The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-12-09


instant provision for the possible and per-
haps speedily probable emergency of war.
and the remarkable, almost UNIQUE spec
| tacle was presented of a unanimous vote
| of both houses on the 9th of March APP
propriating $50,000.000 "for the national de-
tense and for each and every purpose con-
nected Herewith, to be expended at the
discretion of the president"
That this act of provision came none
too soon was disclosed when the applica-
ton of the fund was undertaken. Our
ports were practically undefended; our
navy needed large provision for increased
ammunition and supplies, and even num-
bers to cope with any sudden attack from
the navy of Spain, which comprised mod
ern vessels of the highest type of CONT
mental perfection. Our army also re-
quired enlargement of men and NUM-
tions. The details of the hurried prepa-
rations for the decided contingency is told
in. the reports of the secretaries of war
and of the navy, and need not be repeated
here.
1t is sufficient to say that the outbreak
of war when it did come, found our ma
ton not unprepared to meet the conflict.
nor was the apprehension of coming strife
confined to our own country. 1t was felt
by the continental powers. which on April
3, through their ambassadors and ENJOYS
addressed to the executive an expression
of hope shat humanity and moderation
might mark the course of this govern
ment and people, and that further nego-
tiations would lead to an attempt, which
while securing the maintenance of peace
would affirm all necessary guarantees for
the re-establishment of order in Cuba.
In responding to that presentation
also shared the hope which the ENJOYS had
expressed, that peace might be preserved
In manner to terminate the chronic con-
dition of disturbance in Cuba SO iniuri-
Gus and menacing to our interests and
tranquility, as we'll as shocking to our
sentiments of humanity; and while APP
preciating the humanitarian and disinter-
eSted character of the communication thew
had adopted on behalf of the powers. I
stated the confidence of this govern
ment on its part that equal appreciation
would be shown for its earnest and I'M
selfish endeavors to fulfill a duty of hui
mainly by ending a situation, the indefi-
mite prolongation of which had become
insuffera BILE.
Proposal of an Armistice.
Still animated by the hope of a peace
ful solution and obeying the dictates of
duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about
a speedy ending of the Cuban struggle.
Negotiations to this effect continued
actively with the government of Spain
looking to the immediate conclusion of a
six months armistice in Cuba with a
view to effect the recognition of her peo-
pies right to independence. Besides this,
the instant revocation of the order of re-
concentration was asked, so that the suf-
ferers, returning to their homes and
alded by united American and Spanish
eIort, might be put in a way to support
themselves, and by orderly resumption of
the well-nigh destroyed productive ener-
g1es OF the island contribute to the res
torat1on of its tranquility and well-being.
negotiations continued for some little
Tune at Madrid, resulting in offers by the
Spanish government which could not but
be regarded as inadequate 1t was pro-
posed to confide the preparations of peace
to the insular parliament, yet to be con-
vened under the autonomous DEGREES of
November, 1897, but without Impairment
IN anywise of the constitutional powers
OF the Madrid government which to that
END would grant an armistice, if solicited
by the insurgents, for such time as the
general-in-chief might see fit to fix How
and with what scope Of discretionary
powers the insular parliament was ex-
pected to set about the preparation Of
peace" did not appear. If it was to be
by negotiation with the insurgents, the
issue seemed to rest on the one side with
a body chosen by that faction of the cleo
tors in the districts under Spanish con-
troll, and on the other, with the insurgent
PoPuiotiOl uOlulLS the interior country.
unrepresented in the so-called parliament,
and defiant at the suggestion of suing for
peace.
Authority to Intervene.
Grieved and disappointed at this barren
outcome of my sincere endeavors to reach
practicable solution, felt it my duty to
remit the whole question to congress. In
the message of April II, 1898, I announced
that with this last overture in the direc-
iTror Giof IN C,,1~o
disappointing reception by Spain the eff
fort of the executive was brought to an
! end. I again reviewed the alternative
course of action which / had prepared,
concluding that the only course consonant
with international policy and compatible
with our firmly set historical traditions
was Intervention as neutral to stop the
war and check the hopeless sacrifice of
life, even though that resort involved
| hostile constraint upon both parties to
the contest. as well to enforce a truce as
| to provide for eventual settlement
The grounds justifying that step were
| the interests of humanity; the duty to
protect the life and property of our citi-
zens in Cuba; the right to check injury to
our commerce and people through the dew
| astation of the island, and, most impor-
| tant, the need of removing at once and
| forever the constant menace and the bur-
dens entailed upon our government by the
/ uncertainties dnC DerlS OF the situation
| caused by the uncomfortable disturbance
! in Cuba. 1 said: 1.-THE long trial has
| proved that the object for which Spain
! has waged the war cannot be attained.
The fire of instruction may flame or may
smolder with varying seasons, but it has
not been and it is plain that it cannot be
| extinguished by the present method. The
only hope of relief and repose from con-
| dition 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 Amer
| lean interests which give us the right
and duty to speak and to act, the war in
| Cuba must STOP
! In view of all this congress was asked to
authorize and empower the president to
| take measures to secure a full and final
! termination of hostilities between Spain
/ and the people of Cuba and to secure to
/ the island the establishment of stable
| government, capable of maintaining or
| der and observing its. international obli-
| cations. in securing peace and tranquil
! lily and the security of its citizens as
| well as our own, and for the accomplish
ment of those ends to use the military and
| naval forces of the United States as
| might be necessary, with added authority
/ to continue generous relief to the sta~v-
| ing people of Cuba.
| The response of congress, after nine days
! of earnest elaboration, during which the
| almost unanimous sentiment of your body
/ was developed on every point, save as to
/ the expediency of coupling the proposed
| action with formal recognition of the
! republic of Cuba as the true and lawful