The record-union., 1896-03-03
THE SPANISH INCIDENT.

The fact that mobs have assaulted
American ConsulatAs and trailed the
American flag in the dust in Spanish
cities is not cause for war, nor for ex-
change of diplomatic notes. Such
things have often happened, and when
ever they have and the Government of
the place has done its best to restrain
the mob and punish offenders. offense
Is not taken by the nation insulted.
It is only a few weeks ago that a mob
IN Canada insulted the American flag
al a theatrical entertainment, and just
before that another Canadian mob in a
university tore down the stars and
stripes. But in neither case did our
Government call for explanation. But
when it comes to a Minister of Spain de-
manding of the Government of the
United States that it disavow the act
of the legislative body of the Nation,
and does so in an abrupt and insulting
tone, that is ofense.
True. in this case the President and
so absolutely silly, that they are not
disposed to treat the matter seriously.
But Congress will not be likely to view
the incident in that light, and we shall
be greatly mistaken if the Department
of State is not called upon by the Sen
ate to send the dispatch of demand to
that body to be scrutinized. Indeed. the
dignity of the Senate will, it would
seem, demand that some such action be
taken, especially as on the heels of the
insolent dispatch came the news that
all the energies of the Spanish nation
had been put forth to prepare it's navy
for service, ostensibly upon the Cuban
coast.
We shall be greatly surprised also, if
the House of Representatives does not,
while we write, take up the matter and
pass joint resolution of the most rad
ical character, demanding the immedi-
ate recognition of the belligerency of
the Cubans. Indeed, the temper Of the
American people is such just now that
the two houses of Congress will scarcely
venture to ignore it. On the contrary,
Congress will probably gladly hail the
manifested disposition of our people in
this matter
Spain is weak in this, that a recogni-
tion of belligerency has never been
deemed cause for war Tt IS a right that
any nation may exercise without giving
another nation reason for considering
the act an offense. Some of the Spanish
statesmen appear to be alive to this
fact, also some Of the Spanish press,
but they couple with acknowledgment
Of that principle the expression that the
action may be deemed one Of unfriendly
disposition
What will probably happen will be
the early recognition of the independ-
ence of Cuba by our Government
Whether this will be wise or not, it is
likely to follow the Spanish outburst,
and If through this action Spain loses
Cuba, she will have no one to blame for
it only her own excited populace, and
herself for the twenty-four years of op-
preston she has visited upon the Queen
of the Antilles.
If the hot Spanish blood does not
cool but by its heat drives that nation
into such action as to provoke hostili-
ties, it will be a most unhappy thing for
Spain. The American people-and this
without boasting-will scarcely make
more than a mouthful of such a war;
It will be short, sharp and decisive, and
will be the final blow that will reduce
Spain to a very much lower rating
among the Powers of earth.
The exposition made of the ignorance
OF the Spanish masses and of some of
the Spanish statesmen concerning the
capacity of the United States to cope
with Spain is absolutely pitiful. So
deeply do we realize this, that honestly
we cannot feel that the United States
would gain much credit by whipping
the Spaniard. The contest would be
much like that between whiffet and
a mastiff. Spain would be taken up
apd shaken up until her wits would
scarcely be collectible thereafter
We apprehend that this truth will
dawn upon the Spanish mind presently.
The delicate thermometer of the fnan-
cial market indicated at once what
trouble would be in store for Spain. for
we are told that the instant the diff
Guilty began in Madrid and Barcelona
Spanish securities in the money mar
ket went down with a rush, falling to
a dangerous figure. This indication of
the pocket nerve is not to be mistaken,
and with all their fire-eating proclivi-
ties, we apprehend that the Spanish
people win call q halt before further