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Show j GENERAL. " j TO I SlIi.Mi- Spion l.ueitliy St't tortll. j Wa-hingimi. Jt.--Tho f.illowiug is a por i-Jii of ll;epu.:ii corrcpoi.d-ei;ee: corrcpoi.d-ei;ee: Ui-pai-tincht ol Stat.', W.iM.n.'jtoii, N.,v. .", 1S70. C''l- Cuitunj Sn : Pursuant U) the intinialion conviynl in my dis-pateli dis-pateli U'.L', I d. eii; it nt'i'cssary to recur to the goiu ral qiifftiou of our relations with Spain, and to consider the prore-is which Una tn-en made in disponing of tne outstanding quttinns whieli (iirsoiiio time pa.-t have seriously seri-ously Ihrrateut-d ItiO rel.iti.(ns ot the two countries. At the time of your departure lor Madrid, apart from the general question ul tin; unsatisfactory condition of atl.iira in Cuba, and the failure to suppress the revolution, several prominent qi nations remained unadjusted the hUtlemeni of which were deeni'd neces try bctoro any satitifaclnry n-lations with S:un could bo established or maintained. Upon all ot these you were instructed. Most prominent aiming them were quealioiH ari.-ing from the embargo and confiscation of the estates ol American cili,:.-ns.iii Cuba, liiose relating re-lating to the trial of American citizens in that id laud in violation of treaty obligations, and claims arising out ol the capture of the I'mjiniits includ ing the trial and punisluneiu oi uen. Ilurriell. Alter too expiration of more than eighteen months it seems advisable to examine what progress tias been made and consider our present pre-sent relations with Spain. In reference to the arbitrary seizure and withholding of the estates and property of citizens of the United States in Cuba under proceedings ol couli-cation or embargo, so called, a separate instruction was addressed to you undt-r date ol February Oth, prior to your depaiture for your post. I referred therein to tho general facts surrounding tlnsc cases; to the arbitrary ar-bitrary action of the authorities by which the property of American citizens had been seized in violation of treaty provisions, in the absence of judicial proceedings, without a hearing hear-ing and under such circumstances as t call for a vigorous protest and demand de-mand on behalfof the government. The general facts suirouudiug these cases are well known. It is not pretended, pre-tended, so lar as I am aware, that any legal justification for these wrongs has been attempted on the part of the authorities of Spain, or that these proceedings in Cuba are deluded or upheld. On the contrary, pursuant to a decree issued by the government on the liMi of.Iulv, 1873, the illegality and indefensible inde-fensible character ot these acts were admitted and the embargoes were ordered to be renwed and the property prop-erty restored. This decree was at tirst received inCubi with calm in-Uitll-reuce and not even published or adverted to, and the proceedings of the authorities w;re in no notable respect changi d thereby. At the time of the visit of St-nor Solcr Y. I'la, minister of Ultramar, the decree was in some instances recognized and some ?:guiticant steps were taken in individ lal cases to comply therewith. In gi iieral, however, it was claimed ei tin r that encumbrances existed, ma Ling a compliance therewith impossible, or delivery was otlered, burdened by leases or encum brances and coupled with unfair . conditions or demands, on the deliv-, ! ery, was avoided on the ground that ' I particular property was confiscated, not embargoed. In fact, the decree I was treated in general with supreme I iudiflercnce. You were informed I that the president, while not disposed j to question the willingness of the ! authorities in Spain to do justice to this government and its citizens, it was expected that the means would be found to compel its ageutd in Cuba to obey the orders of the supreme su-preme government. Such was the condition of the question ques-tion at the date of your departure, lumbers of American citizens had at this time been deprived of their pro-. perty and were anxiously awaiting the performance of the promises and assurances which had been given by the Spanish government. In spite ol all elibrts which you - have made, intelligent in-telligent and energetic as thy have been, no eflectual result has been accomplished. ac-complished. Tnc kindrtd treaty question iu reference lo the trial of citizens of the United S'.ates in Cuba by court martial mar-tial and the arrest and punishment ot our citizens without trial in that island in violation of the provisions of the treaty of 17 'Jo, is substantially in the same position. Tnis government, govern-ment, prior to your appointment, had unfortunately been compelled to interfere in beiialf of its citizens on several occasions where the authorities authori-ties in Cuba had entirely disregarded, not onlv the provisions of neutrality by the rules of civilized warlare io cases of embargo and con I ideation; not only have wrongs long since done been continued and repeated, but wrongs are daily inflicted. The authorities of Spain in Cuba during all this time have been using the revenues of the confiscated or embargoed em-bargoed estates, appropriating much of Lie property itself and in somt cases executing long leases or ac ' tually making sales, either on the i allegation that taxes were due, or without any excuse whatever in cases of an est and punishment. The citizens citi-zens of the United Suites in like man-uer man-uer have undergone punishment because be-cause the authorities of Spain do not meet the issue and decide the question. ques-tion. Turning to the questions