Daily Kennebec journal., 1875-11-19
RELATIONS WITH SPIN.

XELAIIOAS y WA Or Il ~
The affairs of our government relative
to Spain and Cuba have formed promi-
nent topic for few days past. Rumors
have been flying thick and fast indicating
that war with Spain is close upon us
that President Grant is preparing tor 1t
and that his coming message will recon-
mend it.
The foundation for all this bluster ap-
pears to be very slight indeed An article
in the London Times of the 3rd inst. was
the starting point. In that the writer de-
clared that President Grant had ordered a
note to be delivered to the Cabinet at
Madrid, which would not have been sent
unless the President was prepared and in
tended to fight, and that any government
with sense of self-respect would fight
rather than yield to such dctalon. Ac-
companying this declaration were state
ments going to show naval preparations
both in Spain and this country, as though
for some near anticipated emergency
That article of course walked up those IN
the United States who desire and are
scheming for the possession of Cuba, even
at the cost Of war, and they have been ih-
dustriously tanning the belligerent spark
in the hope that it may eventually kindle
fire which will not be extingushed cx-
cept with the acquisition of Cuba,
1t is now ascertained that President
Grant has sent no such despatch as the
London Times attributed to him. Efforts
have been made and are being continued
on the part of our government through
Minister Cushing to procure modification
of some of the provisions of the treaty of
1895, which bear hard upon American cit
liens. In relation to this subject Il semi
official despatch was sent from Washing
ton 10 the press OF this country and tele-
graphed to Europe, purporting to give the
opinion of the administration. But the
despatch contained nothing new. 1t was,
in fact. copy of an old letter of Secreta-
ry Fish to our Minister at Madrid, pub
lished in last years volume of State pa
pers. Its reproduction answered TO Gre
ate sensation only because it was herald o.
ed as recent and menacing movement,
and because some late steps in naval mat
tiers, or rumors of such, were diligently
circulated to corroborate the idea of i'm
pending hostilities.
We believe there is too much wisdom
in the administration at Washington TO
hasten or encourage war with Spain
about Cuba. The annexation OF Cuba by
force is not step desired by the people OF
the United States. If her destiny is joined
with ours let it be the free act Of her own
people Time will probably bring around
union without bloodshed We can there
fore afford to wait; nay we can afford to
take no other course than to wait. The
cost of war would be far more than the
money value Of Cuba at any fair valuation.
1t is true the Spanish nation is weak and
distracted, but it has navy that in case
of war would be felt on our seaboard and
inflict irreparable damage upon our COM
merce and navigation, now just beginning
to recover from the evil effects of the late
rebellion. Only the most clear need of
maintaining our righ's and defence Of our
honor can Justify war. Patience and mag
nanimity are better becoming great and
powerful nation like ours towards a
weaker sister than bullying and taking be-
cause we are strong what we have no right
to take. We hope President Grants mes
sage to Congress will dspel the idea which
Cuban bordholders, spectators and adj
venturers arc laboring to create, that this
government is going TO fight for the ac-
QUESTION OF Cuba. Our Centennial year
should be one of peace. of goodwill
towards all nations; above all it should
not be stained by mereenary and costly
scramble tor an island to which we have
oijust claim. and cannot even urge the
plea OF necessity for our countrys safety
and prosperity to justify its seizure
One Of Lynn's census enumerators met with the
following experience in calling upon former res
idcnt Of the Green Isle. Ia answer TO the ques-
sion, "How many children have yon got !" he re-
piled; "seyen. SIR" The next question being
given, "Giye The name Of your eldest living child"
he hesitated moment and then said "The old
est living child is dead, sir"