The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, A Weekly Magazine for Boys and Girls | Page 7

in possession of facts that no private citizen can obtain.
We print a portion of his remarks:
"The story of Cuba for many years has been one of unrest, growing
discontent; an effort toward a larger enjoyment of liberty and
self-control; of organized resistance to the mother country.
"The prospect from time to time that the weakness of Spain's hold upon
the island might lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continental power
called forth, between 1823 and 1860, various emphatic declarations of
the policy of the United States to permit no disturbance of Cuba's
connection with Spain, unless in the direction of independence or
acquisition by us through purchase; nor has there been any change of
this declared policy since upon the part of the Government.
"The revolution which began in 1868 lasted for ten years, despite the
strenuous efforts of the successive Peninsular governments to suppress
it. Then, as now, the Government of the United States testified its grave
concern and offered its aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba. The
overtures made by General Grant were refused, and the war dragged on,
entailing great loss of life and treasure and increased injury to
American interests, besides throwing enhanced burdens of neutrality
upon this Government. In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce of
Zanjon, obtained by negotiations between the Spanish commander,
Martinez de Campos, and the insurgent leaders.
"The present insurrection broke out in February, 1895."
He goes on to say that the friendly offers of mediation made in April,
1896, by this Government, were refused by Spain. He mentions the
cruel policy of driving the peasants into the towns, the abuse of the

rights of war which were perpetrated, speaks of Minister Woodford's
mission, and finally shows that action on our part was rendered
unnecessary by the death of Canovas and the coming in to power of
Sagasta.
He declares that the present Government of Spain seems determined to
give liberal Home Rule to the island of Cuba, and to give it in spite of
the serious objections raised by certain powerful political parties in
Spain.
In the face of these facts, he asks Congress to give Spain time, before
making any demands, to end the war.
He refuses to recognize the belligerency of Cuba, and bases his
decision on the action taken by President Grant in 1875, when the
situation in Cuba was similar to the present state of affairs.
He quotes the following words of General Grant:
"A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion,
impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself
is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the
contest. In a former message to Congress I had occasion to consider
this question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba,
dreadful and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the fearful
dignity of war...."
He declares that as regards filibustering, he thinks the Government has
simply done its duty. He leaves the Cuban question practically as it was,
asking Congress to wait and see how the Home Rule principle works
before taking any further steps.
He promises that if, in the future, intervention in the affairs of Cuba
seems necessary, he will face the necessity without hesitation.
HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION is treated very clearly by President
McKinley.

He thinks the time is ripe for annexation, and recommends that the
treaty shall be confirmed as speedily as possible.
He seems to think there is no doubt that Congress will pass the treaty,
for he goes on to recommend that Home Rule shall be given to
Hawaiians as soon as the islands shall belong to the United States.
He reports progress on THE NICARAGUA CANAL, states that the
surveys and examinations are being made, and that he hopes soon to
have a full statement to submit to Congress.
THE SEALING QUESTION received some consideration. The
Message gives the history of the matter, with which we are all familiar
(or can easily become so by looking up the back numbers of THE
GREAT ROUND WORLD, from page 732, and through several
numbers following).
The President announces the treaty arranged between Russia, Japan,
and the United States, and that on certain important points England is
also agreed. He thinks there will be little difficulty in getting measures
adopted for the preservation of the seal herd.
ARBITRATION.--On this matter he states that the "best sentiment of
the civilized world is moving toward the settlement of differences
between nations without the horrors of war."
He adds that he will give his constant encouragement to all such
treaties, provided they do not endanger our interests.
THE EXPOSITION OF 1900, which will be held in Paris, also comes
in for consideration.
President McKinley states that from