Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-11-23
What will Spain Do About III

Matters at Paris have reacneu
crisis. The issue is fairly and squareiy
presented to Spain, and now the world
is wondering what Spain Will do ABOUT
it, The American members OF the
peace commission have been patient to
the limit of endurance, and more con-
siderate and courteous than Spain had
n right to expect. Through weary
waeks the Spanish commissioners have
haggled and parleyed. using every
artifice known to skilled diplomats for
the purpose of killing time and in the
attempt to entice the Americans into
some trap. They have even insisted on
debating and disputing matters al
ready settled in the protocol, and in
the hope of gaining European SYM
pathy have demanded arbitration on
matters regarding which there was
nothing to arbitrate.
But their career of delay and quib-
bling has been brought to a sudden
termination by the presentation of
virtual ultimatum. The American
commissioners have presented their
final terms regarding the Philippines
which must be answered by a decisive
yves" or no" before next Monday.
These terms are tender of 100000 900
for a treaty cession of the entire
Philippine group. History will be
searched in vain for more generous
or lenient act on the part of a con-
quering nation. The Philippine group
is ours by right of conquest SPANS
sovereignty there is as completely
blotted out as it is in Porto Rico, Cuba
and the Ladrones. Probably no other
power on earth would grant subju-
gated enemy such generous terms, as
America offers Spain.
Spain can accept this proposition,
within the time allowed, and at the
same time definitely agree to the
propositions on the other issues in
volved, and the treaty of peace will be
quickly made and in due time ratified.
She can refuse and break off negotia-
tions, and the result will be an imme
date renewal of hostilities and the loss
offered her. What will she do about
it? 1t would be an inconceivable act
of stupidity for Spain to refuse to ac
cede to our terms. She cannot pos
sfbly carry on the war. Her ships. her
men, her money and credit are all
gone. The terms offered her are more
than just; they are generous and
lenient beyond parallel.
1t is natural and right for Spain to
wish to make the most advantageous
terms possible, but her haggling and
dallying have gone beyond reasonable
missioners considered Cuba and Porto
Rico, and it has been even more so
since the Philippines have been under
discussion The final terms have been
offered and a definite time fixed for
the reply. If Spain says no." on No
vember 2S, in the hope that a larger
tender will be made for the group or
more concessions offered, it will be her
fatal mistake. 1t will cost her not
only the $20,000,000 already offered, but
also the Philippines and the CONNER
cial rights which this government is
now willing to grant her there. The
American fleets which destroyed
Spain's navy are ready for almost in
slant service; much better prepared, in
fact, than when war broke out in
April. An expedition to the Spanish
coast would no doubt be the first act
| if Spain breaks off the negotiations,
| and that would bring her to realizing
sense of her position and her lost OPP
portunities. All of Spain's colonies but
Cuba are entirely under American con-
troll, and Cuba is partly occupied, and
a great army of occupation is ready, if
necessary, to move on Havana. Spain
!
could gain nothing and would lose
much by refusing our terms of peace.
This country does not desire re-
newal of the war on sea or land. 1t is
satisfied with it's victories, and has no
thirst for further conquest or blood
shed. But it is united in standing be-
hind President Mckinley and the peace
commissioners, and if our nation s
rights and honor demand a renewal of
the war, there will be no hesitation or
delay. But it is almost inconceivable
that there should be an outbreak of
hostilities and the necessity of sending
a fleet to Spain. Our fallen enemy is
blinded by false pride and impotent
rage, but it cannot be SO blind as to
wish for further loss, humiliation and
punishment. A few more days will tell
the story.
In the election of Brigham H. Rob
erts to Congress-a man who is
credited with having three wives-the
Mormons of Utah have thrown dowr