Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1898-04-15

lor Vnat cannot be thought or That
by our code of morality, would b,
criminal aggression. Thereupon | re
viewed these alternatives in the light
OF President Grants measured words
uttered in 1875, when, after seven
years Of sanguinary, destructive and
cruel bnrbarities in Cuba, he reached
the conclusion that the recognition OF
the Independence of Cuba was imprac-
tcable and indefensible, and that the
recognition Of beligerency was not
warranted by the facts according to the
tests Of public law.
Nothing has since occurred to change
my view in this regard, and recog-
nize as fully now as then that the
issuance of a proclamation of neutral
ity could, Of itself, and unattended ey
other action, accomplish nothing to-
ward the one end for which we labor.
AGAINST RECOGNITION OF rNDEpEND-
ESCE.
From the standpoint of expediency
do not think it would be wise or
prudent for this government to recog-
nize at the present time the independ-
ence of the so-called Cuban republic.
Such recognition is not necessary in
order TO enable the United States to
intervene and pacify the island. To
commit this country now to the recoQ-
milton of any particular government in
Cuba might subject us to EN- barrassinp
conditions of international obligation |
SO recognized. In case of intervention |
our conduct will be subject TO the APP
proval or disapproval of such govern
ment. When it shall appear that there
is within the island a government
capable OF performing the duties and
discharge the functions of a nation
and having as n matter of fact the
proper forms and attributes of nation
atty, such government can be promptly
and readily recognized and the rela-
lions and interests of the United States
witt such nation adjusted. {
There remain the alternative forms
If Intervention to end the war, either I
Us an impartial neutral by imposing a
'ational compromise between the con- I
estants, or as the active alley of the I
me party or the other. t
AS to the first, il is not to be forgot :
en- that during the last few months '
he relation of the United States has Y
irtually been one of friendly inter p
Rnflnn in
self conclusive, but all tending to the
xertion of a potential influence toward o
n ultimate pacific result, just and W
onorable to all interests concerned. il
he spirit of all our acts hitherto has d
cen an earnest, unselfish desire for n
eace and prosperity in Cuba, unfair b'
lshed by differences between the
nited States and Spain and unstained Fl
Y the blood of American citizens. be
DESTRUCTION OF THE MAINE. OF
These elements of danger and dis ON
der have been strilSingly illustrated Ell
: tragic event which has deeply and 81
silly moved the American people, l al
we already transmitted to congress
e report of the naval court of inquiry sl'
the destruction of the battleship I'll
iine in the harbor of Havana during I'd
e night of the 18th of February. The Tic
IS of that noble vessel has filled the ln'
tional heart with inexpressible hor- an
:. Two hundred anG Gftv-eight us
ave sailors and marines All, two Off 40
IS of our navy, reposing "a the fan ins
d security of n friendly harbor, have SUI
IN hurled to death-grief and want sec
ought to their homes and sorrow to ow
nation. for
he naval court of inquiry, which, nee
5 needless to say, commands the un- Une
lifted confidence of this govern pre-
Mt, was unanimous in its conclusion pee
{ the destruction of the Maine was ina
sed by an exterior explosion, that Pii'
submarine mine. 1t did not as prn
lie to place the responsibility. That 're'
aims 70 no exed In a,,, 800 A. our
ne, by whatever exterior cause, is rRA
lteut and impressive proof of
c of things in Cuba that is intoler-
!. That condition is thus shown to IS
1ch that the Spanish government nau
not assure safety and security to in'0
Ell of the American navy in the Is
Dor of Havana on mission of ever
e. and rightfully there. the
,rther referrinr in this connection your
cent diplomatic correspondence, IL
atch from our minister 10 Spain. OF u