Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-04-16
THE PRESIDENTS mEssAGE.

PRESIDENT MoKINLEY's Message as
transmitted to the two houses of Con-
gress makes the best of bad case.
1t is unquestionably powerful plea
for peace while breathing threstenings
of war.
He shifts the responsibilities of the |
situation upon Congress, and asks st
the same time that it be transferred to
his shoulders again.
1t is a diplomatic stroke to gain
time, knowing we'll, as he does that
each days delay tends to bring peace
between the two nations.
1t is q pleasant surprise to that large
conservative element, who up to this
time has been unable to see sufficient
justification for the shedding of blood,
and the expenditure OF treasure.
The argument against the declara-
ton OF independence for or the recog-
milton of the belligerency of the alleged
Cuban government is one OF the most
striking characteristics OF this truly
remarkable document. 1t is bomb
she'll, thrown into the camp of the war
party, and wiz tend to cause endless
debate in the Senate.
One striking feature, in fact, the sum
and substance of the whole document
is its demand for peace.
1t reminds one of LINooLN's attitude !;
the Union without slavery or the Un-
ion with slavery, but the Union.
So it is with President Mckinley
Peace without Spanish authority. or
peace with Spanish authority, but
peace.
In the four reasons given as the
:. grounds for Intervention, viewed from
a truly statesmanlike standpoint. we
. failed to find one which would justify
us in n court of international law. In
fact. all of them would set a precedent
which in the coming years may react
upon us with telling effect.
II upon the grounds of humanity
i then England or Spain has the right tc
N stop the lynchings in the South or Il
e. decide that Louisiana, Mississippi OF
Texas have not civilized form of gov
v eminent and it's citizens and foreign
he ers are not secure.
or If upon the ground of protection t.
our own citizens then the principl
specified above would again apply
70 Moreover Spain is liable both for tn
2 lives and property of the persons re
or ferred to and has never shirked tina
so responsibility.
a. If upon the ground of injury to trad
IL or commerce, our four years rebel
lion would have terminated with dis
an astrous effect to our own national gov
"a eminent, for England occupied at ths
time relatively the same position t
us as we now do to Cuba, and woul
.o~ have been justified according to TIL
NJ reasoning in landing English troop
II upon American soil.
;th If upon the ground that we are con
PEELED to observe the laws of neutral
,o ty by preventing flibustering exped
- tions against friendly power. the
- agreements amount to nothing whe
we get the worse of the bargain.
~ Our first honorable course would
,,, to announce our notification Of tn
section of international law, to the n
tions OF the world.
A noticeable feature too of the me
Up sage is the request for the power
ave perform an act which will result in
'eu declaration of war against US by Spa
ses while at the same time, refraini
lse- from q recommendation for decIa1
TO- ton of war against SPAIN by US.
per We have never been able to s
'sn- where we could do more or go furtI
than to recognize the belligerency
IN the Cuban insurgents. With the CO
mas fession by the President of the Unit
own States that this is cut of the questi
in view of existing conditions. to {
minds, our case ends.
ents The nations of the world might
1t is tervene in CUBA in the interest of
our mainly without being chsrgeable W
~ of a desire for selfish aggrandizeme
One nation so doing would be oper
hem grave suspicion, even though it be
m to UEIrED STATES of AMERICA.
From q standpoint of diplomacy,
,ne, 4 Spanish statesmen have proven th
indi- selves masters.
they Every excuse Tor interference
ar or been removed every reason for
swept away.
Don't Tobacco Spit and smoke Your III Aw
10 omit tohocco eaeflv and forever he