The age-herald., 1898-03-18

much time and money to scatter again."
 This statement not only represents the impatience prevailing the navy, but the general belief exists there that trouble is inevitable.
 The situation here is almost paradoxica1. The administration is certainly in earnest in it's desire to keep the peace. The presi- dent Is appalled, at the suggestions for war. His whole nature is set against combat. He is essentially peaceful and his secretary of the navy even more so. While sitting in a drawing room last night where there was some singing going on my attentioA was suddenly attracted by a glorious strain of music from the throat of a young so- prano. It was the ony thing of the evenf ing which was able to quiet all present. The song ended abruptly dn what seemed an inspired shout. I had never heard the song before and so asked to see the music. The front bore the simple inscription, | Burst Ye Apple Bul1s," by John D. Long. I read the words over carefully and they are as beautiful almost as any thing ever written by Wordsworth
 The Secretary Song Writer
 No one present could tell me if the John D. Long who had written this song was, the present secretary of the navy 1 made inquiry today and found that the song was, only one of several which had come fronE the secretary. And this man is now called from such thoughts and sentiments to tho occupation of putting this government on a war footing. I sad some time ago, at the time called Long praying Christian, that his character was complex and that it would take, some time for the people of this country to understand the man. I must confess that did not think then that I should ever be thrilled by a song of his. This incident is related merely to throw an additional light on this man, though others more musical than l. may know his songs and poems we'll It is no wonder then that Secretary Long is adverse to bloodshed. The greater wonder Is that he can with his thoughts and sentiments mov5 ing in the opposite direction, throw himself heart and soul into the task he has un- dertaken.
 Old naval officers say that it is wonder ful the way he has mastered the art of naval warfare on paper. He is not at tempting to medde with the diplomatic end of the affair. He shifts the entire re- sponsibility of a declaration where it be- longs. But he will see to 1t if the chief ex- ecutive and congress either declare war or accept it from Spain, that his branch or the government is prepared to carry it to a sccessful issue.
 Even those who are praying most earnA estIy for peace do not see how 1t is to be preserved. The question naturally arises, if both countries are so earnest in their efforts to keep the peace, why is 1t that both are getting on a war footing in such haste. Some say that this is the best means to prevent hostiites. History shows that when two hostile countries stand facing each other, their soldiers In spitting distance almost, 1t is next to the impossible to keep them separated until l-one-is whipped.
 But back of all these orders and confer- ences the buying of ships and transporting of batteries to the coast, stands the last chapter to which we have been gradually approaching for the past three years Cuban independence. It is impossible to conceive, after all that has been done, or the president stopping short in his under taking until the freedom of Cuba is as- sured.
 Three Solutions Possible
 There are three solutions possib,e-the purchase of the island by the insurgents, the enforcement of autonomy and interven- ton by force from this country.
 The solution of the problem in accord with one of the three foregoing proposi- tions is contingent upon no hostilities grow ing out of the Maine disaster If that dis aster is shown to be the result of accident, or if it be shown to be the result of Span- ish agency and Spain in the latter event makes prompt disavowal and grants our demand for indemnity then the situation would prossibly be favorable to peaceable intervention to restore peace in Cuba
 Following the disposal of the Maine dis aster, if Spain shall admit our right to intervene, then the administration most likely will propose to Spain that she sell
  sibIe that the United States might use it's offices to secure the acceptance by the in- surgents of plan of autonomy Whlch would in the opinion of this government, secure to Cuba the blessings of colonial government such as Canada now enjoys. This latter solution seems impossible, as the insurgents refuse to consider any proposition which does not include absolute independence. Then, too. the sentiment of this country must be taken into account. The whole struggle here has been to se- cure independence and 1t is unlikely that those who have looked only for this so- lution would permit the executive to com promise on any other basis.
 If the question Is to be settled with peace the solution most probable is one based on a purchase. In view of the fact that sym dicates are being formed both in this coun- try and in Europe this solution is not at all improbable. The only thing standing in the way of it would be Spain's unwil- lineness to sell the island. In the present temper Spain would most certainly reject such plan. Contingencies might arise, however whereby she would be forced to accept such terms
 While all these solutions are possible, none of them appear probable at this time,
 The steady preparation for war would indicate too, that the administration is or this opinion. When all these propositions have been made, granting they will be made, and when objected to from one quar- ter or another, then the president will un- doubtedly end the matter by prompt recognition of the independence of the island such an act being followed by a prompt declaration of war from Spain.