The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1898-04-25
SPAIN |sSUESA DECREE
Maintains Right to Have Re-
course to Privateering
and Will Use 1t.
RULES FOR WAR OUTLINED
FOREIGN PRIVATEERS WILL BE
REGARDED rs PIRATES.
1t is Pointed Out That the Principle Spain
Unquestionably Refused to Admit at tho
Time of the Declaration of Paris was
the Abolition of ofPrivateering-AllA Agree
ments, Treaties or Conventions in Force
Between the Two Countries Are Annulled
Letters of Marque.

Letters of Marque.
Madrid, April PA o. m.-The foI4
lowing royal decree was gazetted to-
day: Diplomatic relations are broken
off between Spain and the United States.
and, the state of war being begun be-
tween the two countries, numerous
questions Of International law arise,
which must be precisely defined, chief
ly because the injustice and provoca-
tion come from our adversaries, and
it is they who, by their detestable con-
duct, have caused this grave conflict"
The royal decree then says Spain
maintains her right to have recourse
to privateering and announces that for
the present only cruisers will be fitted
out; all treaties with the United States
are annulled thirty days are given
to United States ships to leave Spanish
ports and the rules Spain will observe
during the war are outlined in i've
clauses, covering neutral flags and
goods, contraband of war, what will bc
considered a blockade. the right Of
search and what constitutes contra
band of war, ending with saying for-
eign privateers will be regarded as pir-
ates.
Continuing, the decree reads: 1--WE
In 49, q.
ity the principles Of international law
and have shown the most scrupulou8i
respect for morality and the right 81
government. There is an opinion that
the fact that we have not adhered to-
the declaration Of Paris does not ex-
empt us from the duty Of respecting
the principles therein enunciated. The
principle Spain unquestionably refused
to admit then was the abolition Of pri-
watering. The government now con-
slders it most Indispensable to make
absolute reserve on this point, in order
to maintain our liberty of action and
uncontested right to have recourse to.
privateering when we consider it ex-
pedient, first, by organizing imnedi-s
ately force of cruisers, auxiliary to-
the navy, which will be composed OF
vessels Of our merchantile marine and
with equal distinction in the work Of
our navy.
"Clause i. The state of war existing
between Spain and the United States
annuls the treaty of peace and anaityH
Of October II, 1895, and the protocol
Of January IL, 1877, and all other agree
ments, treaties or conventions In force
between the two countries.
"Clause 2. From the publication Of
these presents thirty days are granted
to all ships of the United States anchor
ed in our harbors to take their depart
ure free of hindrance.
.Clause 3. Notwithstanding that
Spain has not adhered to the declara-
tion of Paris, the government, respect
ing the principles Of the law OF nations,
proposes to observe, and hereby orders
to be observed the following regula-
tions Of maritime law:
"One-Neutral flags cover the ene-
my's merchandise, except contraband
of war.
'Two-Neutral merchandise, except
contraband of war, is not seizable un-
der the enemy's flag.
'Three-A blockade to be obligatory
must be effective, viz, it must be main
tanned with sufficient force to prevent
access to the enemys littoral.
"Four-The Spanish government up
holding it's right to grant letters of
marque, will at present confine itself to
organizing, with the vessels of the
mercantile marine, a force of auxiliary
cruisers, which will cooperate with the
navy, according to the needs Of the
campaign, and will be under naval COM
troll.
"Five-In order to capture the enc.
my's ships and confiscate the enerny'a
| merchandise and contraband OF war
| under whatever form, the auxiliary
| cruisers will exercise the right Of
search on the high seas and in the wa
| ters under the enemy's jurisdiction, In
accordance with International law and
the regulations which will be published.
"Six-Defines what Is included in con-
| traband of war, naming weapons, ann
munition, equipments, engines and in
general all the appliances used in war
"Seven-To be regarded and judged
as pirates, with all the rigor Of the law,
are captains, masters, officers and twc-
| thirds of the crew of vessels which,
not being American, shall commit acts
of war against Spain, even if provided
with letters of marque issued by the
! United States"