Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-02-25
FROM SEAT OF WAR.
CAPT. ED. RICHARDSON WRITES
OF CUBA FROM CUBA.
THINKS THE UNITED STATES WAR TALK
is ILL-ADVIsED, AND MAY, PER-
HAPS. PROVE EXPENSIVE.

HAPS, PROVE EXPENSIVE.
Here we are, again resting on "the sent
Of war;. When we left the United States
there were threats OF greater war flush
ing from the flaming lungs Of burning
American statesmen. On our arrival acre
war was almost in sight, and every one
was throbbing with expectancy-some
cording to each ones loyalty or spirit of
rebellion. Aud now that Mr.. Cleveland,
through his chief officer, has declared
peace, the smiles and frowns have ex-
changed location of countenances.
For my part have picked upa few cast
off smiles and carry them about with me.
II war should come between the United
States and Spain, l have no wish to be in
a Spanish port when the ball opens [
have no desire for the destruction Of my
vessel, and l know enough about these
prisons not to long for the experience of
confinement within them, to say nothing
of what worse usage might be offered by
an Infatuated Spanish mob.
| do not blame the Spanish for hating
all things American, as they surely do. l
am not fond of them Gas have mentioned
in previous writing.)-I heartily recipro-
cate, and hate nearly all things Spanish.
But | do believe in justice, and the
American press is not just, in this matter.
1t has led our people into an excess of
unfriendiy speech, acts and sentiments
against Spain. This island belongs to
that country; the people had right to
rebel aud fight for their freedom; Spain
has the right to conquer and subdue
them if she can. II too much brutality
or uncivilized met hods are practiced, the
United States may have the right to
openly interfere, but should not continue
a covert warfare against a weak and So
called friendly naticn.
Spain has doubtless practced brutal
measures, as that kind of blood, on either
side is snre to do. And
WAR Is ALWAYS BRUTAL
it is always barbarous! 1t moves the
foundation of prudence, enrages the pas
sions, tramples upon decency, and
deadens the heart to he voice of mercy.
But how can he American people be led
TO believe that the disposition to bru-
tsli'y, triekery and dishonor Is all on one
side? Why should we suppose that the
rent Spanish are worse than their more
ignorant, half-breed offspring?
For he American people, as individuals
to sympat hize with and to help and en-
courage a weak people in their struggle
for freedom, is not wrong; but we should
be fair in our Judgment, and our news
papers Shoulders more conservative in
their Language and more truthful in theiI
assertions. Flaming headlines show
"Spain Inundated" and "Spain on He.
Knees, " lille in Congress language tina,
should not be allowed is used concerning
government with which we are al
peace.
II there is not, there should be parlia-
mentary laws against insult and discour-
tesy, by members, towards nations, as
much as against each other. Our govern
ment, at peace with Spain, should main
tain neutrality in fact, not in pretence
The Cuban junta in New York, open and
free, do not believe is in accord with
the spirit of the laws of neutrality.
The trials of filibusters in our courts
are farce and their capture or detention
is exceptional. The papers give notice
with hurrah) that such a steamer will
sail from Florida in few days, and give
Il complete list of the contraband war
material that she will carry to the Cuban
rebels. Our civil officers do not stop her
she passes by the revenue vessels, and the
eyes OF the navy do not see her. She goes
comes, and is reported openly and in
glory.
The United States may pay for some OF
this, as England paid for smiling on the
Gala bama" and other buccaneers. Ameri-
cans may smile at the suggestion of Spain
obliging them to pay anything, but
wait
SPAIN is NOT SLEEPING.