The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1898-04-16

Nor from the standpoint of cXpcuicnce do |
think it would be wise prudent for this gov
ernIncnt 10 recognize at the present time the
independence Of the sO-called Cuban republic.
Such recognition l. not necessary in order 10
enable the United States TO intervene and
pacify the island To commit this country now
10 the recognition of any particular govern
ment in Cuba. might subject as to eInDarrasSin'.
conditions of international obligation toward
the organization 50 recogniZtd In case or
intervention. our conduct NOuld be subject TO
the approval or disappr0y~l Of Such govern
menL: we would he required to submit to its
direction and To assume to IL the mere relation
or friendly ally. When it shall appear
hereafter that there IS within the island q gOV-
ment capable OF performing the duties ana dis
charging the functions of a nation and having.
a matter OF fact. the proper forms and at
tributes OF nationality. such government can lie
promptly and readily recognized and the rela-
tiOns and interests OF the United States with
such nation adjusted.
Grounds for Intervention.
The grounds for such Intervention may be
briefly summarized as follows
Firat-In the cause of humanity and to put
an end u the harbariteS, bloOdshed starva-
tion ana horrible miSeTies now existing there
nud which the parties 10 the conflict are either
unable or unwilling to stop or mitigate. II is
no answer to say this IS all in another country.
belonging to another nation, ana Is therefore
none OF our business 1t is specially our duty
for il Is right at our door
Second-We owe it to our citizens in Cuba
to afford them that protection and indemnify
for life and property which no government
there can will afford and to that end to ter
inmate the conditions that deprive them OF le-
gal protection.
Third-The right TO intervene may be 1uSti-
fled by the very serious injury to the commerce.
trade and business of our people and by the
wanton destruction Of property and devastation
OF the island.
FOurth-And which is of the utmost impor-
tance. The present condition of affairs in Cuba
il fpnr mo f1p our md ant a lis
upon this government an enormous expense.
with such u conflict waged for years in an is
land so near and with which our people have
such trade and business relationS-when the
lives and liberty OF our citizens are in constant
danger and their property destroyed and them
selves ruined-whcre our trading vessels are
liable to seizure and are seized at our very
door, by warshipS OF a foreign nation. the expe-
ditionS Of iilibustering that we are powerless
to prevent altogether. ana the irritating queS-
tionS and entanGements thus ariSing-a these
and others that need not mention with the
resulting strained relations. are Il constant
menace to our peace and compel US 10 keep on
semi-war footing with nation with which
AT peace.
The Wreck of the BattIeship Maine.
These elements OF danger and disorder al
ready pointed out have been strilSingly illus
trated by a tragic event which has deeply and
Justly moved the American people. | have al
ready transmitted to congress the report OF the
naval court of inquiry on the destruction OF the
battleshp Maine In the harhor OF Havana dur
ing the night of February 15. The destruction
of that noble vessel has filed the national
heart with inexpressible horror. Two hun
dred and fifty-eight brave sailors and marines
and two officers of our navy reposing in the
fancied security OF friendly harbor, have
been hurled to death grief and want brought
to their homes and sorrow to the nation.
The naval court OF inquiry which, it is need
less to say. commands the unqualified conf
dcnce of the government, was unanimous in its
conclusion that the destruction OF the Maine
was caused by an exterior explosion, that OF a
submarine mine. II did not assume to place
the responsibility That remains to be fixed.
In any event the destruction OF the Maine, by
whatever exterior cause, is a patent and i'm
preSSive proof of 4 state of things in Cuba that
is intolerable. The condition is thus shown TO
be such that the Spanish government cannot
assure safety and security to q vessel OF the
American navy in the harbor OF Havana on a
mission of peace and rightfully there.
The long trial has proved that the object for
which Spain has waged the war cannot be at
tanned. The fire OF inSurrection may flame or
may shoulder with varying seasons but 1t has
not been and II is plain that 1t cannot be eX-
tinguished by present methods The only
hope OF relief and repoSe from condition
which cannot longer be endured Is the enforced
pacthcation OF Cuba. In the name OF humanity,
in the name of civilization, in behalf OF endan-
gered American interests which gives US the
right and the duty to speak and TO act, the war
in Cuba must stop.
Power Asked Terminate HostiIItiss.
In view OF these acts and these considera-
tionS ask the 'resS to authorize and en-
power the preSldeT to take measures to secure
a full terminate OF hostiiiIities between
the government Spain and the people OF
Cuba, and to sec e in the island the establish
ment OF 4 stabl government capable OF main
tanning ordet ana observing its in
ternational obligations insuring peace
and tranquility and the security OF its citizens
well as our own, and To use the military and
naval forces OF the United States may he
necessary for these purposes, and in the inter-
est OF humanity and to aid in preserving
the lives OF the starving people OF the
island. recommend that the distribu-
tion of food Gnd supplies be continued
and that an appropriation be made out OF the
public treasury TO supplement the charity OF
our citizens. The issue is now with congress
1t IS 4 solemn responsibility l have exhaust
ed every effort to relieve the iutolerabe condi-
tiOn of affairs which is at our doors Prepared
to execute every obligation imposed upon Inc
by the constitution and the law, await your
action.
Yesterday and since the preparation of the
foregoing message or1lcal information was re-
ceived by me that the latest decree Of the queen
regent of Spain directs Gen. Blanco. in order
prepare and facilitate peace to pro-
claim suspension of hostilities, the
duration and details of which have
not yet been communicated to me.
This fact. with every other pertinent consider
alton. will, 1 am sure have your just and care
ful attention In the solemn deliberations upon
which you are about to enter. II this measure
attains u successful result then our aspirations
as Christian. peace-loving people will be
realized II it fails it will be only another
Justification for our contemplated action.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, April Ii