The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-15


said not to be an officer of the army
or navy who does not believe that inc
Maine was blown up by the murderous
hands of Spantards high an authority
In is also said that these men, whose
Lives are in jeopardy for the protection
of American interests. are so indignant
land outraged over the conduct of the
government with reference to the blow
linc mn of the Maine that the oaths
of those who are given to even mild pro-
family are so violent that the angel WHIT
should attempt to blot out the record with
Ibis tears would have to be II whole reg
with PIPE in hand. gather ut the clubs
and in their homes, and contrast Me
Knley's yacillating policy with the old
time vigor and plain speech of Wash
ington, jefferson, Monroe and Jackson.
so for an hour of Jackson is THEN
prayer. They have n firm faith that
Old Hickory would have avenged the
murder of the sailors on the Maine with
in forty-eigh hours after the hellish deed
had been prepetruted. But these men do
not talk for publication or to outsiders"
Theirs not to reason why
Theirs but to do and de"
They are under authority. The Presi-
dent is their commander-in-chief Though
they feel that he is not standing up to
them or TO their country, not word
escapes them that could be construed
into criticism WHICH the press could
ciates know. without exactly under
standing how they have learned it.
how they. feel about the whole affair.
This knowledge permeates this whole
city as it permeates 10 other city. 1t
cannot be carried because no expression
can be quoted. You feel it here rather
than see it or hear it.
There is much public expression like
this: DE LONE was given his letters
and sent home because he was . small
politician That was right.
De Lone ought to have been sen,
away for telling a disagreeable truth
about our chief-execusiyc. 1t is a right
that Americans exclusively have to tell
the plain truth about their public SER
wants. Many of McKinley's warmest
supporters are outspoken in criticism of
his message because it did not recon-
mend some direct action. Those who
are opposed to war under any circum-
stances. are mot pleased because he
gave reasons that justify war while
winding up for peace. Those who be-
lieye nothing but war will settle the
trouble blame him for not vigo-
rously taking ground for it. Nobody is
pleased. Congress takes up whole day
debating what the President favors am:
after his message nobody is any the
wiser
This ought to surprise nobody. Mr..
Mckinley has never given but one clear
note in all his political l:feand that was
for protection. He has been consistent |
in nothing else His attitude ON the
money question tells the man. He sim
ply does not know where he is at"
There is no sin or crime in that, it is |
just Il weakness that is inherent in the |
man. He listens to all sides. lie writes |
a message that justities war; he stops |
short of his logical conclusion. If jack
son or Bryan We're in the White House, |
there could he no doubt of their posi-. |
ton If either one believed the con.
ditions did not warrant war, he would |
say so plainly and without chance OF |
being misunderstood. If either believed |
in war, there would be war if a vigorous |
and able message could secure the APP |
prevail Of Congress. Something would |
lie settled, and settled without all the |
''hemming" and "hawing" that makes |
people tired. If there is to be war, it |
SHOULD Ike sharp, short and decisive. II |
There is TO be no war, then the interests |
of the country demand that it should be |
made known. Mr.. Mckinley lost the |
of his life when he failed |
to take firm position. He would have
led his party then. Now, though he
may lead by indirection, he has lost the
to show that he is the man
able to cope with the critical condition. |
William Jennings Bryan reached |
Washington here this afternoon. He is !
already regarded, even by many Repub- |
licans, as the next President OF the |
United States. There is not man who
voted for him who has not supreme
faith htfat if he were our chief executive |
he would have a clear and distinct and |
manly American policy. Looking both |
ways is as impossible to him as it is |
The Royal 10 the highest grade baking powder
known. Actual tests show il goes one \ |
1 third further than any other brand