Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1898-12-08
CONGRESS- ASKED no ACT.
Whole Question Submitted TO LegIs-
Iators ON AprII II.

WnoAe question submitted To LeEis-
Iators on April II.
Grieved and disappointed at this barren
outcome of my sincere endeavors to reach
practical solution, felt it my duty to re-
nit the whole question 10 the congress
In the message of April II, 1885, announced
that with this last overture in the direc-
ton of immediate peace IN Cuba, and it's
disappointing reception by Spain, the ef-
Tort OF the executive was brought to an
end. 1 again reviewed the alternative
course of action which l had proposed.
concluding that the only one consonant
with international policy and compatible
with our frm-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 the parties to the
contest as well TO enforce a truce as TO
guide the eventual settlement"
The grounds justfying that step were:
The Interests OF humanity; the duty 10
protect life ard property of our citizens in
Cuba; the right to check injury to our com
mefee ana people through the devastation
Of the island, and, most important, the need
OF removing at once and forever the con-
slant menace and the burdens entaned
upon our government by the uncertainties
and perls Or the situation caused by the
uncomfortable disturbance in Cuba I sa ia
In view of all this the congress was
asked TO authorize and empower the pres
ldent 10 take measures to secure a fuI and
final termination OF hostilities between SPAN
ana the people q CUBA, ana to secure 10 the
island the establishment Of q stable govern
ment capable of maintaining order and
observing It's international Obligations, In
surlng peace and tranquility and the Sc
cdTlty Of its citizens as well Is our own,
and for the ACCOMPLISHMENT Of those ends
70 use the military and naval forces Of the
Eited states as might be necessary, with
edged authority to continue generous re-
Aet TO the starving people of Cuba.
Action of Congress Approved.
The response of the congress. after nine
days of earnest deliberation, during which
ne almost unanimous sentiment Of your
body was developed on every point save
a1 70 the expediency OF coupling the pro
posed action with a formal recognition of
the republic of Cuba as the true and lawful
government or that lSland-a proposition
which failed Of adoption-the congress-
after conference, on the 18th of April by
a vote of Y to 50 in the senate md 81 to 6
in the house of representatives, passed the
memorable joint resolution, declaring:
First. That the people of the island OF
and independent
Second. That 1t is the duty of the United
States 10 demand and the government of
the United States does hereby demand the
government Of Spain at once relinqufsh its
authority and government in the island of
Cuba and withdraw its land and naval
forces from Cuba and Cuban waters.
Third. That the president of the United
states be, and he hereby is, directed and
empowered TO use the entire land and naval
forces of the United States, and to call into
the actual service of the United States
the militia or the several states, to such
extent as may be necessary to carry these
resolutions into effect.
Fourth That the United States hereby
dtsclaims any disposition or intention to
exercise sovereignty, Jurisdiction or control
over said island except for the paciffeatio
thereof, and asserts its determine ton when
that is accomplished to lsaye the govern
pie"
Diplomatic Rotations Ended
This resolution was approved by the ex-
ecutiys on the next day. April 90. A copy
was at once communicated to the Spanish
minister minister at this capital. who forthwith an
nounced that his continuance in Washing
ton had thereby become impossible, and
asked for his passports. which were given
him lie thereupon withdrew from
Washington, leaving the protection of
Spanish interests in the United states to
the French ambassador and tho Austro-
hungarian minister. simultaneously with
its communication to the Spanish minister
Gen. Woodford, the American minister at
Madred, vas telegraphed confirmation Of
the text of the joint resolution and directed
to communicate il TO the government OF
Spain with the formal demand that il al
once relinQuish it's authority and govern
ment IN the island OF Cuba and withdraw
its forces therefrom, coupling this demand
with announcements OF thu intentions of
this government as TO the future of the is
land, in conformity with the fourth clause
OF the resolution, and giving Spain until
noon OF April % to reply.
The demand, although. rs above shown,
officially made known to the Spanish envoy
here, was not delivered at Madrid After
the instruction reached Gen. Woodford on
the morning OF A pril q. but before he could
present IL, the Spanish minister Of state
notified him that upon the presidents APP
prevail of the joint resolution the Madrid
government, regarding the act as "equiva-
lent to an evident declaration OF war" had
ordered its minister in Washington to with
draw. thereby breaking or diplomatic re-
lations between the two countries and ceas-
ing all official communication between
their respective representatives Gen.
Woodford therupon demanded his pass
ports and quilted Madrid the same day.
NAN IL nECr ANN