The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-12
NO DECISION FOR JINGoIsM.

In this country the possibility of war with
Spain over Cuba is not much discussed be-
cause the conviction is very general that it
will never occur. In Europe, IL the London
Spectator faithfully expresses the impression
existing in influential circles, such posi-
bility is causing serious apprehension. That
Europe should be deeply interested in a pos
sible conflict which to us seems to involve
only the United States, Spain and Cuba may
be surprising at first thought, but less so
after consideration. To Great Britain the
rise in the price of breadstuffs which such
a war would cause is a matter of grave
Importance. Investors in Europe who hold
the bonds of Spain realize that a war with
the United States would, in all probability,
plunge the Spanish government into insol-
vency, upon the verge of which it now
stands. The Spectator gives as the cause
OF further apprehension because Of such
war the fear that Spain, being involved in
war, the anarchistic element would rise in
revolt and fill the cities with violence ana
excess which would spread to the like popu-
lations in other cities of Europe. Generally
the paper quoted fears the effect upon Eu-
ropean populations of war between a
dynasty and a republic.
1t may be doubted if the few jngoes who
are talking of war with Spain would be
so warlike if it were not generally conceded
in Europe as well as at home that victory
would rest with u.s. There are those who
would hesitate long time If a talked-of
war were to involve US with Great Britain
or Germany, or if two or three strong pow
ers in Europe should become the al
lies of Spain. To hasten a war with
tory would not be to our credit The bully
ing of Haiti by the German government has
not reflected credit upon the Emperor. Even
Germans and lovers of Germany have much
the same feeling regarding the performance
in Haiti that the fair-play crowd has when a
full-grown man whips a weakling The sense
of justice throughout the civilized world is
against a government which makes haste
to pounce upon a weakling for any. sfancied
wrong. This administration has taken the
proper course with the small South Amerl-
can government which has refused to con-
slider claims against it by withdrawing its
minister and thus putting it outside the
pale of civilized nations. Unless American
citizens were being outraged, the United
States could not afford to lombard a city of
such an Insignificant government. Because
he world admits and even Spain itself ex
poets that 1t would be beaten in war with
the United States, this government should
refuse to participate in such conflict until
Spain shall take the initiative.
There are many weighty reasons why the
people of this country should oppose war
gain and much to lose. 1t would interrupt
the business and industry of the country.
1t would fill the country with unemployed
people and cause needless suffering far be-
yond the sound of the guns which would at
tempt to lombard our cities on the coast
In fact, war between nations at the present
time is not defensible except in rare in
stances. 1t is impossible to conceive of a
sufficient cause to lead us into war with
an important nation. We are not engaged
in conquest. The voice of the country is
opposed to any extended annexation The
questions of difference arising with ether
nations must be those involving rights of
American citizens in other countries These
are disputes for courts of arbitration and
not for the Illogical arbitrament of the bat
tlefeld Taking this sensible and humane
view of the issue which the Cuban revolu-
ton involves, thoughtful American reopIe
cordially indorse the sentiments which the
President expressed in his message.