Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-21
The Ultimatum.

Spain is now officially informed OF
what she must have entertained very
lively suspicion of for several weeks
past, viz. that she must peacefully
leave Cuba at once and forever sur
render the control of the island to it's
inhabitants. or be driven out by this
Spain by President Mckinley. yester-
aav. gives that country until Saturday
reply to our demands. 1t was not ex-
pected that more than 4S hours would
be given for this purpose and many
thought the time would even be as
short as "a hours. so the granting OF
over three days of grace was surprise
10 this country, and probably also t.
Spain. 1t is certain that President
Mckinley had good reasons for extend
ing the time to three days, and the
public and the navy can afford to wait
patiently now that definite and de-
csiVe action has been taken.
The Spanish Cortes has been hastily
convened by Prime Minister Sagasta
and upon its answer to our ultlmatun
depends the matter of peace or war.
No one doubts that The answer will be
unfavorable and unsatisfactory, for
Spain is 50 blinded by her so-called
pride that she cannot see the folly II
resistance. Moreover, her government
fears a serious revolution at home IN
less at least a show Of resistance IS
made before she hauls down her tla%
in Cuba When President Mckinley
signed the joint resolution of Congress
he also signed the ultimatum to Spain,
and with that act this country took its
final stand for unconditional Cuban in
dependence from which there can be no
retreat. At the conclusion of the time
given Spain to make d satisfactory re-
ply the war will begin that is to drive
Spain from this hemisphere and avenSe
the hellish treachery of February u.
The resolutions give the President
ample power. but the plan of the cam
paign is as yet only a matter of sur
mise, as far as the public is concerned.
No doubt the first step will be to block
ade Cuba, and probably Porto Rico
where Spain has a large supply of coal.
The naval force of Spain is thousands
waters having been hastily hurried
home. This act looked like flight but
it is evident Spain wants her ships all
together. Without q base of supplies
on this side the ocean. however. it will
be almost useless if it comes over here,
and if our navy is prompt Spain Will
certainly have no base of supplies
nearer than the Cape de Ferd islands.
The Cuban insurgents will be eager and
ready to cooperate with us and will
be furnished with arms and ammun
ton. Whether an army Of invasion
at once, or whether our blockading
fleets will starve the Spanish troops in
to submission and accomplish the same
end in less Warlike manner, are much
debated questions. At first, anyway.
the navy will take the lead. and it is
fully prepared to do its duty at the
post of honor and danger. The regular
troops are gathered in the South, and
the National Guard is awaiting the
call to arms and will answer promptly.
The war has not begun. but the last
step has been taken. and for few
days more it is in order to be patient.
With the departure of the minister
diplomatic relations ceased between
the United States and Spain Until
Sunday, at least, peace is assured.
Beyond that, unless Spain yields before
then. it viii he grim war until Spain
yinl1s