The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1898-04-26
A DECREE ISSUED.
Spanish Government Declares War Be-
tween Spain and the United States.
One Month Given United States Ships to
Leave Spanish POrts-Five Rules
That Spain Will Observe
During the War.

MADRID. April 25.-The following de-
cree was gazetted Sunday:
diplomatic relations are broken off
between Spain and the United States,
and the state of war being begun be-
tween the two countries, numerous
questions of international law arise
which must be precisely defined,
chiefly because the injustice and provo
cation come from our adversaries, and
it is they who. by their detestable con-
duct, have caused this grave conflict"
The royal decree then says Spain
maintains her right to have recourse
to privateering and announces that for
the present only auxiliary cruis-
ers will be be fitted out. All
treaties with the United States are
annulled; 80 days are given United
States ships to leave Spanish ports
and the rules Spain will observe dur
ing the war are outlined in five clauses,
covering neutral flags and goods, con-
traband of war, what will be cOnsid-
cred a blockade, the right of search
and what constitutes contraband of
war. ending with saying foreign pri-
vateers will be regarded as pirates.
Continuin the decree reads:
1--WE have observed with the strict
est fidelity the principles of interna-
tiOnal law, and have shown the most
scrupulous respect for morality and
the right of government. There is an
opinion that the fact that we have not
adhered to the declaration of Paris
does not exempt from the duty of re-
speeding the principles therein enun-
ciated. The principle Spain unques-
tionably refused to admit then was the
abolition of privateering. The gov
eminent now considers it most indis-
penSab BILE to make absolute reserve on
this point. in order to maintain our
liberty of action and uncOntested right
10 have recourse to privateering when
Wc consider it eXpedient.
Following is a summary of the more
important of the five clauses outlining
the rules Spain will observe during the
war:
1. BY organizing Immediately force
of cruisers, auxiliary to the navy,
which will be composed of vessels of
our mercantile navy.
.. Neutral merchandise, except con-
ira band of war, is not seizable under
the enemy's flag.
3. A blockade to be obligatory must
be effective. viz, it must be main
tanned with sufficient force to prevent
access to the cnemy's littoral.
+. The Spanish government uphold
ing its right TO grant letters OF
marque, will at present confine itself
To organizing, with the vessels of the
mercantile Murine, force of auxiliary
cruisers which will cooperate with the
navy according to the needs of the
campaign and will be under naval con-
troll.
ships and confiscate the enemy's mer-
chandise and cOntraband of war under
whatever form the auxiliary cruisers
will exercise the right of search on the
high seas and in the waters under the
enemy'S jurisdiction, in accordance
with international law and the regula-
tiona which will be published
g. Defines what is included in con-
traband of war, naming weapons, am
''uhA CIOIl, Cpul pLuCuCS' eighties anu III
general, all the appliances used in war.
:. To be regarded and judged as pir-
ates, with all the rigor of the law are
captains, masters, officers and two
thirds Of the crew of vessels which. not
being American, shall commit acts of
war against Spain, even If provided
with letters of marquc issued by the
L nited States