Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-13

auired to wait only a reasonable time for
the mother country to establish It's au-
thority and restore peace and order within
the borders of the island; that we could
not contemplate an indefinite period for the
accomplishment of this result
mo solution was proposed to which the
slightest idea of humiliation to Spain could
attach, and, indeed. precise proposals were
withheld to avoid entba rrassment to that
government. All that was asked or ex-
pected was that some safe way might be
speedily provided and permanent peace re-
stored.
Sure of the right keeping free from all
offense ourselves, actuated only by uprtght
and patriotic considerations, moved neither
by passion nor Self1ShnesS, the government
will continue it's watchful care over the
rights and property OF American citizens,
and will abate none OF Its EFFORTS to or1ng
about by peaceful agencies peace which
shall be honorable and enduring. If 1t
shall hereafter appear to be duty I'M
posed by our obligations to ourselves. to
civilization and humanity to Intervene with
force it shall be without fault on our part,
and only because the necessity for such
action will be so clear as to command the
support and approval of the civilized
world
Autonomy Spacious and IllusOry.
These declarations more than implied
that this government would interpose IN
the event of failure within reasonable
time to conquer the insurgents or to induce
them by concessionsGof home rule to lay
down their arms. They have not been sub
dued The autonomy proffered was spe-
c.ous and illusory. It has been rejected by
the insurgents not because it was specious
and illusory. but betause they VIII accept s
nothing short of complete national inde-
pendence. The suggestion of more com
plete autonomy has also been rejected by
them They declare, to- the United states
and Spain alike thar no Herms snort oi III
dependence, which those powers may at
tempt to prescribe to them, will be ac-
cepted. Spain refuses to grant indepen-
deDce i35f
cry which has shocked the civilized worli
must continue and increase unless 1t Is
terminated by the triumph of Cuba or
Spain. or by the interpretation of the United
States. % ss r
:, Time to In terferel Has Arrived.
II is the opinion OF this committee that
the time to interpose has arrived; that in
PREVENTION which will stop the war and Sc
cure the, national independence OF Cuba
should at once take place. If, under all the
circumstances, Spain shall choose to regard
such action by this government as cause
of war, that consequence, however deplor-
able, will be accepted by the American peo-
pie with all the fortitude that confidence
in the Justice of their action can inspire.
Such Intervention is justirable and neces-
sary for the following reasons: Ine pres
ent situation in Cuba has become menace
to the peace of the world, and especially 10
the peace and safety of the United states.
Spain has bid for European Intervention,
thus far apparently without success, but
the conditions which make such 1nterVen-
ton possible should be removed at once. +,
For nearly three years the nostlntleS III
Cuba and the Spanish administration OF
that island have involved this government
in perilous relations with Spain and raised
questions of right and responsibility OF
which no prospect of settlement is appar-
ent. So long as these conditions are al
lowed to remain unsettled they Will IN
crease an irritation which has already pc
come intolerable, and which Will ineVltaply
ultimately require adjustment by measures
much more vigorous than now seem aoe-
quate to compose existing difficulties:
Spain has failed to perform her treaty
obligations and other international duties
toward the United States. To give mi
mute specification of these derelictions would
unnecessarily extend this paper. They are
the familiar matters OF current history.
American citizens have been seized and I'M
prisoned without shadow of right and nave
been proceeded against by violent ana IT
regular forms in violation OF treaty opn-
cations.
The assassination Of Ruiz. an American
citizen, was the act of the Spanish officials
who held him in a custody unWarranted
by his treaty rights. No PREPARATION has
been made for this act. although II mas
been demanded by this government.
A justifiable cause for Intervention mas
been afforded by the barbarity with winch
Spain has conducted her military opera
tions; by her slaughter Of captured insur-
gent soldiers, and by her determination OF
not less than 10000 Of her own non-com-
Blatant subjects-men, women and children
by driving them from their MONIES INTO
places Of concentration and there suneflns
them to die of starvation and disease
In 1893 there were $50,0OO.OO0 OF property
in the Island of Cuba belonging 10 the
citizens of the United States. Much Oh this
has been destroyed, and much or that oe-
struction has been by the acts OF Spain.
The destruction of the remainder sne mss
been unable or unwilling to prevent
The claims on file in the department OF
State against Spain for indemnity Tor TINS
destroyed property are about $lo,ooO,uoo IN
amount. ens
Her military officers have levied contri-
buttons upon American planters as the
price for the preservation of their estates
and the continuance OF their agricui-urai
operations. D
In 1893 the commerceiof the United States
with Cuba had reache&othe annual sum OF
nearly MOO, 600 600. ISince that time II mas
been substantially annihlated by the metn-
DDS of Spanish military ana civh maiao-
ministration. Certain1 sworn statements
made before the committee and other zoe.
uments are herewith submitted as part u
this report. sTjrrs
The committee reeommend the adoption
Of the accompanying resolution.
O