The silver lance., 1898-04-15


relations, are constant menace to
our peace and compels us to keep on
a seIni-war with the nation with which
we are at peace.
Those elements of danger and disor-
der already pointed out have been
strikingly illustrated by tragic event
which has deeply and justly moved
the American people-the destruction
of the battleship Maine.
I have already transmitted to Con-
gress the report of the naval court of
inquiry. This board. which had the
unqualified confidence of the govern
ment, was unanimous in its verdict
that the Maine was blown up by an
exterior cause-that of a submarine
mine. 1t 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 impressive proof of a
state of things in Cuba that is intol-
cradle.
That condition is thus shown to be
such that the Spanish government can
not assure safety to vessel in the Ra-
vana harbor on mission of peace and
rightfully there
Realizing this, it appeared to be my
duty, in spirit of true friendliness to
Spain and to the Cubans to bring
about an immediate termination of the
war.
To this end | submitted on the 9th
ultimO, as n result of much representa-
ton and correspondence through the
United States minister at Madrid.
propositions to the Spanish govern
ment, looking to an armistice until Oc-
tober 1st, for the negotiation of peace
of Of bo
In addition, | asked the immediate re-
vocation of the order of recommendation
so far as to permit the people to re-
turn to their farms and the needy to
be relieved with provisions and sup
plies from the United States, co-operat-
ing with the Spanish authorities so as
to afford full relief
The reply of Spain offering to leave
peaceful settlement to the Cuban Par
Lament was received March 31st. This
parliament meets May 4th, and in the
meantime the Spanish government of
fered a temporary armistice provided
1t were asked for by the insurgents.
The proposition submitted by General
Woodford and the reply to the Spanish
government were both in the form of
brief memoranda. The function of the
Cuban Parliament in the matter of
its doing so are not expressed in the
Spanish memorandum.
1t is understood that the Spanish
government stands ready to give the
insular Congress full power to settle
the terms of peace with the insurgents
either by direct negotiation or indi-
rectly by means of legislation does not
appear.
No reply was sent to the Spanish
note. With this last overture for i'm
mediate peace and its disappointing
reception by Spain, the executive was
brought to the end of its efforts.
Further referring in this connection
to recent diplomatic correspondence,
dispatch from our minister to Spain
of the 26th ultimo, contained the state
ment that the Spanish minister for for
eign affairs assured him positively that
Spain will do all that the highest hon
or and justice require in the matter of
the Maine.
The reply above referred to on the
31st ultimo also contained an EXPIRES
sion of the readiness of Spain to submit
TO an arbitration all the differences
which can arise in this matter.
President Grants Cuban message in
1873: President Cleveland's last annual
and President McKinley's own
message of last year are quot
ed. In this message he said that
efforts failing, Intervention
would be the right and duty of this
The message then continues:
The only hope of relief and repose
from condition which can no longer
be endured is the enforced pacification
of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in
Z ln Nf .;,r
endangered American interests which
give us the right and the duty to speak
and TO act, the war in Cuba must stop.
In view of these facts and these con
siderations. l ask the Congress to au-
thoriZe and empower the President to
take measures to secure a full and
final termination of hostilities between
the government of Spain and the peo-
pie of Cuba, and to secure in the island
the establishment of stable govern
ment, and recognizing its international
character and tranquility and the se-
curity of its citizens, as well as our
own, and to use the military and naval
forces Of the United States as may be
necessary for these purposes.
And in the interest of humanity and
to aid in preserving the lives of the
starving people of the island, L recon-
mend that the distribution of food and
be continued until peace be
secured, and that an appropriation be
made out of the public treasury to sup
plement the charity of our citizens.
The issue is now with the Congress. |
1t is solemn responsibility. 1 have
exhausted every effort to relieve the
intolerable condition of affairs which is
at our doors.
Prepared to execute every obligation
imposed upon me by the constitution |
and the law, await your action.
Yesterday and since the preparation |
or the foregoing message official in
formation was received by me that the
latest decree of the queen regent of |
Spain directs General Blanco, in order
to prepare and facilitate peace, to pro-