The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1898-04-14

has been the action OF our government that we
have under the most critical circumstances,
avoided all censure and encountered no other
evil than that produced by a transient estrange-
ment OF good will in those against whom we
have been by force of evidence compelled 20
decide 1t has thus made known 10 the world
that the uniform policy and practice of the
United States is TO avoid all interference
In disputes which merely relate to the internal
government of other nations, and eyentu-
ally to recognize the authority OF the pre-
vailing party without reference to our particular
interests and views or to the merits OF the orig
inal controversy but on this. as on every other
occasion, safety is 10 be found in rigid adher-
ence TO principle
In the contest between Spain and the revolt
ed colonies stood aloof and waited not only
until the ability OF the new states TO protect
themselves was fully established. but until the
danger Of their being again subjugated had en-
tirely passed away. Then, and not until then,
were they recognized Such was our course in
regard TO Mexico herself.
Andrew jackson on Texas.
1T is true that with regard TO Texas the civil
authority OF Mexico has been expelled, its in
vading army defeated the chief OF the republic
himself captured and all present power 10 con-
sole the newly organized government of to-
days annihilated within its confines But. en-
the other hand, there IS in appearance at least.
immense disparity OF physical force on the
side OF Texas The Mexican republic under
new leader and menacing a fresh invasion to
recover its lost domain
Upon the issue of this threatening invasion.
the independence OF Texas may be considered
as suspended. and were there nothing peculiar
In the situation Of the United States and Texas.
our acknowledgment OF its independence at
such a crisis could scarcely be regarded as
consistent with that prudent reserve with
which we have hitherto held ourselves bound
to treat all similar questions"
ThereuDOn Andrew Jackson proceeded To con-
slider the risk that there might be imputed to
the United States motives Of selfish interests
in view OF the former claim on our part OF the
territory of Texas and OF the avowed purpose
of the Texans in seeking recognition of indie
pendence an incident to the Incorporation OF
Texas In the union concluding thus:
Prudence therefore, seems to dictate
that should still stand aloof
and maintain present attitude, if
not until Mexico itself. or one OF the great for
eign powers shall recognize the independence
OF the new government, at least until the lapse
OF time or the course OF events shall have
proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability Of
the people OF that country TO maintain their
separate sovereignty and to uphold the govern
ment constituted by them. Neither OF the con-
tending parties can justly complain of this
course. By pursuing it, we are but carrying
out the long established policy OF our govern
ment, policy which has secured respect and |
influence abroad and inspired confidence at
home"
These are the words OF the resolute and |
patriotic jackson. They are evidence that the |
United States in addition to the test imposed |
by public law as the condition of the recognt-
ton of independence by a neutral state (to-wit |
hat the revolted state shall constitute in fact
4 body polite having n government in sub |
stance as well as in name, possessed OF the ele-
nents OF stability" and forming de facto, III /
eft to itself. state among the nations rea-
ioEably capable of discharging the duties OF /
'tate)" has imposed for it's own governance, in
iealing with cases like these the further con-
iition that recognition Of independent state
lood Is not due to revolted dependency until
he danger OF its being again sublugated by the
parent state has entirely passed away.
l said in my message of December last: 1T
s to be seriously considered whether the Gu
IAN instruction possesses beyond dispute the
attributes OF statehood. which alone can de-
nand the recognition of belligerency In its
avor." The same requirement must certainly
re no less seriously considered when the
raver issue OF recognizing independence is in
question, for no less positive test be ap-
lied to the greater act than to the lesser,
While on the other hand the influences and
consequences of the struggle upon the internal
Obey or the recognizing state, which form i'm
ortant factors when the recognition of belIig- |
rency is concerned. secondary, II not
lightly eliminable factors when the real Ques-
ition is or is not independent beyond perad-
enture
aSerse TO Recognition
Nor from the standpoint OF expedience do
1ink IL would be wise or prudent for this gov
rnment to recognize at the present time the
dependence OF the so-called Cuban republic.
UGH recognition is not necessary in order to
liable the United States to intervene and
acify the island To commit this country now
the recognition OF any particular govern |
ent in Cuba, might subject US to EN- barrassing
'nditions OF international obligation toward |
lie organization so recognized In case OF
PREVENTION. our conduct would be subject TO | ,
e approval or dtSapproval OF such govern
emit; we would be required to submit to its ,
rectlon and to assume to 1t the mere relation !
q friendly reply. When it shall appear {
,reafter that there is within the island q gov {
ent capable of performing the duties and dis | I
arging the functions Of a nation, and having | 1
a matter OF fact, the proper forms and at 9
loutes OF nationality, such government can be | |
omptly and readily recognized. and the rela- q
ms and interests of the United States with | I
CHI nation adjusted There remain the al | +
rnat1ve forms OF Intervention to end the war, | {
her as an impartial neutral, by imposing | 4
tlonal compromise between the contestants | Z
as an active ally Of the party or the v
her. :
As the first. it is not to be forgotten that q
ring the last few months the relation to the h
lifted States has virtually been one OF friend Y
intervention IN many ways, each not Of itself | n
conclusive, but all tending TO the exertion | c
potential influence toward ultimate pa Il
~ result just anu honorable 10 all interests |
ncerned- The spirit OF all our acts hitherto v
5 been an earnest. unse!fiSh desire for peace | :,
d prosperity in Cuba, untarnfshed by differ | n
ces between US and Spain and unstained by n
: blood Of American citizens n
The forcible intervention OF the United | n
ates as q neutral to stop the war according | y
the large dictates OF humanity and following | T,
my historical presidents where neighboring | il
ties have interfered TO check the hopeless | 3,
'rihce OF life by internecine conflicts beyond ri
fS ffsaHl 10 l
involves, however. hostile constraint upon |
n the parties to the contest as well as to en-
&c truce as - guide the eventual settle .
Mt Il
Grounds for Intervention p
he grounds for such Intervention may be q
efy summarized as follows: u
lrst-1n the cause OF humanity and 20 put y
end To the barbarities. bloodshed, starva- N
! and horrible miseries now existing there "a
! mich the parties TO the conflict either Ie