Hutchinson gazette., 1898-04-28
SPAIES WAR DEGREE.
OFFICIALLYOUTLINES HER
POLICY,
NO PRIvATEERINo NOW.
RIRht to Engage In IL Later Is Reserved,
HOweVer-As to the Right of Search
Formal Notice Given That It
VIII BE Exercised - Amer
lean PrIVatOerS to he
Regarded as Pirates.

MADRID, April 25, The following
decree was gazetted yesterday:
Diplomatic relations are broken
off between Spain and the United
States, and the state of war being
begun between the two countries
numerous questions of international
law arise, which must be precisely de-
fined, chiefly because the injustice
and provocation come from our adver-
saries, and it is they who, by their de.
testable conduct, have caused this
grave conflict
Continuing, the decree reads:
1--WE have observed with strictest
fidelity the principles Of international
law, and have shown the most
scrupulous respect for morality aud
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-
questionably refused to admit then
was the abolition of privateering.
The government now considers it
most indispensable to make absolute
reserve on this point, in order to
maintain our liberty of action and
uncontested right to have recourse to
privateering when we consider it ex-
pedient'
Following is a summary of the more
important of the five clauses outlining
the rules Spain will observe during
the war:
'First, by organizing Immediately a
force of cruisers, auxiliary to the
navy, which will be composed of yes
sells of our mercantile marine and will
share with equal distinction in the
work of our navy.
'Clause /, 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 19, 1877, and all other
agreements, treaties or conventions in
force between the two countries.
"Clause 2. From the publication of
these presents, thirty days are
granted to all ships of the United
States anchored in our harbors to
take their departure free of hind
rance.
"Clause 3. Notwithstanding that
Spain has not adhered to the declara-
tion 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:
HFirst-Neutral flags cover the en-.
emys merchandise, except contrabsnd
of war.
"Second-Neutral merchandise, ex-
cept contraband of war, is not seiz.
able under the enemy's flag.
"Third-A blockade, to be obliga.
tory, must be effective, viz, it must
be maintained with sufficient force to
prevent access to the enemy's littor-
ral
'Fourth-The Spanish government
upholding its light to grant letters of
marque, will at present conhne itself
to organizing, with the vessels of the
merchant marine, force of auxiliary
cruisers which will cooperate wi tn
the navy according to the needs of
the campaign and will be under naval
control
"Fifth-In order to capture the en-
emy's ships and condscate the enemy's
merchandise 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 regulations which will be
published.
"Sixth-Dchnes what is included In
contraband of war, naming weapons
ammunition, equipments, engines
and, in general, all the appliances
used in war.
"Seventh-To be regarded and
judged as pirates, with all the rigor
of the law, are captains, masters, of.
acers 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 :"