The Advocate and news., 1898-03-09

regions where makers OF WarshipS and
armor plate have their luxurious hab-
itat Still, this does not settle the mat
ter. Sometimes self-interest and public
interest are common. And on the face
of the facts the extensive building OF
these vast sea-gOing fortresses by the
great powers Of Europe raises pre-
sumption in their favor. The case
against battleships is very strong
strong enough to make 1t imperative
that we examine the question thor
oughly and with open minds before add
ing largely to the forty or fifty millions
which we have already invested.
Emporia Republican: II 1t shall be
proved that Spain was responsible for
the destruction Of the battleship Maine,
this country will take Cuba to indemnify
in part the loss. But the chances are all
the other way. The only occasion for
suspecting Spain is the coincidence of
the Maine being in the haI'bOr Of Ha-
vana. This is not enough to justify the
suspicion that Spain Is the author OF
the Names ruin. Had a Spanish man
of-war exploded while in New York har-
Dor, the indignation with which this
country would have resented the insinu-
alton of foul play would have been un-
bounded. What is needed now Is tOler-
ance, GOODNESS and temperance Of speech.
The investigation contemplated will re-
veal the cause Of the catastrophe. There
will be time enough for belligerent ac-
ton should 1t develop that Spain is re-
spOnsible. Until then public opinion
should be suspended and moderation
cOunselled.
Anthony Bulletin (Pop): The wreck
ing of the Maine Is a deplorable affair
and too much sympathy cannot be ex-
tended to the families Of the dead or
wounded survivors, but the question
forces itself before us as to how we can
avenge their death and their wounds
without creating other deaths and other
wounds The nations Of the earth to-
day are too highly civilized to desire war
of any kind, and 1t should not even be
hinted at only In extreme cases. Some
Of the men who are most earnest in their
cry that the pensioning Of the veterans
Of the Civil war will bankrupt the coun-
try are loudest in their advices to take
steps that will create another war and
more pensioners. 1t is the duty of the
President and Congress to take such
steps as are necessary to prepare for an
emergency, and in such action they will
be upheld by the entire people, but that
they should invite or arbitrarily precip-
ltate a war is not, we believe, the wish
of majority of the people.
Emporia Republican: There is abso-
lutely nothing yet developed to show
that the blowing up of the Maine was
not an accident. But, suppose II turns
out that Spanish brlgands did 1t, who
doubts but Spain would bring the crimi-
nails to justice and make all reparatior
possible? Should she do this 1t would
be all that an enlightened nation could
ask We may bluster and blow, but
after all, we must exercise and act upoT
what Is universally considered as EN-
bodying all law, horse sense" II Gu
ban officials did it, the parent govern
ment will forfeit that island and pay {
tremendous indemnity besides. Thi
could and would be done without firing {
gun. The officials and public sentimen
of other nations, added to our own
would compel it. To be fortified in th
right gives us a stronger position thar
to be fortified with guns. Truth will
penetrate farther than bullets. We mus
first be sure we are right and then max
our demands. If Spain refuses to gran
them, il Is time enough to let loose tn
| dogs of war"