The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1898-04-15
THE CUBAN MESSAGE.


Intervention to he Supported by the
Army and Navy on the leland
Washington, April 11.--Presidsnt Nc.
Kinleys message was sent in to congress
shortly afternoon noon today. Its read
ing was concluded in the house at 12:N
,. m. 1t was greeted with scattering
applause from the Republican side ans
some groans from the Democratic SIDE
The galleries made no demonstration.
The message was referred to the COM
nAittee On foreign affairs and without de.
bate and the house proceeded with dis
trict business.
The points in the document comprise
the following: The present revolution
in Cuba 10 but the successor Of half
century of insurrections. causing enor.
nous losses to American trade, ane
shocking American sensibilities. Since
February, 1895, this domain at oui
threshold has been raVaged by fire ans
sword, its people perishing by tens OF
thousands from hunger and restitution
Mr.. Cleveland's efforts for Cuban au'
tonomy rejected by Spain in April, 1895
tonomy rejected by Spain In April
and the policy of concentrating s0O, 0W
agricultural people in garrison towns In
augurated. BY March, 1897, half Of These
Teconcentrados had persisted.
Although the revolution had relapsee
into a struggle confined to the centra
and eastern provinces only, its suppress
zion was as far distant as ever at the
time of Mr.. Clevelands retirement from
the presidency. The change of min.
istry at Madrid gave promise Of home
rule to Cuba. This ministry manifested
its friendly regard for the United States
by releasing all American citizens from
Cuban jails. Meanwhile $4,000 In
money and supplies has gone to the suf-
ferers from this country. Within few
days the Weyler order concerning the
reconcentrados has been revoked and
5000 900 appropriated from the Spanish
treasury for their relief but except by
subjugation or determination the wal
cannot be ended by either of the con-
testants, a situation which the United
States cannot view with equanimity.
On March 81 the administration at
Washington proposed an armistice until
Oct. for the negotiation of peace, with
the good offices of the president" Spain
on March 81, replied that the negotia-
lions for peace would have to be re
ferred to the autonomist government ir
Cuba, the parliament of which will not
meet until May 4. With this disap-
pointing reply the diplomatic effort OF
the president came to an end.
Recognition of Cubans as belligerents
would accomplish nothing toward the
pacification of the island. To recognize
their independence would be contrary to
the presidents of century and 10 not
necessary in order to enable the United
States to intervene for the pacification
Of the island. As to intervention, the
United States government has been in
tervening for many months in an earnest
desire for peace, unstained by blood.
"Forcible neutral intervention" enforc-
ing a truce upon both parties to the con-
fiict, would be justified in the cause Of
humanity, in protection of our citizens
in Cuba and In behalf Of our trade.
The perils to which the war exposes US
are illustrated by the destruction OF the
Maine, which has filled the national
heart with inexpressible horror" The
fate of the Maine, by wh9tevsr cause. is
an impressive proof of a state of things
that is intolerable, and shows that the
Spanish government cannot assure
SdIety ana security 10 our NeSbelS. 1 lie
Spanish minister of foreign affairs, on
March 26, assured our minister at
Madrid that Spain will do all that the
highest honor and Justice required in
the matter of the Maine. Spain has pro-
posed to arbitrate the questions relating
to the Maine, but this government has
made no reply.
The only hope of relief now is from the
enforced pacification of Cuba. The ~ Or
must stop. Il ask congress to authorize
the president to take measures to secure
a full and final termination of HOSTILE
ties, and to use the military and naval
forces as may be necessary for these pur-
poses" The distribution of food and
supplies should be continued.
Onicial Statements.