Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-04-25
A ROYAL DECREE
Promulgated By the Spanish Govern
ment, Yesterday.
ne Point of Privateering Absolute
~ Reserved--A Force Of Auxili-
airy Cruisers to Be Organized.
Thirty Days Given America to
Withdraw Her Ships from Span
lsh Waters-Regula Of Mari
time Law to Be Enforced.

Madrid, April 24.-The government
promulgated royal decree to-day.
After reciting that state Of war eX-
lists, and referring 10 the Importance
CT observing the general requirements
of the laws of nations in such cases.
the decree continues
W. have observed with the strict
est fidelity the principles of interna-
tional law and have shown the most
scrupulous respect for morality and
the right of government There is an
opinion that the fact that we have not
adhered to the declaration Of Paris
does not exempt us from the duty of
respecting the principles therein
enunciated. The principle Spain un-
uuestionably refused to admit then
was the abolition Of privateering. The
government now considers it most in
dispensable to make
ABSOLUTE RESERVE
on this point, in order to maintain cur
liberty of action and uncontested right
to have recourse to privateering when
we consider it expedient
First, by organizing Immediately
force of cruisers, auxiliary to the navy,
which will be composed of vessels of
cur mercantile marine and with equal
distinction in the work Of our navy
CLAUSE 1.-The State of war exist
ing between Spain and the United
States annuls the treaty of peace and
amity of October 27, 1895, and the pro
tocol of January Is, 1877, and all other
agreements, treaties or conventions IL
force between the two countries.
Clause From the publication OF
these presents, thirty days are granted
to all ships of the United States an
chored in our harbors, to take their
departure free Of hindrance.
CLAUSE notwithstanding that
Spain has not adhered to the declara '
tion of Paris. the government respect
ing the principles Of the law OF ma
tons. proposes to observe and hereby
orders to be observed, the following
REGULATIONS OF MARITIME LAW
s1-Neutral flags cover the enemy S
merchandise, except contraDand Oh war.
"2-Neutral merchandise, except con-
traband Of war, is not seizable under
the enemy's flag.
ga blockade to be obligatory
must be effective, viz: 1t must be main
tanned with sufficient force to prevent
access to the enemys literal.
"4-The Spanish government UNFOLD
ing its right to grant letters OF marque
will at present confne itself to organ
izing, with the vessels Of the mercan-
tile marine, a force of auxiliary cruis-
/ ers which will cooperate with the navy
according to the needs of the campaign
and will be under naval control.
| "5-In order to capture the enemy S
ships and confiscate the enemy's mer-
chandise and contraband Of war under
whatever form, the auxiliary cruisers
will exercise the right Of search on the
| high seas and in the waters under the
enemy's jurisdiction, in accordance
with international law and the regula-
| tions which will be published.
"6-Defines what is included in
CONTRABAND OF WAR,
naming weapons ammunition, equip
ments. engines and in general, all the
appliances used in war.
ITO be regarded and judged as
| pirates, with all the vigor of the law
are captains, masters, officers and two
| 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