The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-12
SPANS RESPONSIBILITY.

Notwithstanding the precautions taken by
the naval court of inquiry to keep it's pro-
ceedings secret and the extreme reticence
observed by members of the court the main
feature of its report is foreshadowed with
practical certainty. Among so many wit
nesses, including divers, sailors and experts,
it was almost inevitable that the fact on
which the greatest interest hinges should
leak out. It seems to be practically certain
that the court has discovered and will re-
port that the destruction of the Maine was
caused by an explosion from the outside
In that case it will not matter whether
the board expresses any opinion as to the
perpetrators Of the act or the probable par
ticipation of any Spanish official, or not
This government will undoubtedly take the
position that Spain is responsible for the
disaster. The only difference would be that
If the completely of the Spanish government
were shown it would be immediate cause
of war, while if the ship was blown up
by Spaniards or Cubans without the knowl-
edge of the Spanish authorities it would be
simply ground for a demand for reparation
and indemnity, which might or might not
eventuate in war. AS Spain may insist that
the principles of international law do not
make her responsible for disaster occur
ring under such circumstances, our govern
ment will doubtless fortify itself very care
fully before taking that position. There
seems to be no doubt that the position can
be maintained on general principles to the
entire satisfaction of other governments
and their approval is important for it's
moral effect if for no other reason. 1t is a
well established principle that every civil
lied country is under obligation to use
a reasonable care in protecting all that be-
longs to foreign countries within it's limits
which is there by it's consent and obeying
its laws. This obligation applies in a very
high degree to ambassadors, ministers and
consuls, and in a lower degree to citizens.
but in a plain degree to all. 1t covers a
war ship lying at anchor in friendly har-
Dor. Such ship represents the nation, and
it's deck is to all intents and purposes ma
tional soil. 1t is entitled to degree of pro-
lection only less than that extended to the
residence of a minister or ambassador on
shore. Any power that allows ship of a
lTleNuly udllOn 10 SIllST It's udIDOT lH6tSDy
implicitly guarantees it's absolute protection
while there, and safe departure. In the
case OF the Maine there was pretense
nor attempt at protection. Entering the
harbor by permission of the Spanish au-
thorities and anchored in a spot designated
by them, she was blown up by Spanish sub
jects. Her men were welcomed with bloody
hands to hospitable graves. Guests for the
time being of the Spanish government and
legally under its protection they were MUIR
dered by Spanards. In spite Of the vigorous
denials of the Spanish authorities there is
strong reason for believing that there were
subterranean mines subaqueous torpe-
does in the harbor, but, whether this is SC
or not, If it shall appear that while under
Spanish protection the Maine was blown up
by Spaniards Spain is morally responsible
for the disaster and we believe all civilized
governments will say she is legally So.
Anyhow, there is one civilized government
that will say so and back up it's position
with men and money.