which arose from the capture of the I'lVyoi-i'ts I'lVyoi-i'ts and the executions which followed no extended referenco ia required. The pai titulars of the delivery of the vessel to this government, and the payment to both Great Britain and tiie United States ot considerable sums as compensation for the acts of authority in ordering the execution ot fifty-three passengers and crew under circumstances of peculiar brutality, have passed into hi-tory. So far as i the payment of money atone for the execution of these unprotected prisoners pris-oners that has been accomplished. Tho higher and more imperative duly which the government of Spain assumed by the protocol ol November, Novem-ber, lS7i, namely, to bring lo justice Gfneni! llurr.el and other principal offenders in this tragedy, has been evaded and entirely neglected. Having Hav-ing made thin nrgiect the subject of a separate instruction under this date I aiistain from further reference. In February, 17-I, the first instruction instruc-tion was addressed to you on general matters pertaining to your mission. 1 ref rred ul length to the views entertained en-tertained ly the president, and to the position o I this government. It wa-then wa-then more than five years cinco an organizid insurrection had broken out winch the government of Spain had been en'in-ly unable to suppriw. At time Lie linn cmivietiun of the president was: annoiineed, tiiat whatever what-ever might b.j the vieiss-.tivlrBof the struggle, whatever ellorUt ingot be put Lrlh by the Spani-h power in Cu'-.t, no doubt could be entertained that tho final in- f the cnr.llU I would tie to lu-.-aL: ': U.nds whiu i-.tt iched Cuba :.-. a c - . -ny to Spam. ' nile romend '"'-:':g and ohsi-rvhig the dutitv which this 'jovi rnnn iit, as ori'iil tin; family of n ilions O'.v.s to i.nother menih r by public i.iw. tr-a-li.-s on particular M ttnt s of the l.'uit.-d St i'.-, it would be idle lo att. -nipt to conceal tho in ton .-t .ind r-ympilhy witli which Americans Amer-icans in the United States regard any attempt of a numerous people on this continent to be relieved of tii s which bold them in a p'Wtion ot colonial subjection to a distant power, and to assume independence and the rigiit ol self -control, which- natural rights anil tiie spirit of the age accord to them, when, moreover this struggle in progress on our very borders", from itsconimencemr-ot, has involved the property and interests of citizens of the United States, has disturbed our tranquility and commerce, has called upon us not unfrequently to witness barbarous violations of the rules of eiviliztd warfare and compelled us for the sake of humanity to raise our voice by way of protest, and when morn than all we see iu tho contest the final struggle in ibis hemisphere between slavery and freedom, it would bo strange, indeed, if the government govern-ment and people of fl.is country fail at any time to take a peculiar interest in the determination of such contest. In this early instruction was t-xprc.-sed the sincere and unselfish nope o; the president that the government of Spain would seek somo honorable and i-atisfaetory adjustment, bas-ed upon emancipation and self-government which would restore peace and all'ord the prospect of a return of prosperity to Cuba. Almost two years have passed since these instructions were issued and those strong ' hopes expressed, ex-pressed, and it would appear that the situation has in no respect improved tho horrors of war, have in no perceptible per-ceptible manner abated the inconveniences incon-veniences and injuries which we then su tiered, have remained and others been added, the ravages of war have touched new parts of the island and well nigh ruined hs financial and agricultural systems, and its relations to the commerce of the world. No effective steps have been taken to establish reforms or remedy abuses, and every edort to suppress the insurrection, insur-rection, by force alone, liiis been a complete failure. The material interests in-terests of trade and rommc-reo are impaired lo a degree which calls for remonstrance, if not for another lino of conduct on the part of all commercial com-mercial nations. Whether it be from tho severity and inhumanity with which the eflbrt has been made to suppress the insurrection, and from a supposed justification of retaliation for violation of the rules of civilized warfare, and by acts of barbarism, incendiarism and outrage, the world is witnessing, on the part of the insurgents, in-surgents, (whom Spain ttill claims as subjects, and lor whoso acts, if subjects, sub-jects, Spain must be held accountable in the eyes of the world.) a warfare, not of "legitimate strife, of relative force and strength, but of piliage and incendiarism, the burning of estates es-tates and tugar mills, and tiie destruction des-truction of the means of production and the wealth of the island. The United Siates purchase's more largely than any other people of the productions produc-tions of the island ol Cuba, and therefore there-fore more than auy other for this reason, and still more by reason of its immediate neighborhood, is interested in the arrest of tiie system of wanton destruction which disgraces the ago and affects af-fects every commercial people on the globe. Under these circumstances, circum-stances, and in view of the fact that Snain has reiected all su ingestions, all oilers of reform, or offers of mediation I made by this government, and has refused all measures looking to reconciliation recon-ciliation an impossibility, the difficulty diffi-culty of the situation becomes