
ton, the Madrid government, regarding
the act as equivalent 10 an evident dec
laration of war" had ordered its minister
in Washington to Withdraw, thereby
breaking off diplomatic relations between
the two countries ana ceasing all official
communication between their respective
representatives Gen. Woodford there
upon demanded his passports and quilted
Madric the same day.
THE DECLARATION OF WAR.
Spain, having thus denied the demand
OF the United States, and initiated that
complete form OF rupture Of relations
which attends state OF war, the execu-
tive powers authorized by the resolution
were at once authorized by. me to, meet
the enlarged contingency OF actual war
between Spain and the United States. On