The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-21
OPINIONS OF EDITORS
COMMENTS OF THE LONDON PRESS
ON THE SITUATION.
Opening of the fCOrtes and the Queen
Regents speech--Spanish War
Preparations.

LONDON, Arril 21.-The Times says edi-
torially this morning: ''At the opening OF
the Cortes tho widest enthusiasm prevailed
and the American ultimatum may almost be
said to have been answered by anticipation.
The Queen Regents speech, couched in dig
nified and even touching language, breethes
an unalterable determination to fight to the
death for the honor and dignity of Spain.
Though the Spanish people are unanimous
for war and in fact cannot be induced to
listen for a moment to any practicable ex-
pedient for avoiding 1t, there are few signs
that they have any adequate comprehension
Of what they undertake with light heart.
''The Spanish preparations, so far as they
tan be judged at this distance, are by no
means advanced to the condition which
alone can give value to popular enthus-
iasm. The Spanish fleet is thousands of
miles away from the scene of action and
can arrive in Cuban waters only after the
first moves have been made by the United
States. Unless Spain keeps command of the
sea to such an extent as to be able to land
provisions and munitions OF war at Havana,
the game is lost, SO far as Cuba is con-
cerned.
''As for the conduct of the war in gen.
eral, the exact nature of which the Span
iards may vary to some extent by vigorous
initiative it does not seem that they enter
upon Ii with such financial resources as pa
triots might desire. 1t is by hard facts
such as these. and rot by enthusiasm, how
ever keen, or courage, however high, that
they will find the issue determined. They
may be sure the United States will enter
the struggle with that pertinacious energy
which is one of the standing evidences of
that community of blood, origin and temper
SO frequently referred to yesterday at the
Mansion House by the American ambassa-
DOR.
''As the Americans have been stirred up
10 interference by feelings which have again
and again prompted serious action by Great
Britain and with which English speaking
people sympathize. so will they carry on
the contest in the Anglo-Saxon manner.
They will probably make some mistakes,
but with them as with ourselves. mistakes
only serve to increase the dogged tenacity
OF purchase which knows to convert
mistakes themselves into stepping stones to
success. Whether the struggle be brief or
protracted there can be as little doubt of
the result as of the direction in which lie
the sympathy and hopes Of the English peo-
pie. ***
The Daily Graphic says; Apart from the
merits Of the controversy between the two
countries. one cannot but recognize the dig
nifty and courage with which the Spanish
people comforts itself in the hour of crisis.
The American Congress might well take a
lesson from the Cortes, while seeking to
teach one to the Cuban administration 1t
is deplorable fact that the claims of hu-
manity are powerless to silence for a whole
day the voice of faction at washington.
while at Madrid. Notwithstanding the
Rcerbity Of party divisions, there is no whis-
per of dissension in the face of national
danger"
The morning Post says: "The spaniards
will not accept humiliation, and therefore
there will be war. for which the Cortes win
rot delay TO vote the necessary supplies.
That the United States was justified in ex-
erting their influence IN favor of the paci-
ncation of Cuba can hardly be denied. but
that after concessions made by Spain there
is any serious ground to justify war will
scarcely be asserted on this side of the At
lantic. The United States has undertaken
an aggressive war, which Is probably the
first step in a course of aggressive policy
Of which the end cannot be foreseen. The
ultimatum has been framed with view to
making q favorable answer impossible.
From the existing distribution OF the Span
ish squadron 1t is evident Shat unless with
in the next three days the Spanish squadron
leaves Cadiz. a commencement OF hostllitaes
on Sunday viii give the Americans at least
q clear fortnight Of undoubted superiority
in Cuban waters Everything In Cuba de-
pends upon the command OF the sea. An
attack on the coast towns before a naval
battle Is extremely improbable. for il would