River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1898-04-28
A ROYAL DECREE.
BY IL Spain Recognizes Existence of
War with United StatcS-Treaties
Are Declared Void.

Madrid, April 25.-The Spanish gov
eminent has formally recognized the
state of war that exists between Spain
and the United States 4 royal decree
was gazetted here Sunday announcing
that diplomatic relations between the
two nations had been broken Off and a
state of war begun. The decree is as
follows:
Diplomatic relations are broken OF be-
tween Spain and the United States, and
the state Of war having begun between the
two countries. numerous questions Of inter-
national law arise which must be pre-
cisely defined 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
we have observed with strictest fidelity
the principles of international law and
have shown the most scrupulous respect
for morality and 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 enunci-
ated. The principle Spain unquestionably
refused to admit then was the abolition Of
prvateerlng. The government now con-
sIders 1t most Indispensable to make abso-
lutte reserve on this point in order to main
tain our liberty of action and uncontested
right to have recourse TO privateering
when we consider 1t expedient, first by or
ganiziug Immediately a force of cruisers
auxiliary to the navy. which viii be COM
posed of vessels of our mercantile marine
and with equal distinction In the work of
our navy"
Following is a summary Of the more i'm
portant of the five clauses outlining the
rules Spain viii observe during the war:
Clause !. The state of war existing be-
tween Spain and the United States annuls
the treaty of peace and amity of October
q. 1895. and the protocol of January -
1877, and all other agreements. treaties or
| conventions in force between the two coun-
tries.
Clause 2 From the publication of these
presents 80 days are granted to all ships
of the United States anchored in our har-
bors TO take their departure free of him
drance.
Clause 3. Notwithstanding that Spain
has not adhered TO the declaration OF Paris,
the government, respecting the principles
of the law of nations. proposes to observe,
and hereby orders to be observed, the fol-
lowing regulations Of maritime law;
Il. Neutral flags cover the enemy's mer-
chandise except contraband of war.
-. Neutral merchandise, except contra
band of war, is not seizable under the enc
my's flag.
"3. A blockade to be obligatory must be
/ effective-viz.: 1t must be maintained with
! sufficient force TO prevent access to the
| enemy's littoral.
a. The Spanish government, UNFOLDING
/ its right to grant letters of marque. will
a present confine itself to organizing, with
! the vessels of the mercantile marine, n
1 force of auxiliary cruisers which viii CO.
| operate with the navy according to the
needs Of the campaign and viii be under
naval control.
70. In order to capture the enemy's ships
and confiScate the enemy's merchandise
| and contra band 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.
80 Defines what is included in contra
band of war, naming weapons, ammuni-
ton, equipments. engines, and, In general,
all the appliances used IN war.
u To he regarded and judged as pirates
with all the rigor of the law are captains.
masters, officers and two-thirds of the
crews of vessels which, not being Amerj-
can, shall commit acts Of war against
Spain, even if provided with letters of
marque issued by the United States"