The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-06

almost unique, spectacle was
presented of a unanimous vote Of both
houses on the 9Th Of March approprating
sJOOtO,oo0 for the national defense and for
each and every purpose connected thereA
| win, and to expend at the discretion of
the PRESIDENT" That this act of provision
came none too soon was disclosed when
/ tne application of the fund was under
taken. Our coasts were practically unde-
Iehoed. Our navy needed large provisions
LOT increased ammunition and supplies.
ana 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
/ ammunition. The details OF the hurried
preparation fer the dreaded contingency
are told in the reports of the Secretaries
of War and Navy, and need not be re-
peated here. 1t IS sufficient to say that the
outbreak of war. when it did come, found
our nation not unprepared to meet The
conflict.
The Crisis Inevitable.
Nor was the apprehension of coming
strife confined to our own country. Ii was
| felt by the continental powers, which, on
April 6, through their ambassadors and en-
vOys, addressed to the executive an express
sion of hope that humanity and modera-
llOu might marx lle course OF TINS gov
eminent and people, and that further ne
gotiat!ons would lead to an agreement,
which, while securing the maintenance OF
peace. would afford all necessary guaran-
tees for the establishment of or
der in Cuba. In responding TO
that representation, / said l shared
the hope and ENJOYS had expressed that
peace might be preserved in a manner to
terminate the chronic condition of disturb
Gnce in Cuba so injurious and menaciug
to our interests and tranquility. as wen
as shocking to cur sentiments of humanity;
and. while approaching the humanitarian
and disnterested character of the COM
muncation they had made on behalf of
the Powers, l stated the confidence of this
government, for its part that equal APP
probation would be shown for earnest and
unselfish endeavors to fulfill a duty TO
humanity by ending a situation the in
definite prolongation of which had becoms
insufferable.
Stin animated by the hope of a peace
full solution and obeying the dictates of
duty, no effort was relaxed 10 bring about
a speedy ending of the Cuban struggle.
Negotiations to this object continued ac-
lively with the government of Spain, look
ing 70 the immediate conclusion of six
months armistice in Cuba, with view
10 effect the recognition of her peop.e's
right to Independence. Besides this, the
instant revccat ton of the order of recon-
eentration was asked. so that the sufferers.
returning 60 their homes and aided by
united American and Spanish effort, might
be put in a way to support themselves,
and. by orderly resumption of the we'll
nigh destroyed productive energies of the
island, contribute to the restoration of its
tranquility and well-being. Negotiations
continued for some little time at Madrid
resulting in offers by the Spanish govern
ment which could not but be regarded as
inadequate. 1t was proposed to confide
the preparation Of peace to the insular
government, yet 10 be convened under the
autonomous DEGREES of November, 1897.
but without impairment in any
wise of the constitutional powers
of the Madrid government which
TO that end would grant an armistice if
solicited by the insurgents, for such time
as the general-in-chief might see fit to
fix. How and with what scope of discre-
tionary powers the insular parliament was
expected to set about the preparation"
of peace did not appear. If 1t were to be
by negotiation with the insurgents the
issue seemed to rest on the one side with
a body chosen by fraction of the elect
ors in the districts under Spanish control
and on the other with the insurgent pop
ulation holding the interior country, UNI
represented in the so-called parliament,
and defiant at the suggestion of suing for
peace.
Placed Before Congress-
Grieved and disappointed at this barren
outcome of my sincere endeavors TO reach
a practicable solution, l felt 1t my duty
to remit the whole question to the Con-
gress. In the message of April II, 1898, I
announced that with this last overture
in ba direction Of ipnp1nliafa IN
Cuba. and its disappointing reception by
Spain, the effort of the executive was
brought to an end. / again reviewed the
alternative courses of action which had
been proposed, concluding that the only
one consonant with International policy
and compa lible with our firm set histor-
cal traditions. was intervention as a neu-
trail to stop the war and check the hope
less sacrifice of life, even though that
resort involved "hostile constraint upon
both the parties to the contest, as well
to enforce truce as to guide the event
ua settlement" The grounds justifying
that step were the interests of humanity;
the duty 10 protect the life and property
of our citizens iii Cuba; the right TO check
injury to our commerce ard people through
the devastation of the island and. most
important the need of removing
at once and forever the constant
menace and the burdens entailed upon our
government by the uncertainties and perils
of the situation caused by the unendura-
BILE disturbance in Cuba. / said: THE
long trial has proved that the object for
which Spain has waged the war cannot be
attained The fire of instruction may
fame or may smolder with varying sea-
sons. but it has not been and it IS plain
that II cannot be extinguished by present
methods The only hope of relief and re-
pose from a condition which can no longer
be endured IS the enforced pacification of
Cuba. In the name Of humanity, in the
name of civilization. in behalf of endan-
gered 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 use and empower the President
to take measures TO secure full and final
Termination of hostilities between Spain
and the people Of Cuba and 20 secure in
the island the establishment Of a stable
government. capable of maintaining order
ana observing lts international obligations,
insurlng peace and tranquility and the Sc