Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-04-22
THE EVIL OF JINGOISM.

We should Mind Our Own Business and Let
that of Others Alone.
In an article referring to the lingo
action of Congress in reference TO
Armenia, Venezuela, and Cuba, IN
which members of both parties vleo
with each other in extravaganza J1ngo-
ism. the New York Herald says that
American credit was made to reel be
fore their ominous cheers, and PERU
nentlv asks-s'But what is American
when we are in the exigences OF
Presidential campaign" 1t says that
Venezuelan experiment cost Us IN
business losses and the sudden paraly-
sis of credit-the money markets OF
the world closing to us from distrust-
as much as would have paid the cost
of a considerable war. And what
have we gained? Putting aside the
effect upon business, and wherein mas
been our advantage? Have we lncreas-
ed our property, maintained our moran
prestige, strengthened our diplomacy
or advanced our standing among tne
nations? Have we not lost in the
esteem of civilization? But yesterday
and our authority was that OF the
moral peacemaker. To-day and VINO
seeks or would accept us in that rela-
ton? We have received moral blow
compared with which mere business
losses are small indeed.
Then we have Cuba-the Nabothi
vineyard of poor Spain-among th'
lost remnants of an empire at one TIM
not beneath the ambition of an Alex
ander or a Napoleon. This little vine
ward which the king craved because
was so near the palace and could 81
readily be transformed into a roya
herb garden. Our readers know tn
story-how the king managed to tax
the vineyard and, the subsequent Jude
ment of Supreme Justice upon tn
transaction. Why should we interior
between Spain and her Cuban vine
ward? 1t is her property by the law c
the eternal verities as much as Me-
York and Texas are American Ho'
can we question her right to her ow
and to maintain that right even as W
held ours as against the most iormle
able uprising of modern times! liner
is much to regret in this strife betwee
Spain and her insurgent population
lust as there was much to regret !
Sherman's march to the sea and tn
invasion of Pennsylvania by Lee
Men were slain, towns burned, al
tricts desolated, while rapine tracke
the army's march. 1t was war. w
fought it. terrible as it was, withor
interference. Why menace Spain II
following that example?
If by diplomacy or Executive actlo
we could serve the Cuban or any 9TH
movement toward republican autoi
omv on this continent hint to ths
end from the contending Powe
would not be in vain. But while
NAV cherish sentiment, we must no
ali the same, tear the bonds OF Ion
valued and honorable friendship an
violate onr duties toward nelghbor
Power If our foreign policy is to
that of unconsidered ventures, II v
are not to regard in others rights II
which we demand respect, II we are
a light headed troubadour's bushes
going from window to window chan
ing war lyrics, we can lind aounoal
opportunities for insatiate and PERI
cious activity. The world teens WI
temptations toward meddllng, M9
ding and mischief. We have the Iris
writhing under centuries of misrul
the crofters in Scotland, the Jews
Russia and Poland. not to speak
the unhappy Frenchman in LorraiI
and Alsace bereft of his fatherlan
We may sympathize with them all al
regret their grievances, but it is &c
tainlv no reason for the violation
treaty engagements and making w
upon nations who have given us
cause of quarrel and with whom
have been long at peace.
Should the day of war come-and
fall the day-America will not fall. !
a righteous war is the noblest mantle!
alton of patriotism, SO in unrlghteo
war we can see only wickedness al
shame. We may by sheer power ia
the Naboth vineyard, but even penn
that power there reigns. even as IN e
time of Ahab, the inf1exible Justice
God.
Nor are we insensible to what
hear from the Antilles OF suffering al
unavailing yalor. II we could py go
counsel or arbitrament serve peace
would be blessed consu mmatio
But we are in warlike mooo. Inc
war cries are electioneerlng expeoleh
The INSCRIPTIONS politician, tne jim
and the Jacobin, are in accord. al
will SO remain until the close OF
Presidential campaign. The peor
must be patient, vigilant ana u
wanting in courage and common sem
We are sure to be swept toward ua
a shoal or treacherous Niagara brln
and the highest patriotism can alo
avert dangerous consequences. Ii
oan however. keep our lcOurse stea
until November the war cries will
away and the war clouds dissol'
The people will then enjoy the felic
of having, in spite of sore template
minded their own business and ke
IAaa.a No non GO with mankind. y