LAD #18 McKinley's War Message

President McKinley proclaimed that the war in Cuba must stop. Cuba was having a revolt against Spain and this was causing many problems for many people. U.S. trade with Cuba has been affected by this revolution and American investments in Cuba were losing. It does not appear that there is an end to this quarrel in sight, so something must be done to end it. McKinley stated that America would act as a neutral country to stop the war between Spain and Cuba. First, the U.S. will stop the bloodshed, starvation and horrible miseries that are occurring as a result of this fight. Second, we will give them protection and payment for the life and property, since their government cannot afford it. Third, our right to intervene is justified by the injury to trade and commerce that has been seen. Fourth, due to how close Cuba is to America, this issue affects our peace as well as our trade, so it is in our best interest to solve the issues at hand. The U.S. ship Maine was struck and sunk by an exterior blow near Havana, this has caused grief in America. Although it has not been determined who sunk the ship, it shows that Spain cannot protect the American ships in Cuban waters. Due the endangerment of American interests the war in Cuba must stop. McKinley asks for Congress’ approval for military and naval forces to ensure the safety in Cuba.