Debate of Oct. 31, 1895.Question: "Resolved, That it is for the interest of the U. S. to aid the Cuban insurgents."

Brief for the Affirmative.H. F. KNIGHT and A. G. LEWIS.

Best general references: Forum, xi, 559 (July, 1891) and XX. 50 (Sept. 1895;) Engineering Magazine, x. 9 (Oct. 1895;) Atlatic, XLIV, 80 (July, 1879;) Wharton, Digest of International Law, 1. 366 etseq; "Reference Atlas of the World," Map 50; M. M. Ballou, "Due South," ch. xv.

I. The result of aid given by the U. S. to Cuba will be the achievement of Cuban independence.

II. To aid Cuba to independence is for the moral interest of the U. S.- (a) The Cuban cause is just.- (1) The Spanish administration of Cuba has always been selfish and tyrannical. Forum, xx. 54 sq. Ballou 305 sq.- (a) Denial of representation.- (b) Oppressive direct and indirect taxation.- (c) Spanish control of revenues.- (d) Greed and corruption of officials.- (e) Espionage.- (f) Censorship of press.- (g) Barbarities in suppressing rebellions.- (2) Spain has broken faith with Cuba.- (a) Non-fulfillment of promises made to insurgents in 1878: Forum, xx. 56.

III. To aid Cuba to independence is for the commercial interest of the U. S.- (a) Volume and importance of our trade with Cuba; Forum, xi. 563 ff; World's Almance, 1895, p. 195.- (b) This important commerce, while the war continues, will be constantly harassed.- (c) Cuban independence would greatly increase it.- (1) Removal of Spanish prohibitory duties.- (2) Removal of commercial restrictions.- (x) Tonnage duties.- (y) Fine system.- (z) Search by cruisers.

IV. To aid Cuba to independence is for the industrial interests of the U. S.- (a) Cuba is a most profitable field for the employment of U. S. capital. Forum, xi. 564 sq. Eng. Mag. x. 13 sq.- (1) Great agricultural resources. Sugar, Maize, Coffee, Cacao, Fruits.- (2) Great mineral resources: Gold, Copper, Iron, etc.- (3) Great resources of forests: Mahogany, other valuable cabinet woods.- (b) Such an influx of American capital is impossible under Spanish control of Cuba.- (1) Constant danger of revolution.- (2) Oppressive commercial restrictions.

V. To aid Cuba to independence is for the political interest of the U. S.- (a) It will secure for the U. S. an ascendancy in Cuba.- (b) This ascendancy is most desirable,- (1) To keep Cuba from Great Britain.- (x) It would complete a formidable chain of British possessions around our eastern coast.- (2) For the strategic value of Cuba to the U. S.- (x) A valuable outpost of defence.- (1) It has many excellent harbors.- (2) Our coast opposit has very few.- (x) Cuba commands many important lines of trade.- (1) Gulf of Mexico.- (2) Entire commerce passing through the Nicaragua canal.- (3) Commerce of the Mississippi valley.

Brief for the Negative.B. C. MEAD and F. R. STEWARD.

Best general references: Wharton, Digest of International Law, 60; R. H. Dana, Wheaton's International Law, 536n-564; Freeman Snow, American Diplomacy, 349-357; Segunds Alvarez on The Cuban Situation; in North American Review, vol. 161, pp. 362-365 (Sept. 1895) Harper's Weekly, May 18, 1895, July 27, 1895, Aug. 31, 1895, Oct. 19, 1895; Nation, LXI. 249; Freeman Snow, Cases on International Law, 24-27.

I. Such intervention is contrary to our long established policy: Pres't. Grant's Spec. Mess. to Cong. 13 June 1870: in Wharton, Digest p. 387.- (a) Our course in respect to Spanish American Republics.- (b) Our forbearance in the last Cuban struggle, 1868-78.

II. The present conflict in Cuba does not warrant intervention in behalf of the insurgents.- (a) Our treaty obligations with Spain: J. H. Haswell, Treaties and Conventions, pp. 1006 1041.- (b) Not a national movement for freedom.- (1) Number engaged in revolt is small.- (2) Of low character.- (3). Solid interests not in revolt: Harper's Weekly, 27 July, 1895, 31 Aug. 1895.- (c) Intervention not warranted on score of Spanish atrocities.- (1) Insurgents are the conspicuous offenders: Cosmopoltan, XIX. pp. 608-616; J. F. Clark on Cuba's Struggle for Freedom.

III. Our commercial interests will not be imperiled by failure to aid the insurgents.- (a) We enjoy considerable Cuban trade under Spanish dominion: Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 1895.- (b) Such trade is not now menaced by Spain: Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 1895.- (c) If Cuba gained freedom without our aid we should still enjoy bulk of the trade.- (1) Proximity.- (2) Existing reciprocal advantages.

IV. We need not fear ascendancy in Cuba of any other European nation should we neglect to aid the insurgents.- (a) Geographical position.- (b) American interests already dominant.- (c) Our repeated declarations against this: F. Snow, Amer. Dip. p. 350.- (d) Our success in the Mexican incident.

V. Belligerent rights should not be granted the insurgents:- (a) Recognition is a question of fact: F. Snow, Cases, p. 24; Wharton's Digest, I, 387.- (b) War does not actually exist.- (1) No organized insurgent government-(2) No ports, revenue, organized communication with outside world: Nation, LXI. 249; Harper's Weekly, 19 Oct. 1895.

VI. Winking at filibustering and shipments of arms should not be countenanced.- (a) Constant care of our government has been against this: Wharton's Digest, I. p. 386.- (b) Unjust to Spain.- (1) We are at peace with her.- (c) Establishes a dangerous precedent.- (1) Similar expeditions against friendly powers would be encouraged.- (d) Such expeditions are contrary to our own law: Revised Statutes U. S. 5281-5291.- (e) Contrary to International Law: R. H. Dana, Wheaton's Int. Law, 536n-564.