The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-07
Is LARGELY OF CUBA
And TIE CURRENCY
lens of diplomatic negotiations than the
Continued from Third Page.)

Ola.
'In a document Of portentious length,
mostly intended for Spanish consuHp-
zion, President Mckinley has devised a
specious pretext for gaining time. 1t
cantains passages that will certainly
wound Spain's national susceptibilities.
The whole tone, though meant to be
conciliatory, saVors too much of the mag
istrate availing himself OF the first Of
tenders act, 70 he very, acceptable at
Madrid Spain may not be 50 thick
skinned as we are TO these delicate
usages of Americas diplomatic cour-
tesy.
Moreover there are serious dangers
Of revolution in Spain, and the indis-
Greet adiectives President Mckinley ap-
plies to General Weyler's policy will not
lessen the latter's popularity. Much de-
pends upon the attitude Of congress. II,
as our correspondent thinks, the jinSoes
acquiesce in the decision of the execu-
tive and give the Spaniards chance
all may yet be we'll, but recent expert
ence does not make US oyer-sanguine.
The Daily Mail says it is very salts
factory that President Mckinley comes
out 30 strong against the jingoes.
The Daily Chronicle describes the mes
sage as weak and colorless, compared
with the vigorous handling Of public
questions to which Mr.. Cleveland accus-
toned US"
1t says:
''The explanation of this is simple. Mr..
Cleveland was in front Of congress; Mr.
Mckinley Is behind it. The presidents
comments on the currency issue are pos
iiiveIy childlike in their simplicity.
'It is safe to prophesy that his treat
,nent OF the Cuban question viii be re-
ceived iwth a storm. The annexation
Of Cuba would be a deplorabie mistake,
but the reasons for refraining from that
course are not the milk and water ones
Mr.. Mckinley advances.
The Morning Post, after paying. a
tribute 70 the presidents fine sense on
duty. in the face of domestic trouble, in
sending the message at the appointed
hour, says:
'"The message adumbrates scneme OF
legislative effort less shortsghted and
lass calculated to set class against class
than the misguided policy of the last
session. On the Cuban question, the
president is vague and diffuse, but stu
diously correct. Cuban matters, now
ever. are unimportant as compared with
fine grave issues Of domestic affairs. The
big battle Of the session will be fought
on the ground OF home politics and
finances"
The editorial specifically praises Pres
;dent McKiniey's treatment of the cur
rency question.
The Times says:
'Its tone of patronizing tolerance will
make the message not wholly agreeable
70 Spain. Probably the president calcu-
lates that If he can satisfy the jingoes
for time with the eloquent denuncia-
tions and warnings, he will find it easier
to pursue moderate policy.
REGARDING his currency proposals, 1t
seems too probable that Mr.. Mckinley
still clings to the notion that something
NAV be done for silver. So long as he
FLOWS that will o. the wisp, Che can hard
" be expected to attempt any thorough
going reform Of the currency"
The Standard says:
The best that can be said Of the mas
sage is that it is absolutely unexciting.
As a distinguished politician, the presi-
dent labored under grave difficulties
and it is no reproach to hs skill that ne |
has failed 10 surmount them.
IF Mr.. Mckinley represents anything, !
so far. it is the new tariff, which is con-
fessedly a palpable failure. The whole |
currency plan hangs upon the condition |
of an exchequer surplus, but when will |
that happy day arrive?
Foreign affairs are treated temper
ately. With regard to Cuba, the presi- |
dent has taken care TO keep within the |
limits OF international comfy and good /
feeling.
With reference to his declaration that |
should America pe compelled to inter |
vene, it will be only because the neces-
sity for such action vii be SO clear as TO |
command the support and approval Of
the civilized world, the Standard ex-
claims, "The Spanish ministry can
sleep in 2eace."
The Daily News says that the message
is characterized by desire to displease
nobody.
Referring to Secretary Cages cur
rency plan, the editoriel asserts that Mr..
Cleveland's similar plan never found
favor with congress.
As to the Cuban question, the Daily
News thinks the message rings true and
promises a fair trial of Spain's new
plans, more than which the president
could not be exDected TO do