Rensselaer Republican, Volume 28, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 December 1896 — TIME FOR ACTION. [ARTICLE]

TIME FOR ACTION.

Senate Committee Makes a Report to Accompany Cuban Resolutions. Senator Cameron, of the Committee on Foreign Relations, presented to“*the Senate a report to ifceomptvrfy the Cuban resolutions, which were adopted by the committed, It is a document of very great length, and deals thoroughly, though briefly, in its opening, with modern precedents' of European intervention where independence was the issue involved, the committee having, as its report mentions, examined with care all -the instances Which have occurred during this century of people claiming independence by the right of revolt. The opening lines of the report read: “Congress, at its last session, after long -and patient consideration, adopted with practical unanimity the view expressed by your committee that the time had come for resuming intervention with Spain for the recognition of the independence of Cuba. Spain having declined to . listen to any representation founded on an understanding between herself and the insurgents, and Congress having pledged itself to friendly intervention, the anly question that remains to be decided is the nature of the next step to be taken' with proper regard tq the customs and usages of nations.” Six precedents in foreign countries have made it plain to the committee “that Ehrope has invariably asserted and practiced the right to interfere, both collectively and separately, amicably and forcibly, in every instance, except that of Poland, where a European people has resorted to insurrection to obtain independence.” Then, with particular reference to Cuba, the report declares the government of the United States has always regarded Cuba as within the sphere of its most active and serious interest. As early as 1820 the United States sought to interpose its friendly offices.” Reference is made to the action taken by Congress in the last session requesting the President to interpose his friendly offices with Spain for the recognition of Cuba. “This action was,” the report declares, “taken on great consideration and on just principles,” on a right of intervention exercised twenty-seven years ago, and after a patient delay unexampled in history. The .interval of nine months has proved the necessity of carrying :t out to completion. The regular organization of an insurgent government, the adoption of a constitution and election of a president is alluded to, then-military force, “sufficient to battle the exertions of 200,000 Spanish soldiers” and their civil administration at work, is given consideration, and the committee says: “The only question that properly remains for Congress to consider Is the inode which should be adopted for the step which Congress is pledged to take. “she government has none»but friendly feelings for Spain, and there is no friendly office which Spain could ask which the United States within the limits of their established principles and policy would not be'giad to extend. In she present instance they are actuated by au earnest wish to avoid the danger of seeming to provoke a csnflict.” The report ends with recommending the joint resolution recognizing’the ludependence of Cuba and proffering friendly offices to Spain in order to bring the war to a close.