The San Francisco call., 1898-04-20
THE HOUR OF DECISION.

n FTER week of constant and increasing ex- / \ citement the Congress, in whose hands the war power is consttutioiay located, has reached decision. That decision stands as the con- cuson of the people In anti-administration circles it is hailed as defeat of the President but whatever reflections upon this fact are to be indulgeo are timely only now and will be out ot focus hereafter The country has failed to note the play of personal and party motives General Lee stood with the Presi dent. His popularity made him a forrnldaoe cahoi- date for the seat in the Senate now held by Judge Daniel Therefore Daniel appeared as the oenatoria leader against the President and Lee Mir Bryan for the same reason of political ambition and the desre to scratch rival in the Presidential race appeared 2, the head of his forces for the purpose They have been partially successful though defeated ln their desire to recognize the Juna. If the far event orove that they have advanced their ambitions by weakening the hand of the United States and strengthening that of Spain, their responsibility will not be forgotten.
 The President will direct the armies that are nov
 ing forward to action and the fleets that will give battle on the water General Lee will lead force to the front Bryan and Daniel will stay at home and
 lead the army of criticism and detracton The world will judge between these four.
 Senator Gray said wisely that the country needs an armistce between political parties while 1t con tends with foreign enemy In that spirit the sup porters of the administration will hold up its hands and give it backing.
 Let it be remembered that in the fortunes of war the final victor has often tasted the bitterness of de- feat in the primary steps It may be so now, and If so the yellow jackets will and sting the Pres dent and his supporters Therefore in the beginning let it be understood that the President guides the struggle as the military and civil chief of a nation. The constitutional fornalities having been fulfilled, the sword is put in his hand and where flashes the chief leads His burden has been made heavier by the ground chosen for him, but he will bear it and not finch He comes of race that fought barefooted at Killcranke and swung its victorious claymorc III the shadow of the Trosachs.
 Of course there is chance that may not follow, but that chance rests only Spain backing down. War can hardly aggravate her existing miseries, how ever and personal desperation leads to suicide she may in desperation accept war as the means ot violent extinction of her national personality If she do this, while the war may be short, it may be des perate Prudence requires that our people at once prepare for what accompanies Our advance upon Cuba is at the beginning Of the sicky season ln the tropics Our Government has been hurried in pro- vidng arms and munitions The vital statistics of Civil War show that many more died of sickness in the hospitals than were killed in battle or sue cumbed to wounds The resources of our people will be called upon for ministry unto the sick. The hos pital corps must be recruited Nurses, doctors and medicines must be supplied. The Sanitary Comms sion, to cooperate with the public authorities, should be organized. Our people will find many avenues to most useful and necessary activity. Reminders of the war will be constantly with us and familiarity with the duties they impose upon cannot be too soon ac- red