                    Recognition Of The Independence Of Cuba
                                     1898

  Joint Resolution for the recognition of the independence of the
people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish
its authority and government in the Island of Cuba, and to withdraw
its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing
the President of the United States to use the land and naval forces of
the United States to carry these resolutions into effect.
  Whereas, the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than
three years in the Island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have
shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States, have
been a disgrace to Christian civilization, culminating, as they
have, in the destruction of a United States battle-ship, with two
hundred and sixty-six of its officers and crew, while on a friendly
visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer be endured, as has
been set forth by the President of the United States in his message to
Congress of April eleventh, eighteen hundred and ninetyeight, upon
which the action of Congress was invited: Therefore,
  Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, First. That the people of the
Island of Cuba are, and of right ought to be, free and independent.
  Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and
the Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the
Government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in
the Island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba
and Cuban waters.
  Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is,
directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of
the United States, and to call into the actual service of the United
States, the militia of the several States, to such extent as may be
necessary to carry these resolutions into effect.
  Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or
intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over
said Islands except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its
determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government
and control of the Island to its people.
  Approved, April 20, 1898.
