Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-11-09

es. feet in the world would be able to
capture New York and Gen. Miles.nlm-
self, who has in his last report
shown the need of better fortl1cations
and of men for them, in recent in
terview expressed the opinion that i'm
perfect as those Notifications are
about New York and they are no worse
there than about the other great sea-
ports. a Spanish fleet would be unlikely
to enter the harbor what with the CO.
operatien of our own fleet. But he does
intimate that their long range guns
would be able to inflict considerable
damage to the city and expresses the
hope that Congress will see the need
| of immediate action to advance the
! work of coast protection. Surely moth
ing more reasonable could be asked
and nothing more imperative is need
| ed to enable US to deal firmly and prop
erly with the Cuban problem, for Mr..
TAYLOR but expresses popular and W.
| believe correct opinion when he says:
| 1T is great folly to suppose that the
Cuban question is something that we
can set aside if we will and so about
our business" AS he says, lit has in
truded itself into our national affairs"
Jingoism has not introduced it. The
Monroe doctrine, the business interests
which have sprung up between the
two countries, the rights of Americans
which the government is in duty
bound to protect, the live interest
which our people have as birthrighu
in every struggle against tyranny and
horrible cruelty, especially that which
which has excited universal indigna-
ton, warrant our interest in the situa-
ton and explain the duty we have in
securing the proper solution of the
problem.
This need not imply that the govern
ment expects war, or must go to war.
AS a preventive Of war better prepara-
ton would surpass anything we might
provide Mr.. Taylor does not expect.
he says, that such action as he wishes
the government to take would be pro-
ductive OF war, and ne says ne knows
how the Spanish people feel, and he
certainly has had opportunity for &C
During such knowledge and his al
mirable article bears out the state
ment. But he will hardly convince thu
great business interests of this country
step he advocates. AT best they would
shrink from the ordeal which the
| fluctuations of a war scare would in
| evitably produce. Much more so will
| they with our seaports exposed to any
| consider able extent: much more will
Spain in fit of desperate rage be like
ly to yield to the temptation to fight
| if she thinks there is a possibility of
| inflicting damage upon us. All must
| agree with Mr.. Taylor that for this
country to declare it's right and inten-
| ton to intervene within specified
| time would afford no casus belli fer
Spain We have already given her to
understand that we should maintain
conditions but so far as known no one
with authority has definitely informed
| the Spanish government of any speci-
fled limit beyond which we would not
remain quiescent.
Mr.. Taylor. who like all men is more
! warlike now that the responsibility
has been taken from his shoulders
than he was when it rested there. has
done a public service in putting the
facts concerning Spain's attitude to-
ward Cuba before this country and the
world in such clear. convincing and
comprehensive light. But ne has not.
we believe, Notwithstanding the OBJ
vious insight he has into the Spanish
character relieved the impression quite
widespread that Spain is fast getting
into the mood of the individual who
runs amuck or the frenzied soldier wha
rather than be taken alive seeks sui
eide by running onto the spears of his
foreman. We are inclined to believe
this view is somewhat exaggerated in
the public mind, and that the opinion
of Mr.. Taylor to the effect that Spain
would not fight is the more probable
But if our government can exert any
more moral influence" than it already
has done, it must be by means Of unit
ed, determined action on the part OF
Congress, the administration and the
great majority of the people. not ex'
cepting the business interests.
1t is very doubtful if We can secure
such action at best without some hos.
tile act on the part Of Spain first being
made. Certainly we cannot withou
first manifesting a disposition to pul
ourselves and our Notifications ir