The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1898-04-22

to check tho hopeless sacrifices OF life bv, I,
internecine conflicts beyond their borders,
Is tustifable on rational grounds. 1t in
wolves, however, hostile constraint upon,
both the parties to the contest, as we'll as !
to enforce truce as to guide tho eventual
settlement.
The grounds for such intervention are
then briefly summarized: Because Of tho
duty we owe to humanity. the protection
we owe to our citizens. the loss OF trade
and, lastly, because the present condition
is constant menace to our peace, compel
ling us to keep on a semi-war footing with
| nation with which we are at peace.
Tho Maine Tragedy.
These elements OF danger and disorder
already pointed out have been strikingly
| illustrated by tragic event which has
deeply and justly moved the American
people. 1 have already transmitted TO
Congress the report OF the Naval Court OF
Inquiry on the destruction Of the battle
ship Maine, in the harbor OF Havana, dur
| ing tho night of the 18th OF February. Tho
| destruction OF that noble vessel has fllled
the national heart with inexpressible hor-
ror. Two hundred and flfty-eight brave
Navy. reposing in the fancied security OF
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, 1t is
needless tc say, commands the unqualified
confidence OF the government was unan1-
nous in it's conclusion that the destruction
OF the Maine was caused by an exterior eS-
plosion. that OF n submarine mine. 1t did
not assume to place the responsibility.
That remains to be fixed.
What the Mainc's Destruction Proved.
In any event tho destruction OF the
Maine, by whatever exterior cause, is n
patent and impressive proof OF Il state OF
things in Cuba that is intolerable. That
condition Is thus shown to be such that tho
Spanish government cannot assure SAFETY
and security to vessel OF tho American
navy in the harbor OF Havana on
mission Of peace and riShtfnlly there.
Further. referring in this connection
to recent diplomatic correspondence,
! 4 dispatch from our Minister 10 Spain. OF
tho 2Gth u,timo, contained the statement
that tho Spanish Minister for Foreign Al.
fairs assured him positively that Spain will
do all that tho highest honor and justice
required in the matter OF the Maine. The
,, rcply above referred to of tho 3lst utimo
also contained an expression OF tn" rcaui-
ness of Spain to submit to an arbitration
all tho differences which can arisc i'll this
matter. which is subsequently explained
bv the notc of the Spanish Minister ut
Washington OF tho 10Th inst. "a follows:
offered to Araiir&tr.
As to tho question Of fact which spring.
from the diversity of views between Che re-
port OF the American and Spanish Boards,
Spain proposes that tho fact bH aS tertained
by an impartial investigation by exports,
whose decision Spain accepts in advance.
To this haN made no reply.
Mr.. Mckinley continues by maxim: further
extracts from communications to Congress
on the subject by Presidents Gran; and
Cleveland and concludes his message by
saying:
The Failure OF Spain in Cmha.
The long trial has proved that the object
for which Spain has waGcd tho war cannot
be attained. The fire of insUrrection may
flame or may shoulder with varying sea-
sons, hut il has not been, and it is plain that
it cannot be, cNtinguishcd by present
methods. The only hop" Of relief and re-
pose from condition which can no longer
be endured is the enforced pacncation of
Cuba. In tn" namo of humanity, in tho
canc of civilization. in behalf of endan-
Ccrcd American interests. which give up
the right and the duty to speak and to act,
the war il CUBA must stop
R.commc ndations.
In view OF these facts and of these con-
Sidcration3 [ ask the Congress to auth oriZe
and empower tho President to take meas,
ures to sccurca full and final termination
OF hostiiiticS between the government OF
Spain and the people Of Cuba. and TO Sc
cure in tho island the establishment OF 4
stable government capable OF maintain
ing order and observing its International
Obligations inSurmg peace and tranquility
and the security OF its citizens rs well IA
our own. and to use the military and naval
forces of tho United States ns may be
necessary for these purposes.
And in the interest of humanity and to
all in preserving the lives OF the starving
people Of the island recommend that tha
distribution of food and supplies he con-
tinu"d, and that IN appropriation be nado
out of the public treasury to supplement-
TN" charity of our citizens.
Tho iS.iu" iS now with the Congress. 1t
i II solemn responsibility. haze exhaust
ed every effort to rclicvrthc in.olc:ah!c con-
ditpn of affairs winch is at urdOors. Pre-
uar":o cT""ut" every onliSatipu Imposed
upon me hv tho constitution AMI the law. [
await your action.
Yesterday. Inl since he prrparati ion OF
the foregoing message. oCiriai information
was received hy me that the latest decree
OI the Queen Regent Of Spain directs Gen
"rai BlancO, in order to prrpa re- and farilj- ,
tatn peace, to proclaim Il suspension OF
hoSti!ties, the duration and details OF
which have not yet been communicated to
me. This fact, with every other pertinent
consideration. will. | am sure, havo your
Just and careful attention in tho solemn
deliberations upon which you ar. abou. TO
enter.
III this measure attainS n successful re-
suit. then our aspirations a. IL Christian,
peacc-loving people will be rrnizsd II it
fails. ii will be only another justification
for our contemplated action.
WILLIAM Mckinney.
EXEcuTIvE MANSION, April IL, 1898
CONGRESS HEARS THE MFSSAcE