The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-25
SPAIN DECLARES WAR.
Says the United States Began It.

Madrid, April Z5.-1n6 following de-
cree was gazetted today:
Diplomatic relations are broken off
between Spain and the United States,
and the state of war being begun be-
tween the two countries, numerous
questions of international law arises,
which must be precisely defined, chiefly
because the injustice and provocation
come from our adversaries, and it is
they who, by their detestable conduct,
have caused this grave conflict"
The royal decree then says Spain
maintains her right to have recourse
to privateering and announces that for
the present only auxiliary cruisers will
be fitted out.
All treaties with the United States
are annulled; thirty days are given to
the United States ships to leave Span
ish ports, and the rules Spain will OBJ
serve during the war are outlined in
five clauses covering neutral flags and
goods, contraband of war, what will be
considered a blockade, the right of
search and what constitutes contra
band of war, ending with saying for
eign privateers will be regarded pi
rates. Continuing, the decree reads:
I'VE have observed with strictest
fidelity the principles of international
law and have shown the most scrupu-
lous respect for morality and the right
of government.
There is an opinion that the fact
that we have not adhered to the de-
claration of Paris, does not exempt US
from the duty of respecting the princi-
1.-THE principle Spain unquestionably
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 features of the five clauses
outlining rules Spain will observe dur
ing the war:
"Clause 1.-The state of war existing
between Spain and the United States
annuls the treaty of peace and amity
of October q, 1876, and the protocol of
January II, 1877, and all other agree
ments, treaties or conventions in force
between the countries.
CLAUSE 2-From the publication of
these presents, thirty days are granted
to all ships of the United States an
chored in our harbors to take their de-
parture free of hindrance.
CLAUSE 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 regula-
lions of maritime law:
Neutral flags cover the enemy's
merchandise, except contraband of
war.
''2ANeutra1 merchandise, except con-
traband of war, is not SeizabIe under
the enemy's flag.
"a blockade to be obligatory, must
be effective, viz: it must be maintained
with sufficient force to prevent access
to the enemy's 1ittoral
"4-The Spanish government uphold
ing its right to grant letters of marque,
will at present confine itself to organ
izing with the vessels of the mercantile
marine, a force of auxiliary cruisers
which will cooperate with the navy
according to the needs of the campaign
and will be under naval control.
"5-In order to capture the enemys
ships and confiscate the enemy's mer-
chandise 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
anemy's jurisdiction in accordance with
law, and the regulations
will be published.
'6-DefineS what is included in con-
traband of war, naming weapons, am
equipments, engines and in
general, all the appliances used in
war.
ITO be applied and judged as ii
rates with all the rigor of law, are /
captains, masters, officers 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'