Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-06

though eager to be ordered to the post of
greatest exposure, fortunately was not
rev sgred d their w5 Of the Tinted States
comrades at the front have earned the
gratitude or the nation. In like manner
The officers and men Of the army and OF
the navy, who remained in their Depart
ments and stations faithfully performing
most important duties connected with the
War. ana whose requests for assignment
N tne ileiu anu at sea was compelled TO
refuse because their service was indis-
pensable here. II is my regret that there
seems to be no provision for their, slIlt-
lbe recognition.
I'm this connection it is a pleasure for
re to mention in terms OF cordial appre-
cation the timely and useful work Of the
American National Red Cross, both IN
relief measures preparatory to the cam
,aiGns, in sanitary assistance at several
II the camps and later, under the able
and experienced lea 1ership of the Presi-
lent of the United States Society Mss
Clara Barton On the fields of battle and
N the hospitals at the front in Cuba
Working in conjunction with the govern
fnent authorities and under their sanction
md approval and with the enthusiastic
cooperation Of many patriotic women
md societies in the various states, the
Red Cross has fully maintained its al
'eady high reputation for intense earn
,stEess and ability to exercise the noble
purposes Of it's international organization
hus Justify the confidence and supper,
Which it has received at the hands OF
Ulcers of This society and all who aided
them in phlanthropic work, the sincere
md lasting gratitude of the soldiers and
he public Is due and is freely accorded
I'm tracing these events we are con-
SANITY reminded of our obligations TO
he divine Master for his watcbful care
over us and his safe guidance for which
he nation makes reVerent acknowledge
,nent and offers humble prayer for the
continuance of his favor"
The annihilation of Admiral Cervera' S
fleet. followed by the capitulation of San
iago. having brought to the Spanish gov
@rnment realizing sense of the hopeless
ness of continuing struggle now be-
come wholly unequal, it made overtures
of peace through the French ambassador
who, with the assent of his government
had acted as the friendly representative
Of Spanish interests during the war
on July rs Al. Cambon presented a com
er of state, inviting the United States TO
state the terms upon which it would be
willing to make peace. On July 30, by a
communication addressed to the Duke OF
Almodovar and handed to M. Cambon,
the terms of this government We're an
nounced, substantially as in the protocol
II; afterwards signed. On Aug, 10 the Span
'sh reply, dated Aug. 7, was handed by M.
Eambon to the secretary of state.
1t accepted Internationally the terms
imposed as to Cuba, Porto Rico and an
cd to seek TO introduce inadmssa BILE
reservation in regard TO our demand as
10 the Philippine islands. Conceiving that
discussion ON this point could neither be
practical nor profitable, l directed thar in
order to avoid misunderstanding the mat
ter should be forthwith closed by pro
posing the embodiment in a formal pro-
tocol of the terms upon which the nego-
tiations for peace We're TO be underta ken
The vague and inexplcit suggestions
Of the Spanish note could not be accept
ed, the only reply being at present as a
virtual ultimatum, a draft of protocol
embodying the precise terms rendered TO
Spain in our not of July 30, with added
stpulations of detail as to the appoint
ment of commissioners to arrange for the
evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On
Aug. Y M. Cambon announced his receipt
OF full powers to sign the. protocol SO
submitted. Accordingly on the afternoon
Of Aug. r. NJ. Cambon, as the plenipoten-
tiary of Spain. and the secretary of state
rs the plenlpotentiary Of the United
states, signed a protocol.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the
protocol issued a proclamation of Aug. u
s;ispending hostilities on the part of the
United States. The necessary orders to
The blockade of the ports of Cuba ard
San Juan de Porto Rico was in like man
ner raised. on Aug. IS the muster our of
100000 volunteers, or as near that number
dered
On Dec. !. 101, 165 officers and men mad
heen mustered out and DISCHARGED from
the service and 1902 more will be muster
Ell out by the 10th of this month. Also
corresponding number of general and
general staff officers have been honoraply
discharged from the service.
The military commission to superintend
the evacuation of Cuba. Porto Rico and
Tie adjacent islands were forthwith APP
pointed: For Cuba, Major General James
Sampson. Major General Matthew c.
Butler: Tor Porto Rico. Major General
John S. Brooke, Rear Admiral Winfield
S. Schley. Brigadier General William w.
Gordon, who soon afterward met the
Spanish commissioners at Havana and
san Juan. respectively. The Porto Rlcan
it's task, and by Oct. IS the evacuation OF
the island was completed The United
States flag was raised over the island on
noon of that day.
The administration of its affairs has
been Professionally intrusted TO a military
governor until the Congress shall other
wise provide. The Cuban joint comms
sion has not yet terminated it's labors
Owing to the difficulties in the way Of
saving the large number of Spanish
troops in Cuba the evacuation cannot be
completed before Jan. / next.
Pursuant to the fifth article of the pro-
tocol | appointed William r. Day late sec
rotary of state; Cushman X. Davis, Viii
liam p: Frye and George Gray, senators
to be peace commissioners on the part of
the United States. Proceeding in due sea-
son to Paris they there met on Oct. five
commissioners similarly appointed on the
part of Spain. Their negotiations nave
made hopeful progress and trust soon 10
be able to lay a definite treaty OF peace
before the Senate with a review of the
steps leading to its signature.
He then proceeds: Il do not discuss at
this time the government in the future of
the new possessions which will come 10
us as the result of the war with Spain
Such decision will be appropriate after
the treaty OF peace shall be ratified. In
the meantime and until the Congress has
legislated otherwise it will be my duty TO
Fave existed since our occupation and
give 10 the people security in life and
property, and encouragement under
just and beneticent rule.
AS soon as we are in possession of
Cuba and have pacified the island it VIII
be necessary to give aid and direction to
its people to form government for
themselves This should be undertaken
at the earliest moment consistent with
tant that cur relations with this people
shall be Of the most friendly chara cter
and our commercial relations close and
reciprocal. 1t should be our duty to assist
in every proper way to build UP the
waste places of the island, encourage the
industry of the people and assist them to
form a government which shall be free
and independent, thus realizing the best
aspirations of the Cuban people.
Spanish rule must be replaced by a
just, benevolent and humane government.
performing all international obligations
and which shall encourage thrift, indus
try and prosperity. and promote peace
and good will among all inhabitants.
whatever may have been their relations
in the past. Neither revenge nor passion