Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-04-14

illustrated by tragic event which has
deeply and justly moved the American peo-
pie. l have already transmitted to Con-
gress the report of the Naval Board Of In
quiry on the destruction of the battleship
Maine in the harbor of Havana during the
night of the 18th of February. The de-
struction of that noble vessel has filled the
national heart with inexpressble horror,
Two hundred and tifty-eight brave sailors
and marines and two officers of our navy,
reposing in the fancied security of friend
ly harbor, have been hurled to DEATH grief
and want brought to their homes and sor-
row to the nation.
The Naval Court of Inquiry, which, it is
needless to say, commands the unqualified
confidence of the Government, was unani-
nous in its conclusion that the destruction
OF the Maine was caused by an exterior ex-
plosion, that of submarine mine. 1t did
not assume to place the responsibility.
That remains to be fixed.
In any event, the destruction of the
Maine, by whatever exterior cause, is
patent and impressive proof OF state of
III AuUd llitJ 10 llllDleTdDlB lndl
condition is thus shown to be such that the
Spanish Government cannot assure safety
and security TO vessel of the American
Navy in the harbor OF Havana on mission
OF peace and rightfully there.
Further referring in this connection to
recent diplomatic correspondence, dis
patch from our Minister to Spain, of the
,lt Al. ~.
Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs as
sured him positively that Spain will do all
that the highest honor and justice required
in the matter of the Maine. The reply of
the 3lst ult also contained an expression
of the readiness of Spain to submit to an
arbitration all the differences which can
arise in this matter, which is subsequently
explained by the note of the Spanish Min
lister at Washington Of the 10th inst, as
follows: "As to the question of fact which
springs from the diversity of views between
the report of the American and Spanish
boards, Spain proposes that the fact be
ascertained by an impartial investigation by
experts, whose decision Spain accepts in
advance To this ! have made no reply.
The only hope of relief and repose
from a condition which can no longer
be endured is The enforced pacifcation
of Cuba. In the name of humanity, In
the name of civilization, in behalf of
endangered American interests which
give us the right and the duty to speak
and to act, the war in Cuba must stop.
In view OF these facts and these con-
pi1 1nra 7 ~.
thorize and empower the President to
take measures to secure full and final
termination of the hostililles between
the government of Spain and the peo-
pie Of Cuba, and to secure in the ISL
and the establishment of a stable gov
eminent capable of maintaining order
and observing its international obliga-
tions. ensuring peace and tranquility
and the security of its citizens as well
as our own. and to Use the military and
naval forces of the United States as may
be necessary for these purposes. And in
tie interest of humanity, and to aid -
preserving the lives Of the starving
people of the island, recommend that
the distribution of food and supplies
be continued, and that an appropria-
tion out Of the public treasury to sup
plement the charity of our citizens.
The issue is now with Congress. 1t is
a solemn responsibility. I have ex-
hausted every effort to relieve the in
tolerable condition of affairs which i5
at our doors. Prepared to execute
every obligation imposed upon me ny
the Constitution and the law, l await
your action.
Yesterday and since the preparation
of the foregoing message official infor-
nation was received by me that the
latest decree of the Queen Regent OF
Spain directs Gen. Blanco. in order to
prepare and facilitate peace, to pro-
ella m a suspension Of hostilities the
yet been communicated to me.
This fact with every other pertinent
consideration, will. ] am sure. have
have your just and careful attention in
the solemn deliberations upon which
you are about to enter If this meas
ure attains a successful result, then
our aspirations as a Christian. peace
loving people will be realized
If it fails 1t will be only another
justification for our contemplated ac-
tion.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, April IL, 1898.