New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-13
RELATIONS WITH SPAIN.

There Is little danger of war with Spain But
for two things we might confidently say there
Is no danger The one is. that the Government
at Washington appears to be taking serious If
not an anxious view of the situation. 1t prob
ably does not expect war, but 1t reckons war
to be among possibilities and 1t would scarcely
do so without due cause. The other Is. that
Spain is not to be rcckoned with as the United
States or Great Britain would be under similar
circumstances. Her civilization and the temper
and genius of her people are far different from
ours. She is far more inclined to resort to force
rather than TO arbitration or other peaceful
methods Of settling controversies The first
of these facts is ominous The second unques-
tiOnably tends toward war. Yet, as we have
said, there is little danger OF actual There
Is not enough danger to give American citizens
cause for q moments uneasiness or for n mo-
ment's cessation of the peaceful industries In
which they are now profitably engaged. Any
thing like 6 war-scare would be folly.
The facts In the case may well. as a matter
of record and Of reinsurance, be reviewed. Two
years ago Spain at peace with the world,
and on most friendly terms with the United
States. Then the revolution in Cuba began.
The United States did not fOment 1t, ~ had
absolutely nothing to do with it. Spain at once,
however. assumed an attitude Of suspicion
toward this country. and began firing upon,
seizing and searching American ships passing
near the Cuban coast. For the most fragrant OF
these outrages she was compelled to apologize,
q fact which doubtless rankles in the Spanish
heart. AS the revolution proceeded, as its JUS
tice became more and more apparent, and as
SPANS inability to quell 1t became convncingly
evident, widespread sympathy with the Gu
bans arose among the American people. The
American Government, however, maintained
entire neutrality. 1t declined to recognize the
Cuban Republic as an independent power. 1t
declined even to recognize the insurgents as
belligerents 1t enforced the neutrality laws
with unrelenting strctness. 1t was so punctil-
ious in its observance of its obligations to
Spain as to bring upon itself much popular
criticism and the reproach Of taking sides with
the Spanish monarchy against the Cuban Re-
public. There is not we suppose, on record an
example Of more scrupulous and rigid mainte-
nance Of neutrality, amid stronger inducements
70 take q contrary course
Spain has continued nevertheless, to find all
possible fault with this Government. and to
annoy all Americans who have been so unfor-
tunste az to fall beneath the power Of Spanish
oi1cers in Cuba Systematic discrimination has
been made against American shipping, great in
Justice has been done to American citizens,
solemn treaty obligations have been ignored,
and to complaints of such things and demands
for redress the Spanish Government has been
Indifferent and contemptuous to degree that
would, by any Nation less peaceloving than
the United States. have been long ago regarded
q cause for suspension Of diplomatic rela-
tlons This Government has kept its temper
ana patiently persisted in its policy Of nom
intervention and non-retaliation. And now. II
thess b tia slightest danger Of war, 1t arises
~ from any intention Of the United States to