The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1898-03-31
SPAIN WILL BE INFORMED
That the War In Cuba Has Become
lntolerable and Must Cease.

spaln's Promise Has Not Been FULFILLED
The Time In Which the War Must Ter.
inmate Has Been Fixed-Torpedo
F1otilla VIII BE stopped.
WASHINGTON, March 2S.--It can be
stated on positive information that
this government will, if indeed it
has not already done so, inform
Spain that the conditions now existing
in Cuba have become intolerable to the
people of this country, and that hostil-
tiles on the island must close. This
policy is indirectly with the views of
the president as expressed in his last
message to congress on December 8.
In that message he said: 1.-The instruc-
tions given to our new minister to
Spain before his departure for his
post directed him to impress upon that
government the sincere wish of
the United States to lend its aid
toward the ending of the war in Cuba
by reaching a peaceful and lasting re-
suit, just and honorable alike to Spain
and to the Cuban people. These in
structions recited the character and
duration of the contest, the widespread
losses it entails, the burdens and re-
straints it imposes upon us, with con-
stant disturbance of national interests
and the injury resulting from an in
definite continuance of this state of
things. No solution was pro-
posed to which the slightest idea of hu-
initiation to Spain could attach,
and indeed precise proposals were
60 1or to
that government" After reciting the
substance of Spain's reply received on
October 23 last, the president says:
''The immediate amelioration of eX-
listing conditions under the new adj
ministration of Cuban affairs is pre-
dicted, and therewithal the disturb
ance and all occasion for any change
of attitude ON the part of the United
States"
Since the delivery of this message
evidence has accumulated showing be-
yond question that the promise in be-
half of the new administration, to re-
lieve the conditions in Cuba, have not
been fulfilled or accomplished. On the
contrary the evidence which has
reached the president shows conclu-
coming more serious
The time has been fixed within
which the war must be terminated,
but it is believed that it is the purpose
of the administration not to permit of
any unnecessary or extended delay. 1t
is known in high official circles that
many of the people highest in author
ity in Spain, including members
of the ministry, are extremely
weary of the conflict in Cuba
and would willingly accede to any rea-
sonable terms for a settlement of the
whole question by granting to Cuba
her independence on an indemnity
basis The opposition to this plan
comes from the factions opposed to the
present administration, who demand
extreme measures if necessary to re-
tain control of the island. In view of
these conditions what will be the an
swer to our demands can not be fore
told.
Nothing short of actual hostilities
could render the situation more critic
al. War can hardly be delayed longer
than to the time when the Spanish tor
pedo fleet comes within striking dis
tance. This fleet is not to be permitted
to reach Havana. The fleet must be
turned back or stopped on the way if
Spain does not intend war. 1t is an
accepted proposition that war is
inevitable unless Spain recedes at
once, and it is not intended that
the Spanish torpedo feet shall
be in position to do damage
to our feet before the Spanish pur-
pose is unmasked. The torpedo feet
must stop short of Havana or war will
begin and an effort will be made to de-
stroy the torpedo boats before they
have themselves begun the work of de.
struction. Under ordinary circum-
stances this country has no right to in
terfere with Spain's distribution of her
navy. We have no right to demand
that she turn back her feet. but we have
right to interpret her action in send
ing the feet. Our Interpretation will be
made in the light of recent events and
the existing conditions. If this gov.
ernment were not bent on preserving
peace it might be held that we had
ample grounds for closing the issue.
If Spain is willing to preserve in the
proper way this government is willing
to withhold its hands, But il the
torpedo feet proceeds to Havana, that
will be regarded as positive evidence
of hostile intent.
Peace can be preserved, it is assert.
ed, only on the basis of Spain's stop.
ping warfare on the island of Cuba.
The sending to Havana of feet fitted
only for service against our own war
vessels is not compliance nor evil
dence of an intention to comply with
the demands this government must
make for the restoration of peace in
Cuba. If the torpedo feet is to pro-
ceed, this government will not longer
withhold the demand for a cessation of
h ostilities in Cuba and it is said that
the demand will be made imperative