The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-04-30

NJ II spain Recognizes Existence Of
War with United states-Trenties
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. A royal decree
was gazetted here Sunday announcing
that diplomatic relations between the
two nations had been broken off and
state of war begun. The decree is as
follows:
Diplomatic relations are broken or 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 provocatlon come from our adver-
saries. and II is they who. by their de-
testable conduct, have caused this grave
conflict
1--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 or
prlvateering. The government now con-
slders II most indispensable 10 make abso-
tain our liberty OF action and uncontested
right TO have recourse 10 privateering
when we consider II expedient, first by or
ganizlng Immediately force OF cruisers
auxiliary 10 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 will observe during the war:
Clause /. The state or war existing be-
tween Spain and the United States annuls
the treaty OF peace and amity OF october
"a 1895. and the protocol OF January IL,
1871. 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 20 all ships
or the United States anchored in our har-
bors 10 take their departure free OF him
drance.
Clause 5. 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 20 be observed, the fol-
lowing regulations OF maritime law;
Il. Neutral flags cover the enemy's mer-
chandse except contraband OF war
20. Neutral merchandise, except contra
band OF war. is not seIzable under the ene-
my's nag
80 A blockade 20 be obligatory must be
effectve-viz.: III must be maintained with
sufficient force to prevent access 10 the
enemy's littoral.
"A. The Spanish government. UNFOLDING
It's right to grant letters OF marque, Will
at present confine itself TO organizing, with
the vessels of the mercantile marine, a
force OF auxiliary cruisers which will CO.
operate with the navy according TO the
needs OF the campaign and will be under
naval control.
20 In order TO capture the enemy's ships
and confiscate the enemy's merchandise
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 enemy's jurisdiction,
In accordance with international law and
the regulations which will be published.
IS. Defines what Is included In contra
band OF war. naming weapons, ammuni-
\ ton, equipments, engines. and. In general,
/ all the appliances used in war.
~ To be regarded and judged as pirates
with all the rigor OF the law are captains.
masters. officers and two-thirds OF tho
crews OF vessels which. not being Ameri-
can. shall commit acts OF war against
Spain, even II provided with letters OF
marque issued by the United States"