The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-12-08
CONGRESS ASKED TO ACT.
Whole Question Submitted to Legts-
latOrs on April IL.

latOrs on April IL.
Grieved and disappointed at this barren
outcome of my sincere endeavors to reach
practical solution. I felt it my duty to re-
NIT the whole question to the congress.
In the message of April IL, 1898, announced
that with this last. overture in the direc-
ton of immediate peace In Cuba, and it's
disappointing reception by Spain, the ef-
fort Of the executive was brought to an
end. I again reviewed the alternative
course of action which I had proposed,
concluding that the only one consonant
with our firm-set historical traditions was
Intervention as neutral to stop the war
and check the hopeless sacrifice of life,
eonstraint upon both r the I parties to the
contest, as well to enforce a truce as to
guide the eventual settlement"
TT The grounds justifying that step were:
protect life and property Of our citizens in
Cuba; the right to check injury to our COM
merce and 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 enta1led
upon our goyernment by the uncertainties
uncomfortable disturbance in Cuba. said:
In view Of all this, the congress was
asked to authorize and empower the pres
ldent to take measures to secure full and
final termination Of hostilities between Spain
and the people Of Cuba, and to secure to the
island the establishment of stable govern
observing its international obligations. in
suring peace and tranquility, and the Sc
curity Of its citizens as well as our own,
to use the military and naval forces of the
United States as might be necessary, with
added authority. to Continue generous re-
lief to the starving people of Cuba.
Action of Congress Approved.
The response Of the congress, after nine
uaVS of earnest 6p}ihpra fiOn d11rinp w h n
the almost unanimous sentiment of your
body was developed on every point save
as TO the nt,e expedisney Of coupling the pro-
the republic of Cuba as the true and lawful
government of that island-a proposition
wis which failed Of adoptionMthe congress.
vote of ~ to IS in the senate and 81 to &
In the house of representatives, passed the
memorable e.na,ora Joint resolution. declaring;
Cuba are, and of Fight ought to be, free e
Second. That it is the duty of the United
the United States does hereby demand, the he
government Of Spain at once relinquish its
authority and government in the island of
forces from Cuba and Cuban no waters atG na'a'
States Be, and he hereby is! directed t d" aad
The Unted sates to
the actual service of the United States
the militia Of the several states to such
extent as may be necessary to carry these
Fourth. That the United States hereby
disclaims any disposition or intention to
exercise sovereignty. Jurisdiction or control
thereof, and asserts its determine ton when
that Is accomplished to leave the govern
ment and control of the island to its PEG.
ple."
Diplomatic Relations Ended.
l.,
ecutive on the next day, April 20. A copy
was at once communicated to the Spanish
minister at this capital, who forthwith an
nounced that his continuance in Washing
him. He tfereupon withdrew from from
Washington. leaving the protection OF
the French ambassador and the Austro-
Hungarian minister. simultaneously with
its communication to the spanish minister
Madrid. was telegraphed confirmation OF
the text of the joint resolution and directed
to communicate it to the government OF
Spain with the formal demand that it al
once relinQuish its authority and govern
ment In the island of Cuba and withdraw
its forces therefrom. coupling this demand
with announcements Of the intentions Of
land, in conformity with the fourth clause
of the resolution, and giving Spain unit
noon Of April q to reply.
Ihe demand, although, as above shown
officially made known to the Spanish envoy
here, was not delivered at Madrid After
the instruction reached Gen. Woodford or
the morning of April q, but before he could
present 1T, the Spanish minister of state
notified him that upon the presidents ap
prevail Of the joint resolution the MadriG
government, regarding the act as "equiva
lent to an evident declaration of war" had
ordered its minister in Washington to with.
draw, thereby breaking of diplomatic re-
!ations between the two countries and ceas
ing all official, communication between
their respective representatives.. Cen
Woodford therupon demanded his pass
ports and quilted Madrid the same day,