increased. in-creased. When, howeer, in addition addi-tion to these general causes of difficulty we find the Spanish government govern-ment neglectful also of the obligations ol treaties and solemn compacts, ami unwilling to aflord any redress for long-continued and well -founded wrongs suffered by our citizens, it becomes be-comes a serious question of bow long this condition ol things can or should be allowed to exist, and compels us to inquire whether the point has not been reached where longer endurance ceases to bo possible. During all this time and under these aggravated circumstances cir-cumstances this government has not failed to perform her obligations to Spain, as scrupulously U3 towards other nations. In lact, it might he Hiiid we have not only been long-suffering long-suffering because of the embarrassments, embarrass-ments, Burrou tiding the Spanish government, but particularly careful to give no occasion for complaint. For the same reason, I regret to say that the authorities of Spain have not at all times appreciated our intentions inten-tions or our purposes in these respects, re-spects, and while insis'-ing that the present state of war shall not exist in Cuba, and that no rights as belligerents should be accorded to the insurrectionists, they have, at the same time, demanded de-manded for themselves nil the rights and privileges which tlow from actual and acknowledged war. It will be apparent that such a slate of things cannot continue. It is absolutely necessary to the maintenance oi our relations with Spain, even on their present footing, that our just demands for the return to the citizens of the United States of their estates in Cuba, unencumbered, and for securing to them trial for ollenscs acconliug to tne treaty provisions, ana an otner rights guaranteed by the treaty and by public law, should be complied with. Whether the Spanish government, govern-ment, appreciating the forbearance of this country, will speedily and satisfactorily adjust the pending questions, not by the issue of implied orders or decrees without force or elb-ct in Cuba, but by comprehensive and firm measures, which shall everywhere every-where bo respected, I Bhall anxiously await further intelligence, apart from these particular questions. In the opinion of the president the time has arrived when Lie interests of this country, the preservation of its commerce and the instincts of humanity alike d em ami that BOine speedy and sali-. factory ending be made of Lie si rile that is devastating Cuba, This disistroiii conflict, of more than seven years duration, has demonstrated tho iuability of Spain lo maintain p ace in nn island lying at our do'r. Drrolation and tho destruction of life and property have been the only results of this conflict. The United States b-ymuatlnz"s. and feels that this inability ina-bility results in large degree from the unhappy condition of Spain at home, and lo some extent from the di.-t Tactions which are dividing her pto ile; b.it th facts which remain to tie added lo this are the large expanse of ocean separating the peninsula from the itdaud, and a want of harmony har-mony and per.-onal sympathy between the inhabitants of the home government govern-ment and those- of the colony. Iu addition to all tho, it cannot be that the question of Ihn continued maintenance, main-tenance, in the lace of tho decrees i and enactments to the contrary, of a I cnmpultury syr-tern ol (-lave labor is I the cause of the de-quiet, and if the excitement, to a larej' dnss in the ir-l.md, as al-o in the United Siati s, which the government of Spain has led us, by very distinct aseuraiic. s. to expect should lie n moved, and wn;.-h the enlitfhltnrd Christianity of the age condemns, the contest and disorder dis-order in Cuba aliect the United Stan s direct and injuriously by the prt-rem e iu this country of partisans ot Lie ' revolt, who have fled hither in eon-e-quence tf the proximity of the territory terri-tory as to a political asylum, and , who' by their pbitings, are disturbers ', of the peace. The United States has 'exerted its-lfto the utmost for seven years to reiJicss unlawful acts on the jitrtof tluse se f-ex:led subjects of . Sp:iin, relying on the promise of Spain " to pacify the island. . Seven years ol strain on tho powers ! of the government to fulfil; i that most exacting demand one j government can make, under any j i doctrine or claim of interna-) tional obligation upon another, have not witnessed Lie much-hoped-1 lor pacdication. Tho United States! feels itself entitled to bo released; from this strain. The severe measures, injurious to tho United States and ottcn in conthet with public pub-lic law, w:iicb tiie colonial officers have taken to subdue the insurrection insurrec-tion and the indiirerence and ofitimes offensive assaults upon the just susceptibilities sus-ceptibilities of the people of the United Sutes and their eovern'vjont, which have c.haraeieriz d that portion of i he peninsular population oi Havana which has sustained and upheld, if it has not controlled, the slid es.-ive governor-generals, and which nave led to a disregard of the orders and decrees which tiie more enlarged wisdom and more friendly councils of the home government had enacted; the cruelty and inhumanity which have characterized the conies , both on the part of the colonial government gov-ernment and of the revolt f r seven i .i.t, ,,..