Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-11-25
Views of Prominent Men.
EX-PREsIDENT JOHNSON.


Ex-President johnson, on being asked for an
expression of his opinion concerning the Span
lsh outrage, manifested hesltancy in allowing
them to be made public, for+the reason that he
might be deemed offcious, especially by ex-
pressing his views concerning the proper policy
OF the government In reference to the subject
There were two parties interested in involving
the United States In war with Spain-one anx-
lous that the navy should be increased, the 9th
er deslrous of enlarging the army. If the navy
was inefficient, the proper and usual course
should be taken to strengthen it, but not uoder
the pretext OF going to war with Spain. Like
wise, additions to the army should be brought
about without ascribing the reason for the in
crease.
Cuba should have been annexed to the Uni
ted States many years ago. Her commerce,
the inclination of her people, and the situation
OF the island all tend to place her 10 position
looking toward the protection Of the United
States. This had been delayed for twenty-five
years through the designs of reckless class of
adventurers, and their actions had done much
toward increasing Spain's opposition to cediDg
the Island to foreign power.
War with Spain would entangle our com.
merce in innumerable complications. 1t would
subject it to the prey of pirates, and its facli-
ties would be hindered through letters of
marque. To his mind war with Spain was a
serious question, and demanded much consid-
Grafton. The subject should be weighed care
fully and with judgment.
POSTMASTER GENERAL CREsWELL.
Postmaster General Creswell entertaius very
decided opinions on the Cuban question, but he
does not wish to be put down as averse to any
actl his colleague in the cabinet, MIR. Fish,
had decided proper to take. He was inclined,
To h uio ~ 4b T
the action of Spain In allowing SO iuhuman an
outrage as was committed.by the execution of
the Cuban patriots settled the fate of Cuba
He alluded to the popular clamor in favor of the
United States recognizing the belligerency OF
Cuba, and said that the agitators OF this prop
osltlon did not clearly understand their own DO
sllon. The recognition Of belligerent rights,
he claimed, would give Spain the right to search
and make secures upon the high seas, a right
involving principle for which we are now con-
te, ding He had no doubt the CASTELAR, gov
ernment would make apologies for the outrage
Committed, bat this alone would not suffice
Spain must make reparation for the injury done
TO the utmost limit of her power
WHAT GENERAL SHERMAN SAYS ABOUT 1T.
General Sherman, in conversation at Wash
ington, is reported to have said it was absurd to
talk of going to war on this question He
thought there was no danger of a war, and that
indeed the United States could not go to war,
as the military force is entirely inadequate for
our own purposes-a remark in which the At
torney General concurs. TIE latter says it is
impossible to obtain soldiers enough to assist
marshals and district attorneys in carrying out
the law In unsettled districts Both gentlemen
of course base their calculations upon the
strength of the existing army. The standing
of the army is at present about 29, $50. Gen
eral Sherman says that none of the troops or
machinery of the army are available In any con
templated designs upon Spain. Whatever ad-
ditions are made Congress will decide.
WHAT EX- GOV MoCOoK SAYS
Ex-Governor McCook of Colorado, who was
major general In the rebellion. and is of the
family known as the fighting McCooks," says
that nothing would do so much to effect fra
ternal feeling at home as war with foreign ma
tions. General Pickett, of the Confederate ar.
my, holds the same views Both say they
could put 10000 experienced soldiers from
both armies in the field within month from
the time war was declared. The army officers
here are generally hof for a fipht