Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-03-03
No Blood Money.

In advance of the full report OF the cause
Of the Maine explosion by the board of naval
experts that are conducting the inquiry,
there can be no charges made against Spain,
consequently no demands and until such def
inlte settlement of the main point, the cause
of the disaste r, comes, there should be the
least possible discussion Of the matter OF
SPANS liability. Unfortunately some in
high places have seen proper to express
opinion as to what should be done under
circumstances fastening the responsibility
upon Spain, either directly or indirectly, by
proof that the Maine was blown up from the
outside.
If it be left 10 certain class OF people to
settle that question, it will be done by the
payment of an indemnity and some pretense
of apology, explanation or diplomatic wash
ing of hands on the part of Spain.
This method of settlement ia already being
discussed, probably with view of testing
the temper of the American people and they
should speak up promptly and uuequivocally.
1t is an easy matter to recall more than
one contemp,uous ding made at our sup
posed willingness to put money value on
everything, including National honor and
human life. Unjust though this is. even to
the last degree, when the sentiment of the
entire people is taken into account, yet 1t is
certainly true that there are two classes of
people, both largely influential. if left to
whom, would apply golden salve to the
healing OF the most vicious wound that
Spain could infict upon the Nations dignity;
the one class comprises those who, on gen.
eral principles, measure everything by the
dollars observation-disclosures, respectfully,
morality, patriotism, everything-these peo.
pie would say "Humiliate Spain BY making
her pay for it." They would fail, utterly,
to appreciate the fact that the humiliation
would come TO US, but would not be directly
censurable, because, being built that way,
they are able only 10 see it in that light.
The other class comprises the security
holding class, who for strictly business rca-
sens would make choice of the quick and
quiet settlement of tho matter by the pay
ment of an indemnity, without even threat
of war. These people make no pretenses;
they openly choose between belittlement and
disturbance Of values, agreeing that the lat
ter is more definite and practical evil than
the former; to put it in other words, with
them it is case of business interests first,
patriotic sacrifice second.
Neither of these two classes are represent.
alive either Of majority Of the people or Of
prepondcrance of the very best and real
interests Of the Nation. While influential,
they do not control and should developments
in tho Maine case bring about state OF
affairs wherein it shall be found that this
country has to make choice between humili-
alton or war, we have little fear that the
peace. at any price or the salve-of:gold, or
the business interests propogandists will
succeed in placing = arsinistre in our
National escutcheon.
War 10 aterribls thing, but there are worse
and chief among those things that are worse
is that Incompatible crime, venalty-where
the blood Of Nations defenders is measured
and yielded up settlement in full, for gold