(;,- m vibwhlo "properties and industries by arson and pillage which Spain appears unable, un-able, however desirous, to prevent and slop in an island 3,000 miles distant dis-tant from her shores, but lying within sight of our coast, with which trade and constant intercourse are unavoidable, unavoid-able, are causes ol" annoyance and injury in-jury to tho United States, which Lie people cannot be expected to tolerate without the assurvd prospect of their termination. The United States has more than once been solicited by the , insurgent to extend to them its aid, but has for years hitherto resisted j such solicitations and has endeavored by the tender of its good offices in the way of mediation, advice and remonstrance, to bring loan end the great evil which pressed upon the interest of the government and the people of the United States, also upon up-on the commercial interests of other nations.a sincere friendship for Spain and for ber people, whether peninsular pen-insular or insular, and in equally sincere sin-cere reluctance to adopt any measures wlvch might injure or humble the an. .ent ally of the United States, has characterized the conduct of this govcrment in every step during these sad and distressing years, and the president is still animated by the same leeling and desires above all things to aid her and her people to enter and move upon the path of sak-ty and repose. The president, in r.tei'J, tendered the good offices of Lie United States for tho purpose of bringing to a close the war in Cuba. Tiie offer was made delicately, in good laith, and in friendship to both parties to the contest. General Trim, as representative of the Spanish Span-ish government, while recognizing the good faith and friendship with which the ofler was made, replied: "We can better proceed in the present pres-ent situation of things without even this friendly intervention. The time will come when the good offices of ha Unile.1 Suites will be nis only useful, but indispensable to the liual arrangements between bpain ana Cuba. We will ascertain the form in which they can be employed and confidently con-fidently count upon your assistance." The United States replied that its good office for that object would be at any time at the service of the parties to the conflict. This government has ever since been ready thus to aid in restoring peace and quiet. The government gov-ernment of the United States has heretofore given "expression to no policy in reJercuce to the insurgents in Cuba, because it has honestly and sincerely hoped that no declaration ot policy on us part would be required. requir-ed. The president feels that longer reticence would be inconsistent with the interests o( both governments. Our relations with Spain are in that critical positijn that another seizure similar to that of tho l'tr.iniiu, other executions of citizens of the Uhiled States, other wrongs of a less objectionable objec-tionable character than many which havo already been suffered by our citizens, with a simple remonstrance, or possible even some new act of exceptionable ex-ceptionable eeveri'y in Cuba, may suddenly produce a feeling and excitement ex-citement which might lorcu even that which this government anxiously desires to avoid. The president hopes Spain may adopt measures looking to a reconciliation and speedy restoration res-toration of peace and tho organization or-ganization of a stable and satisfactory satis-factory system of government in the. island of Culu. In the absence of any prospect of any termination ot the war, or of any change in the manner man-ner in which it has been conducted on cither side, he feels that the tune is at hand when it may be the duly of other governments to interfere, solely with the view ol bringing to an end the disastrous and destructive conflict, and of restoring peace in the island Cuba. No government is more deeply interested in tho word or action of Lie administration of this ;..l I .1.,., -t tlm IIniO.,1 States, and none b:is unfleied as has the United States from the condition whiuh has obtained there during the past sir or seven years. Ho will, therefore, feel it bis duty at an early day to admit the subject in this light, and accompanied by an expression of the views above presented for tho consideration of congress, this conclusion con-clusion is reached with reluctance and regret; it is reached ofler every othor expedient has been attempted and proved a failure, and in Lie firm conviction that a period when no other course remains for this government. govern-ment. Il appears to be a just and friendly act lo frankly communicate Ibis conclusion lo tho Spanish government. gov-ernment. You will, therefore, take an early occasion thus to inform that government. govern-ment. In making tho communication communica-tion it is the earnest desire of the president to impress upon tho authorities author-ities of Spain tho continued friendly friend-ly disposition ol this government and itlnis no ulterior selfish objects iu view, and no desire to become a party in Iho conflict, but is moved solely by the imperative necessities of proper regard to its own protection, and iU only instructor, tho interasla of humanity; and as we firmly believe be-lieve in tho ultimate interest of Spam itself. In informing tho Spanish government of these conclusions pursuant pur-suant hereto, yon aro authorized to read this instruction to the minister ot state, or to elate tho substance and purport; thereof as you may deem most advisable. You will, of course, keep mo advised by telegraph and by ' post of your proceedings pursuant to this instruction I am, sir, your obedient servant, (Signed) Ui milton Fn. The Maine state temperance convention con-vention has adopted strong liquor prohibition resolutions. |