The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-04-10

grievance, and this sentiment prevails in
Congress. Members of the House say
that the correspondence of their con-
stituents urges them to press ahead for
the punishment of the treacherous Span
lard because of the dastardly crime COM
mitted in the harbor of Havana. That
the great bulk of the letters coming to
them from citizens in all sections of the
country the burden of complaint is that
the Government has been too slow TO
resent the blowing up of the Maine
The public Indignation cannot be re-
strained much longer. Should the Presi-
dent be persuaded to give Spain another
opportunity to daily with him in the de-
vious paths of diplomacy there will at
least be an attempt made in Congress TO
bring the quarrel 10 an issue. So long
as there was prospect of immediate war
with Spain the American people did not
stop to carefully scrutinize the cause.
They We're content to get a chance to adj
minister a good dTubbing TO that treach-
erous nation. But since the Administra-
ton has begun to prOcrastinate there is
grave fear that the chief offense of Spain.
the real cause of the existing bitterness
against her, may be concealed beneath
Voluminous arguments on intervention
and international law.
The real sentiment of the people as il
extends throughout the country may be
fairly judged by the letters of officers and
members of the National Guard of the diff
ferent States. They have been writing
to senators and representatives tender
ing their services TO the Government.
These letters with remarkable unanimity,
insist that the destruction Of the Maine
shall be made the cause of war with
Spain. Many OF the writer's complain
that the Government has been entirely too
tolerant under provOeatlons that should
have let slip the dogs of war ere now.
The Message Discussed.
Congressman who visited the Capitol
yesterday discussed the Presidents mes
sage and wondered whether it would be
sent in next Monday,
The indications gathered from the ex-
pressions of those congressman were that
the advice of the President to first in
tervene and then determine the status Of
| the insurgents Will be acquiesCed in,
| 1t has been made plain that under the
| lines of international law America will be
| held responsible for the conduct Of af-
fairs on the Island of Cuba after the eX-
! pulsion of the Spaniard.
| 1t is said that the government of
| France has made strong representations
to the United States on this point France
| has admoniShed this Government that
it will be held strictly responsible for
| any damage inflicted upon subjects of
| that country after the overthrow of the
| Spanish power in Cuba by the in.eTYen-
| ton of the United States
| This makes it absolutely incumbent
| upon this Government to provide for the
| maintenance of order in Cuba after its
| forces shall take possession OF the island
| This can only be accomplished by the
temporary exercise of power in the name
| of the United States.
| The general calculation is that one Of
| the first achievements of the coming war
will be the driving of the Spaniards from
| Cuba With a close blockade on the ports
| of the island 1t is said by competent and
| experienced persons the Spauiards could
not remain there many weeks. The food
| supplies, to say nothing of any other
phase, must all be imported With them