The Advocate and news., 1898-04-13
CUBAN Message does to COngress.
CONTINUED from page 3D.

Continued from page 80
already pointed out have been strikingly
illustrated by a tragic event which has
deeply and Justly moved the American
people. have already transmitted to Con-
gress the report of the naval court Of In
quiry on the destruction of the battleship
Maine In the harbor Of Havana during the
night Of the 18th Of February. The de-
national heart with inexpressible horror.
Two hundred and tifty-eignt brave sailors
and marines and two officers OF our navy,
reposlng in their fancied security in a
friendly harbor, have been hurled to death
grief and want brought to their homes
and sorrow to the nation.
The naval court OF inquiry, which, II is
needless to say, commands the unqualified
confidence OF the government, was unani-
nous in it's conclusion that the destruction
of the Maine was caused by an exterior
explosion, that of a submarine mine. 1t
did not assume to place the responsibility.
That remains to be fixed
In any event the destruction Of the Maine
by whatever exterior cause, is q patent
and impressive proof Of O state Of things
in Cuba that Is intOlerable. That condition
Is thus shown to be such that the Spanish
government cannot assure Safety and Sc
curity to a vessel Of the American navy in
the harbOr of Havana on q mission Of peace
and rightfully there.
The long trial has proved that the object
for which Spain has waged the war can
not be attained. The fire Of insurrectiOn
may flame or may shoulder with varying
seasons, but II has not been and 1t Is plain
that Il cannot be extingulshed, by present
methods. The only hope of relief and re-
pose from condition which cannot longer
be endured, Is the enforced pacltlcation OF
Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the
name Of civilization, in behalf Of endan-
gered American interests which give us the
right and the duty to speak and to act,
the war in Cuba must stop.
In view OF these facts and considerations,
/ ask the Congress to authorize and en-
power the President to take measures to
secure termination Of hostilities between
the government of Spain and the people Of
Cuba and TO secure in the island the es-
tabhshment OF stable government capa-
0le Of maintaining order and observing its
international obligations, insuring peace
and tranquility and the security of its citi-
zens as well as our own, and to use the
military and naval forces Of the United
States aS may be necessary for these pur-
poses and in the interest Of humanity and
to aid In preserving the lives Of the starv-
ing people Of the island.
l recommend that the distribution Of sup
piles and food be continued and that an
appropriation be made out Of the public
treasury to supplement the charity of our
citizens. The issue Is now with Congress.
II ts a solemn responsibility. / have eX-
hausted every effort to relieve the intoler-
able condition of affairs which is at our
doors. Prepared to execute every oblga-
tion imposed upon be by the constitution
and the law, / await your action.
Yesterday, and since the preparation of
the foregoing message, official Information
was received by me that the latest decree
OF the Queen Regent Of Spain directs Gen.
eral BlancO, In order to prepare for and
facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension
OF hostilitles, the duration and the details
Of which have not yet been communicated
to me. This fact, with every other per-
tinent consideration, will, am sure, have
your just and careful attention in the SOL
emn deliberations upon which you are
about to enter. II this measure attains a
successful result, then our aspirations as o
Christian, peace-loving people will be real
iZed IL 1t falls, It will only be another JUS
titicatiOn for our contemplated action.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, April II.