The wise utterances of President Grant in his memorable message of
December 7, 1875, are signally relevant to the present situation in
Cuba, and it may be wholesome now to recall them. At that time a ruinous
conflict had for seven years wasted the neighboring island. During all
those years an utter disregard of the laws of civilized warfare and
of the just demands of humanity, which called forth expressions of
condemnation from the nations of Christendom, continued unabated.
Desolation and ruin pervaded that productive region, enormously
affecting the commerce of all commercial nations, but that of the United
States more than any other by reason of proximity and larger trade and
intercourse. At that juncture General Grant uttered these words, which
now, as then, sum up the elements of the problem:

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[3] 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. * * * It is possible that the acts of foreign
powers, and even acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be
pointed to in defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past
history, the United States should carefully avoid the false lights
which might lead it into the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable
propriety, and adhere rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been
its guide, of doing only that which is right and honest and of good
report. The question of according or of withholding rights of