The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-04-25
SPAIN WILL DO
PRIVATEERING
The Decree to That Effect Was Gaz'
cited Yesterday.
RIGHTS MAINTAINED BY SPAIN
The Rules That the Country will OBJ
serve During the War Are Outlined
in Five Clauses, Covering Neutral
Flags, Goods Contrabend of War;
the Right to search.

Madrid, April 24.--The following de-
cree was gazetted today:
Diplomatic relations between Spain
and the United states and the state OF
war being begun between the two
countries, numerous questions of inter-
national laws arise which must be pre-
cisely defined, chiefly because the in
justice and provocation come from oul
adversaries, and it is they, who, by
their detestable conduct, have caused
this grave conflict"
The royal decree then says Spair
maintains her right to have recourse to
privateering and announces that fol
the present only cruisers will be fittec
OUT all treaties with the United States
are annulled; thirty days are given tt
United States ships to leave Spanish
ports.
RULES TO BE OBSERVED.
The rules which Spain will observe
during the war are outlined in tve
clauses, covering neutral flags and
goods, contrahG nd of war, the right to
search and what constitutes contra
band of war ending with saying for
eign privateers will be regarded as
pirates.
We have observed with the strict
est fidelity the principle of interna-
tonal law and have shown Scrupulous
respect for morality and right of gov
ernment There is an opinion that
the fact that we have adhered to the
declaration of Paris does not e%-
empt US from the duty of respect
ing the principle therein enunciated.
The principle Spain unquestionably
To aJr thHn W. thp 1hnli-
tiCr of privateering The government
now considers it most Indispensable
to make absolute reserve on this point,
in order to martain our liberty of ac-
tioL and uncOntcstcd right to have re-
course to pIivatecrinG when we con-
slider it cXpedent by organizing inn
mediately a force of cruisers, auxiliary
to the navy, which will be composed
of vessels of our merchant marine,
and with equal distinction in the work
OF our navy.
Clause Onc-The state of war exist
ing between the United States and
Spain annuls the treaty of peace and
amity of October 27, l79j and the pro-
tOCol of January H. 1891 and all other
agreements, treaties or conventions in
force between the two countries.
Clause Two--From the publication OF
these presents thirty days are grant
ed to all ships of the United States
anchored in our harbors to take their
departure free from hindranCc.
Clause Three-Notwithstan that
Spain has not adhered to the dcclara-
tion of Paris, the government, re-
specting the principle of the laws Of
| nations, proposes to observe and here
| by orders to be observed, the following
regulations of maritime law:
| One-Neutral flags covering the enc
| mys merchandise, except Contraband
of war.
Two-Neutral merchandise, except
contraband of war, is not seizable un-
! der the enemy's flag.
Three--A blockade to be obligatory,
| must be effective, viz, it must be
maintained with a sufficient force to
| prevent access to the enemy littoral.
| FOur-The Spanish government up
| holding its right to grant letters OF
| marque, will at present contine itself
| to organizing, with the vessels of mer-
| camille marine a force of auxiliary
cruisers which will cooperate with
the navy, according to the needs of the
campaign, and will be under naval
| control.
| Five-In order to capture the enc
my's ships and CCnfiscate the enemy's
| merchandise and Contraband of war
under whatever form, the auxiliary
cruisers will exercise the right to
| search on the high seas and in the
waters under the enemy's jurisdiction
in accordance with international law
and the regulations which will be
! published.
| SiN-Defiues what is included in con-
traband of war, naming weapons, am
munition, equipments, engines, and in
| general all the appliances of war.
Seven-To be regarded and judged as
| pirates with all the rigor of the law,
are: Captains, masters, officers and
two-thirds of the crew of vessels
which, not being American shall COM
init acts of war against Spain. even
If provided with letters Of marque,
| issued by the United States