The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-03-23
The Attitude of Europe.

There is an assertion of European
interest in the present effort to pre-.
vent war with Spain by demonstra-
ting in advance It's inevitable outcome
that deserves some attention.
It is stated that Francis Joseph,
Emperor of a wrangling family of
discordant races, has extended his
anxiety from the troubles of his own
realm to include the safety of all
Europe. which, be considers endan,
gered by the POSSIBILITY Of a declar-
alton of war upon Spain by the
United States To this attitude of
Austria Hungary, Emperor William
is said TO add his protest, and the
position of Russia is assumed to be
indicated By the prediction of the
Novoe Vremya, a journal whose poll
cal declarations are usually we'll in
formed. if not inspired, that all the
European powers will file categorical
protest against a declaration of war
upon Spain by the United States
All this would be interesting and
of possible Importance if it were
based upon probability The chief
value of these reports lies in their
indication of the awakening of the
Enropean movers TO the actual
seriousness of the crisis that has
grown SO grave as to agitate all the
chancelleries with the dread that
another monarchy is in peril For
that is the real secre. of whatever
European sympathy with Spain may
exist Frace has the feeling Of the
purse, for many dollars of her fnan,
ciers are invested in Spanish bonds
which have been knocked downward
on the Bourse by the mere threat of
hostilities. But elsewhere IL Europe
there may be expected a protest
against a war that could only result
in the crushing defeat of Spain and
the probable overthrow of the Bour-
bon dynasty through domestic revo
luton. Even the historic ally of the
United States, Russia would probsbly
join in such a protest /; but. as the
St. Petersburg journal intimates, its
protest would be merely one of words,
not of acts. England alone, moved
by natural desire which may be
reciprocal for our cooperation in
keeping open the door ofthe Oriental
markets, would extend to the United
States it's moral support. in the pro
cess of expelling Spain from its last
possession in the American continent.
But all this discussion proceeds
upon the false assumption that it is
the United States that is going TO de.
clare war against Spain If there is
to be any war, it will originate, not
in Washington, but in Madrid. 1t
will arise, not necessarily out Of the
demand for reparation that now
seems quite certain to follow the re
port of our Naval Board of Inquiry
upon the destruction of the Maine
That demand will not be casus belli.
% the contrary, the probability is
that Spain, shrinking from the &C.
acknowledgement of atrocious treachery
which would receive the rebuke of all
the world and a!ienate the sympathy
of all civilization. would be swift TO
make atonement for a deed that it
would simultaneously disavow But
that atonement will not end the Gu
ban question 1t will involve the en-.
forcement Of that end which the Nc
Kinley administration has held stead
lily in view-the restoration Of peace,
the cessation of the Wholesale mur-
der of race. the revival of indus
try and commerce in the province al
ready lost to the Spanish throne.
How is that end to be attained !?
There may be. first, an offer of friend
" intervention, including reason
able adjustment Of frances, to be
guaranteed and administered by the
United States. If Spain in blind
folly and stupid passion rejects that
offer, there may follow not only a
recognition Of the belligerepcy but
recognition Of the independence Of
the Republic of Cuba. But even
those steps would not be a cause of
war by this country The RESPONSE
bility for war would still rest with
Spain. The declaration of hostili.
ties must originate IN Madrid, and it
can be compelled there only by the
fear that the peaceful surrender of