Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1898-04-09
WAR WOULD BE A CRIME.

Bpain's Minister to Washington Claims
that Peaceful Measures VIII Prevail
Some Astonishing Statements Regarding
the situation In Cuba.
Washington, April 6.-The Spanish
minister, Senor Bernabe, was seen at
the Spanish legation yesterday and
consented to talk on the present condi-
tion of affairs. 81 am still hopeful of
peace" said he. THAT may seem opti-
mistic at n moment when such passions
are aroused, such naval and military
operations are going on, and when the
current of public sentiment seems to
be that war is inevitable. 1t is my in
dividual judgment, based upon the con-
viction that in these enlightened days
two self respecting nations can not and
will not resort to that last and brutal
eXpedient of war. 1t would be too
wanton, too criminal, TOO offensive to
all the dictates of civilization and
Christianity for such an awful conse-
quence to be brought about.
"There are always two sides to
case, and is it just or fair or chivalrous
for your people, borne on by their
strong patriotism, to say I'VE are right,
Spain is wrong, that ends it. Cuba
has been a colony of Spain from the
time of its discovery by Christopher
Columbus-and as part of Spain there
| is clustered about it reverence almost
| sacred. Cuba is regarded by our people
| just as you regard one of the states of
your Union. What would be said If
some foreign power said to the United
States that Illinois or Texas or Califor-
/ nj 1a iYHapnnlnnf nf tha ITnita1
States? Would not your very honor be
brought in question? Of course can
understand that some one will rise up
and say yes but the states are well
| governed and are at peace, while Cuba
is misgoverned and in state of insur-
rection.'
"Again, Justice demands that there
be something more than abstract as
sertion. To be sure your press tells OF
brutal savagery existing in Cuba. l do
not wish to deal in recrimination, but
l give you my word that this savagery
does not exist at ALL that all reliable
reports, official and unofficial, Spanish
and American, agree that whatever
may have been the condition of affairs
year or two ago, Gen. Blanco has in
| aug uIdJSu IL llullldllC oy yohSll SIldIdSISl-
istic of the man. Naturally with an
insurrection in progress military of
ficers have pursued the usual methods
of military life. And in this they have
been restrained at all times by the de-
termination to have their operations
worthy of an honorable nation and ar
honorable people. That is all Spair
has sought to do in putting down re
bellion.
"There is disposition to find flaw:
in the details of the plans of autonomy
Let any one who is anxious to picl
flaws and who cares for war, take thi:
home rule plan and examine it. He
will find that it gives the Cubans the
most complete control of their OWL
affairs. They have parliament o.
their own and cabinet of their owl
ministers. Is it fair, just as this loca
parliament and local cabinet are abou
to assume complete control of Cuba1
affairs to sweep aside this entire sys
tenn and to declare that it is failure
before it has even been tried?
"As to the reconcentrados, l cal
only say the DEGREES of concentration
have been revoked and steps are being
taken for the relief of these poo
creatures. While there is no doubt o
the misery of their condition, yet tn,
government is making the most heroic
efforts to alleviate this condition. A
to the insurgents, they have born
arms against Spain for three years, en-
failing terrible loss of life and money
And yet believing these men to b.
misguided, the government has sough
to regain their confidence"