Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-04-11

have already transmitted to congress
the report of the naval court of inquiry
on the destruction Of the battleshp
Maine in the harbor of Havana, during
the night of the 18th of February. The
destruction of that noble vessel has filed
the national heart with ineXpressible
horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight
brave sailors and marines and two Off
GERS OF our navy, reposing in the fancied
security of friendly harbor have been
hurled to death, grief and want brought
to their homes and sorrow to the nation.
The naval court of inquiry, which it is
needless to say, commands the unquali-
fed confidence of the government, was
unanimous in the conclusion that the
destruction of the Maine was caused
by an exterior explosion, and that of
submarine mine. 1t did not, however,
assume to place the responsibility. That
remains to be fixed. In any event, the
destruction Of the Maine, by whatever
exterior causM, Is patent and impressive
proof of state of things in Cuba that
is intolerable. That condition is thus
shown to be such that the Spanish gov
ernment cannot assure the safety and
security to the vessels of the American
navy in the harbor of Havana ON a mis-
sion of peace and rightfully there.
The War Must Stop.
The dispatch from our minister to
Spain Of the 26th ultimO, contained
statement expressing the readiness of
Spain to submit to arbitration all the
differences which can arise in this mat
ter, which is subsequently explained by
the note of the Spanish minister at
Washington, of the 10th inst, as follows:
''As to the question of fact which
springs from the diversified views be-
tween the report of the American and
Spanish boards, Spain proposes that the
fact be ascertained by an impartial in
yestigation by experts, which decision
Spain accepts in advance" 10 this /
have made no reply. The long trial has
proved that the object for which Spain
has waged war can not be attained.
The fire of insurrection may flame or
may shoulder with the varying seasons.
but it has not been and it Is plain that
it cannot be extinguished by the present
methods. The only hope of relief and
repose from conditions which can not
longer be endured is the enforced pacif-
cation of Cuba. In the name of hui
manity, in the name of civilization. in |
behalf of the endangered American in
terests which give us right and duty to
speak and to act, the war in Cuba must i
stop.
Power Desired to Use United States Forces.
In view of these facts and these con-
siderations, | ask congress to authorize
and empower the president to take such
to secure full termination of
hostilities between the government of
Spain and people of Cuba, and to secure
in the island the establishment of
stable government capable of maintain
Ing order and observing its sinternational
insuring the peace and
and security of its citizens,
as well as our own, and to use the mill
tary and naval forces of the United
States as may be necessary for these
and In interest OF humanity
and to aid in preserving the lives OF the
people OF the island, recon-
mend that the distribution Of food and
supplies be continued and that an APP
be made out of the public
treasury to supplement the charity Of
our citizens
The issue is now with congress. 1t is
a solemn responsibility. Ihave exhaust
I'D every effort to relieve the intolerable
condition of affairs which is at our
loors. am prepared to execute every
obligation imposed upon me by the con-
'titution and law, await your action.
On yesterday and since the prepara-
lion of the foregoing message an official
Information was received by me that
,he latest decree of the queen regent of
spain. directs General Banco, in order
% prepare for and facilitate peace, to
proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the
luration and details of which have not
ret been communicated to me. This
act. with every other pertinent con-
liberation will, am sure, have your
ust and careful attention in the solemn
deliberations upon which you are about
o enter. If this measure attains
uccessful result, then our aspirations
vs. a Christian, peace loving people will
,e realized. II it fails it will be only,
mother justification. for our contem-
plated action.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY,
Executive Mansion April II.
The message was referred In the Sem
tie and house without action.
Senator'S Opinion of the Message.
Washington, April lin the senate,