Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-07

tanning the honor of our nation even
the cost OF war, and the people Will give
him loyal support.
SENATOR w. J. DEBOE.
l fully realize the critical situation o.
affairs now existing on account Of the
destruction Of the warship Maine, as
wen as the relations existing between the
United States and Spain in relation TO
Cuba.
While I think Spain has been, and is
dom. a great injustice to the people ano
Cuba and that this government ought t.
have recognized the beligerency of Cuba
some time ago, we should now be very
cautious as to any action in this matter
II there has been any treachery on the
part of the Spanish Government in the
destruction of the Maine, Spain must
and will be held res ponsible. L shan
stand by whatever action the President
may take i'm the matter as / have un-
limited confidence in his patriotism and
ability 10 manage affairs of this charac-
ter
The American people can ever be proud
Of the bravery and heroism of the la
mented sailors who persisted on the Maine.
SENATOR ]. c. BURROWS.
I feel as though there was not much
TO be said in relation TO the Maine disas-
ter until the report of the board in re-
lation to the cause of the disaster shah
be received II that report should dis
close that the Destruction OF the ship
was caused from within. then. of course.
neither the Spanish Government nor any
one else outside Of our own people would
be held responsible. on the other hand.
If it should be proved that it was the
work OF treachery, and that the Spanish
Government was in any way RESPONSE
BILE therefor, the situation would become
very serious. II Is difficult, however, to
express an opinion without n thorough
knowledge Of all the facts, and l think 1t
is wise and prudent to withhold final
judgment or any expression of opinion
as TO the course the government should
pursue. until we are I'm possession of all
the information obtainable in relation to
the appalling disaster. / am sure the
administration will not hesitate for a
moment when the facts are known to do
whatever may be necessary TO maintain
the dignity and preserve the rights of the
American nation.
SENATOR JUSTIN S. MORRILL,.
There is no lack of patriotism on the
part of any senator, and while none
wish for war, all desire peace in Cuba,
and will unanimously support the Presi-
dent in maintaining the honor of our
country.
GOVERNOR ATKINSON, OF WEST
VIRGINIA.
The charge made by General Weyler
who is naturally our enemy that the
officers and men of the Inflated Maine
were guilty OF Incidence, Is untrue and
libelous. l regard the commander Of the
ship as q man of unusual GOODNESS and
bravery His conservative course since
his vessel went down proves him 10 be
a man Of extraordinary ability Under
the circumstances II was impossible to
save the lives of the men who were in
the hold of the vessel nor was 1t posi-
BILE 10 prevent the accident by the officers
OF the ship.
From the first, I have felt that there
was foul play-not by Spanish officials.
but by some crank. like Guiteau, who
doubtless felt that II was his duty TO
remove" the Maine from active service
In our navy. ! may be wrong in this
surmise but ! nevertheless believe It;
can hardly see how Il was possible for
the explosion 10 occur from causes wholly