Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-25
SPANS MODE OF WAR.

The following decree was gazetted at
Madrid yesterday:
Diplomatic relations are broken of
between Spain and the United States.
A state of war being begun between the
two countries, numerous questions of
international law arise, which must be
precisely defined, chiefly because the
i justice and provocation come from our
auversaries, and it is they who, by
heir detestable conduct, have caused
this grave conflict"
The decree then says Spain maintains
her right to have recourse to privateer-
ing, and announces that for the present
only auxiliary cruisers will be fitted
nut. All treaties with the United
States are annulled and thirty days are
given TO q. S. ships to leave Spanish
ports. The rules which Spain will OBJ.
serve during the war are outlined in
l,uses, covering neutral flags and
goods, contrabsrd of war, what will be
considered blockade, the right of
search, and what constitutes contra
band of war, ending with the state
ment that foreign privateers will be re-
,ardt d as pirates. The decree says:
I'VE have observed with the strict.
est fidelity the principles of interna-
tional law and have shown the most
,crupulous respect for morality and the
right of government. There is an opin-
ion II at the fact that We have not ad-
nered to the declaration Of Paris
does not exempt us from the
y of respecting the principles therein
uuuciated. The principle Spain un-
questionably refused to admit was the
abolition of privateering. This govern
ment considers Indispensable to make
absolute reserve on this point in order
to maintain our liberty of action and
urcontested right to have recourse to
privateering when we consider it expe.
dent, first by organizing Immediately
force of cruisers, auxiliary to the navy,
which will be composed of vessels of
our mercantile marine and with equal
distinction in the work OF our navy.
CLAUSE l. The state of war existing
between Spain and the United States
annuls the treaty of peace and ami
ty of October 27, 1895, and the pro-
oco OF January II, 1877, and all other
agreements, treaties or conventions in
force between the two countries.
"Clause g From the publication of
these presents Thirty days is given to
oil ships of the United States anchored
in our harbors TO take their departure
free from hindrance.
CLAUSE 3. Notwithstanding that
Spain has not adhered to the declara-
ton Of Paris, the government, respect
ing the principles of the law of nations,
proposes to observe and hereby orders
to be observed the following regulations
of maritime law:
Il. Neutral flags cover the enemy's
merchandise, except contraband of war.
-. Neutral merchandise except con-
traband of war is not se;ZAble under
the enemy's flag.
"3 A blockade to be obligatory must
be effective; viz, it must be maintained
with sufficient force to prevent access
to the enemy's littoral.
"4. The Spanish government, up
holding its right to grant letters of
marque, will at present confice itself to
organizing with the vessels of the mer-
camille marine force Of auxiliary
cruisers which will co operate with the
navy according to the needs of the
campaign and will be under naval con-
trol
''5. In order to capture the enemy's
ships and confscate the enemy's mer-
chsndise 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 regulations
which will be published"
Paragraph No. defines what is in.
cluded in contraband of war, naming
weapons, ammunition, equipments, en-
gines and, in general, all the appliances
used in war.
Paragraph No. states that captains,
masters, officers and crews of vessels,
which, not being American, shall COM
nit acts of war against Spain, even if
provided with letters of marque issued
by the United States, are to be consid-
cred as pirates.