Daily capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1896-1899, 1898-04-12


superseded by high OBLIGATIONS which
we can hardly hesitate to recognize
and discharge"
In my annual message to congress
December last, speaking to this ques-
tiou, said:
"The near future will demonstrate e
whether the indispensable condition
of righteous peace, just alike to the
Cubans and Spain, as well as equit-
able to all our interests, so intimately
involved in the welfare of Cuba, is
likely to be attained. III not, other
action by the United States will re
main to be taken; when that time
comes the action will be determined
Ia the llne Of indisputable right or
1uty, 1t will be faced without mlsgiv-
ing or hesitancy In the light of the
obligation this government owes it
self, to the people confided the pro.
lection of their interests and honor
aud to humanity.
"Sure of the right, keeping free
from all offense ourselves, actuated by
upright and patriotic considerations,
moved neither by passions nor self
! ishness, the government will continue
its watchful care over the rights and
property of American citizens, and
Will abate none of its efforts to bring
about by peaceful agencies peace
which shall be honorable and eudur
ing. If it shall, hereafter appear to
be duty imposed by orr obligations
to ourselves, to civilization and to
humanity to intervene with force, It
shall without fault on our part and
only because the necessity for such
action will be so clear as to command
the support and approval of the CIV
ilized world"
The long trial has p roved that the
object for which Spain has wdged war
cannot be attained. The fire of in
surrection may flame or may smolder
with varying seasons, but it has not
been and it is plain that it cannot be
extinguished by present methods
The only hope of relief and repose
from a condition which cannot longer
be endured is the enforced pacfica-
tion of Cuba.
In the name Of humanity, in the
name Of civilization, in behalf Of en-
| dangered American interests, which
give us the right and the duty to
speak and to act, the war in Cuba
must stop; in view Of these facts, and
these considerations, ask congress to
authorize and empower the president
to take measures to secure full ter
mination of hostilities between the
government of Spain and the people
of Cuba, and to secure in
the island the establishment
of stable government ca
pable of maintaining order and obser-
wing it's international obligations, in
surfing peace and tranquility and the
security of its citizens as we'll as our
own, and to use the military aud naval
force of the United States as .may be
necessary for these purposes and in the
interest of humanity, and to aid In
preserving the lives of the starving
people of the island recommend that
the distribution of food and supplies
be continued and that an appropria
tion be made out of the public treas
ury to supplement the charity of our
citizens.
The issue is now with congress: II
Is solemn responsibility; 1 have
exhausted every effort TO relieve the
intolerable condition of affairs which
is at our doors. Prepared to execute
every obligation imposed upon me by
the constitution and law, l await
your action.
Yesterday and since the prepara-
tion of the foregoing message, off1cia
information was received by me thai
the latest decree of the queen regent
OF Spain directs General Blanco, II
order to prepare and facilitate peace
to proclaim suspention OF hostili
ties. the duration and details o.
which have not yet been communi
Gated to me. This fact with every
other point in consideration will,
am sure, have your careful and jus
: attention in the solemn deliberatior
upon which you are 'about to enter
If this measure attains successful
result, then our aspirations as I
Christian; peace-loylng people will b.
realized; If it fails, it will be only an
other justification for our contem
plated action.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, Washington
April IL, 1898.