Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1898 — A ROYAL DECREE. [ARTICLE]

A ROYAL DECREE.

By It Spain Recognizes Existence of War with United States. V Treaties Declared V oid—Right of Privateering She Holds in Reserve. American Vessels Must Leave Spanish Waters Within Thirty Days’ Time. Our Congress Will Pass a Resolution Formally Declaring War Against Spain. * ————— , This Course Will B« Taken to Avoid Chance of Unpleasant Complications with the Powers. Madrid, April 25. —The Spanish government has formally recognized the state of war that exists between Spain and the United States. A royal decree was gazetted here Sunday announcing that diplomatic relations between the two nations had been broken off and a state of war begun. The decree is as follows: "Diplomatic relations are broken off between Spain and the United States, and the state of war having begun between the two countries, numerous questions of International law arise which must be precisely defined chiefly because the Injustice and provocation oome from our adversaries, and It Is they who, by their detestable conduct, have caused this grave Conflict. "We have observed with strictest fidelity the principles of International law and have shown the most scrupulous respect for morality and the right of government. There Is an opinion that the fact that we have not adhered to the declaration of Paris does not exempt us from the duty of respecting the principles therein enunciated. The principle Spain unquestionably refused to admit then was the abolition of privateering. The government now considers It most indispensable to make absolute reserve on this point In order to maintain our liberty of action and uncontested right to have recourse to privateering when we consider it expedient, first by organizing immediately a force of oruisers auxiliary to the navy, which will be composed of vessels of our mercantile marine and with equal distinction In the work of our navy.” Following la a summary of the more Important of the five clauses outlining the •rules Spain will observe during the war: “Clause L The state of war existing between Spain and the United States annuls the treaty of peace and amity of October 37, 1795, and the protocol of January 12, 1877, and all other agreements, treaties or conventions in force between the two countries. "Clause 2. From the publication of these presents 30 days are granted to all ships of the United States anchored In our harbors to take their departure free of hindrance. “Clause 3. Notwithstanding that Spain has not adhered to the declaration of Paris, the government, respecting the principles of the law of nations, proposes to observe, and hereby orders to be s ob«erved, the following regulations of maritime law: "1. Neutral flags cover the enemy's merchandise except contraband of war. "2. Neutral merchandise, except contraband of war, is not seizable under the enemy’s flag. "3. A blockade to be obligatory must be effective —viz.: It must be maintained with sufficient force to prevent access to the enemy’s littoral. • "4. The Spanish government, upholding its right to grant letters of marque, will at present confine itself to organising, with the vessels of the mercantile marine, a force of auxiliary cruisers which will cooperate with the navy according to the needs of the campaign and will be under naval control. "5. In order to capture the enemy’s ships and confiscate the enemy’s merchandise and contraband of war, under whatever form, ths auxiliary cruisers will exercise the right of search on the high seas and In the waters under the enemy’s jurisdiction, in accordance with International law and the regulations which will be published. "8. Defines what is Included In contraband of war, naming weapons, ammunition, equipments, engines, and, in general, all the appliances used in war. "7. Te be regarded and judged as pirates with all the rigor of the law are captains, masters, officers and two-thlrds of the crews of vessels which, not being American, shall commit acta of war against Spain, even If provided with letters qf marque Issued by the United States.”