LAD #18 McKinely's War

William McKinley’s War Message

"In the name of humanity...
The war in Cuba must stop."
After the ultimatum given to Spain by the Untied States in March 1898, Spain finally ceased all fighting and granted an armistice to the Cuban revolutionists participating in the bloody Cuban war. Upon this action, President McKinley asked Congress to take steps to bring an end to the conflict in Cuba, yet despite these initial neutral efforts, Congress adopted a joint resolution which plunged the United States into war on the side of the Cubans.
April 11, 1898
To the Congress of the United States:
As President of the Untied States and as the Constitution requires, I will now pass on information from the union of the state, and recommend specific actions in regard to the grave Cuban situation. The brutal circumstances of the fighting in Cuba have effected the United States if America for nearly half a century. In addition to the cruel and uncivilized nature of warfare, our trade and capital has also suffered. Even though it would still be preferable to achieve a
rational compromise, as stated in my address in December, the recognition of the independence of Cuba may be impracticable and indefensible. The solid grounds of our intervention include the protection of humanity against inhumane bloodshed, the protection of citizens and their lives and property, to protect our trade and commerce, and ultimately to save the peace of our government as a whole. The reality of these dangers have been brought to our attention through several events including the destruction of the Maine. For the innocent and starving Cubans caught in the hellish condition of warfare and also for the public of the Untied States of America depend on the absolute halt of the Cuban war. It is with these thoughts on mind that I now ask the Congress to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of hostilities between the government of Spain and the people of Cuba, and furthermore, to ensure a successful and stable government for the Cuban people.