The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-25

MADRID. April 2-The following decree
was gazetted today:
Diplomatic relations are broken OF be-
tween Spain and the United States. and war
being begun between two countries. numer-
Gus international questions will arise which
must be precisely defined chiefly because
injustice and proyocation comes from our
adversaries. I; is they who by their de-
testable conduct have caused this grave
conflict
Continuing the decree adds:
1--WE nave s,riven with the strictest
fidelity TO observe the sirictest principles
of international law ard 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 10 the declaration of Paris does
not relieve us from duty of respecting the
principles therein enunciated.
The principe Spain unquestionabiy
refused to admit then was the abolition
of privateering. The government now con-
siders II Indispensable 10 have recourse
to nrivateerine. when we consider IL ex-
pedient, first organizing Immediately a
force of cruisers auxiliary 10 the navy,
which VIII be composed of vessels of our
mercantile marine, and with equal dis
tinction 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.
''cia,ise 1.-The state of war existing be-
tween Spain and the United States annuls
the treaty OF peace and auity of Oct. 27.
ISs7, and all other agreements. treaties or
conventions In force between the two
countries.
Clause From the publication OF
these presents thirty days are granted to
al ships of the United States anchored in
our harbors to take their departure free
OF hnderauce.
Clause Notwithstanding that Spain
has not adhered 10 the declaration Of
Paris. the government respecting the prin-
clp!es Of the law or nations, proposes 10
observe and hereby orders 20 be observed
the following regulations of maritime
law:
.I-Neutral flags cover the enemy's
merchandise, EXCEPT ccn'rahand OF war.
- Neutral merchandise. except contra
hard Of war. is not se!zat,- under the enc
my's nag,
a
effective. viz: II must he maintained with
sufficient force to prevent access TO the
enemy's littoral.
~. The Spanish government. upholdlng
It's right TO grant letters OF marque, VIII
at present confine itself 10 organizing with
the vessels OF the mercantile marine A force
OF auxiliary cruisers wh-cf Will cooperate
with the navy according TO the needs of
the campaign and viii be- uncer naval con
troll.
- In order 10 capture the enemys ships
and conHscates the enerny's merchandise
and contraband ot war. under whatever
form. the auxiliary cruisers viii exercise
the right OF search on the high seas and
In the waters under the enemy's 1uTisdic-
ton. in accordance with international law
and the regulations Of which viii he OBJ
served.
IS. Defines what is Included I'm contra
band OF war. naming weapons. ammuni-
zion. equipments, engines. and In general
all the appliances used In war
-. To be regarded ard Judged as pirates.
with all the rlgor of the law. are captains.
masters officers and ;w0-thrds o. the crew
of vessels. which. not being American. shall
commit acts II war against Spain. even II
provided with letters Of marqua issued bv
The United states"