The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-01-14
impending War.

Tic air is filled with rumors Of war be-
tween the United States and Spain. or Next
co, or both. Certain expressions in President
Grants recent message, coupled with the un-
usual concentration of n large naval force in
Southern waters, under orders emanating
from the Navy Department at Washington,
are sufficient TO give semblancc of truth, at
least, to the foreboding.
1t win be recollected that the President,
in his last annual message, in speaking ofthe
amentable condition of affairs on the island
f Cuba, asserted his belief that the United
-states must soon consider the necessity of
mediation and intervention to end the inter-
necine strife in that unfortunate isle. Inter
vention in the affairs of Cuba means nothing
less than war with Spain. In pursuance of
the Presidents policy, it is announced, semi
officially, from Washington, that "the con-
centration of naval vessels at Port Royal
South Carolina, is in pursuance of o general
plan u the Secretary of tho Navy to make that
place the headquarters of the North Atlantic
Station, as it presents many advantages over
any otherport on the Atlantic coast" The
great, essential advantage which it possesses
is tlren stated in the following terms:
"The geographical position of Port Royal
makes it the central point of the North At
lanGc station, and the vessels rendeZvouscd
there can reach Cuban waters, and the Gulf,
where our interests most need to be looked
after, within forty-eight hours. 1t is the
policy of the Secretary OF the Navy to have
our home squadron larger than any of those
abroad, because he believes in being prcpar-
ed for any emergency out of the present diff
ficulties on the island of Cuba. While there
is no official announcement in regard to the
condition of affairs between this country and
Spain, it is believed, in well informed circles,
that the uncertain tenure which Spain has
upon that island may cause that Government
to become involved in difficulty with the
United States when it sees it can no longer
hold the island, and thus part with it as a
matter of necessity"
That the movements of our government
are both jealousy watched and feared by
Spain is evident from the fact that the gov
eminent at Madrid has appointed Gen, Joyel-
lar, just now perhaps one of the foremost
men of all Spain, ptain.General of Cuba.
Then we have the following important an
nouncement by Telegraph TO the New York
Herald:
Madrid, Jan. S-The Spanish Govern
ment has ordered from Herr Krupp's foun-
dry, at ESSEN, six 11-inch breech-loading
steel cannon, with 600 rounds of ammuni-
ton, for delivery in Cuba at the earliest mo-
ment. The contract has been made at the
special request of Gen. Jovellar. Each gun
will cost $4,000"
1t is very certain that warilie prepare
rations, such as are above indicated, are not
made for the purpose of fighting the insur-
gents, who pursue system Of warfare
which renders such guns practically of little
avail. They can only be Of use in opposing
any interference from foreign government,
and the one she most fears and has reason
to fear, is the United States.
Then in regard TO Mexico, the outragcs on
the frontier, which are permitted or cannot
be prevented by the Mexican Government,
furnish abundant excuse for hostile measures
against our sister Republic, without taking
into account the heavy claims against Mexi-
co adjudicated by the Mexican Claims Com
mission.
All these things furnish weghty pretexts
for war.with one or both countries. The
object to be gained thereby is entirely per-
sonal and selfish with General Grant. 1t is
as plain as the noon-day sun that he ardent
ly desires and is earnestly engaged IN paving
the way for his denomination and rc.clec-
ton for third term.
In the present depressed condition of bust
ness, with thousands of able-bodied men out
of employment, many Of whom, North and
South, have already acquired taste for
military life, it might readily be supposed
that foreign war would be popular and
volunteers would flock to the standard ofthe
Union with a:sigh of thankfulness to Gene.
raj Grant for relief from imminent starva-
ton. The noble army of contractors too
would see abundant reason for war; in
which they could again enjoy unlimited
pickngs and stealings from q treasury re-
plenished by the toll and sweat of the pro.
ducive labor of the country.
Military glory made Grant President the
first term. A lingering hope that he would
restore the lost peace and prosperity of the
country gave him n second term. The third
term he hopes to secure Ivy popularity wor
by plunging the country into a foreign war
1t is impossible to foretell how the Ameri
can mind may be moved on this subject
whether or not it would strike responsive
chord Of the popular heart 1t is fortunate
however, that Democrat ic House of Rep
resentatives stands between Grant and hi.
INSCRIPTIONS and ambitious designs.