1897 ROYAL MANIFESTO REGARDING THE END OF THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR (Public)
Our dear subjects,
This victory over the Americans is the great feat of the Spanish state, army and people which would never be forgotten. It was a battle not only for Cuba, but for national prominence, honor and independence. We were attacked by an enemy whose territory and the number of forces far exceeded our own – and yet the resolve of Our people and the valor of Our troops were such that this aggression was timely ended.
It demonstrates that our state and nation are healthy and strong, that the principles of patriotism and loyalty, enforced by Carlist ideals, are in their basis. This victory demonstrates that Spain is firmly walking the new path, free of the maladies of the past, which have undermined it during the Napoleonic invasion and the successive years. We have been recognized as a Great Power by the civilized world – and have proudly defended the right to be named such. Nobody would dare to attempt to dismantle our empire or subjugate our country– and these that would, would be punished.
The sacrifices of the Spanish nation during this war should be rewarded. We concur with the patriotic calls of the Principe de la Guerra and Conde de Mostoles and announce that, while a big sculpture would be erected in Madrid, We believe that each town and community should thrive to honor its own heroes, so that their names are not forgotten. We believe that it would be a good idea that each city would possess at least a memorial stone listing the names of the local citizens who have fallen fighting for their Fatherland. We order the Duke of Infantado to supervise these efforts, cooperating with the local viceroys, as well as preside in the committee that would think of the means to materially remunerate these participants of the war that are returning to the civilian life. At the same time We decree that Capitan General the Principe de la Guerra, as the senior commanding officer of Our armies, is to collect and present Us the recommendations regarding military rewards and promotions in rank, commending Our soldiers of all ranks for their bravery.
We once again note that this war has demonstrated a sense of unity in the nation, bodies of state and political parties, as well as unity with our European allies, expecially pointing at the long-term brotherhood-in-arms We have shared with the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Portugal. We should uphold this unity in the times of peace as well – and then We would prevail over all enemies and overcome all problems that may ever come.
FELIPE
((TO THE PRINCIPE DE LA GUERRA – RR Private))
Don Antonio,
We find the plans as stated in your memorandum quite useful and agreeable. We would take measures neccessary to strengthen the police and security forces within the Spanish colonies – and in meanwhile We authorize you to coordinate efforts to replenish Our armies and navy and develop the military defenses of Cuba and other overseas possessions.
We would order Our governors and other officials (naxhi24) to cooperate with you in this regard and give you all information as necessary.
FELIPE
((TO THE CABINET - Private))
Inviting his Cabinet to the Palace, the King assembled them around a marble table, laid out with maps, charts and documents as provided by the clerks of the Royal Chancellery. After a few moments of silence the Monarch spoke up.
Your Grace, the First Secretary of the Cabinet and you, honorable and worshipful Ministers of State,
It is clear that the first and most important task that we would need to fulfill in the years to come, is to restore the army and county after the war. I am sure that the Ministries of the Colonies, Interior, Treasury and War, under the guidance of the presiding Minister, Duque de Etxeto, would take the necessary measures in this regard.
However, this must not throw us into dormancy and make us forget the imperial goals. While doing what necessary to let the Kingdom rest, We need to already plan the strategies of the decades to come.
I. The first topic I want to discuss with you today is China. As you know, the Spanish Kingdom has been holding the province of Shanghai for some time – and while they are the gates to the Eastern riches, due to the fact that we had to deal with other crucial questions, they did remain but gates. At the same time the Military Governor of Shanghai, as well as our agents in China itself, report to me of the expansionist successes of the other realms that have been active in the region. We are told that the United Kingdom has already extended its rule to all southern China, and that the Japanese spies are now swarming in Manchuria.
It is clear that the so-called Heavenly Taiping Kingdom is now the Sick Man of the East, as the Ottoman Empire was the Sick Man of Europe. It is predestined either to fall under protection of one of the mightier countries or be divided into various spheres of influence – as it partially already is .
Since Spain is present in the region, it seems prudent that it ensures that it gets its share and is not left with solely Shanghai, surrounded by vast possessions of other countries. We see here the representatives of the Yellows, which would surely understand the great commercial benefits we may receive by expanding in this region – the flow of Chinese goods, the profitable concessions and the new opportunities for our people. At the same time I believe that Chinese themselves are better prepared for our civilizing mission than some other groups. They are not overcome by tribalism and wildness as the Africans – and their minds are not poisoned by radicals ideas as the minds of, say, some people in our former holdings in the Indies. They believe in the Mandate of Heaven, ergo solid authority and discipline. They also, since the Taiping takeover, profess, if heretical and perverted, a form of Christian faith – and therefore could be guided to the right Catholic path and become useful part of of the Spanish empire.
Therefore We want us to discuss this matter – whether it would be reasonable if we strengthen Our positions in the region, and, if yes, in which form and by which means we are to conduct that? Which provinces, linked to our stronghold in Shanghai, may we need most? How may they be administered – would we profit from direct rule or keeping the Taiping kingdom in some form in these territories, but under our guidance?
We believe that we need to discuss all possible variants, so that any new developments in the East would not take us by surprise.
II. The second issue relates to European security. As we have seen, over the years the countries of Europe have participated in numerous bloody wars between themselves. It is a sad fact that the cordiality and order that the Congress of Vienna intended to established has been violated many times, for, alas, such is the quarrelsome and inperfect human nature. While it is necessary that all European realms should work to rebuild some semblance of cooperation - there is a fact that, We think, may play a serious role in the future European conflicts. As you saw during this war, the United States of America has, over a dispute in the New World, attacked the Spanish continental holdings. Such happenings can lead not only to danger to Spain, but to overall disharmony within the commonwealth of European nations – for if such a force within the New World would start interfering in the affairs of the Old World, participating in its conflicts, it can lead to unforeseeable and negative consequences.
For this reason We are considering calling for a European Congress that would pressure the United States of America to give guarantees never to land its troops in Europe, even if one of the countries would demand its aid in military expeditions.
We are hoping that you voice your ideas regarding this thought as well.
FELIPE
))
