The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-03-01
THE CRISIS AND THE PRESIDENT.

q CCORDING to all reports it will be some time
| \ before the result of the Investigations OF the
Naval Court of Inquiry into the cause Of the
destruction OF the Maine will be made public. This
delay will be regarded everywhere evidence that
the ship was blown UP by treachery and not by acct
dent, for it is clear that the facts now known to the
members of the court tended to confirm the theory
OF an accidental explosion they would be made pub
lie at once, in order to alay popular excitement and
put end to all fears of possible war.
In these days and possibly weeks of suspense, it
is fortunate that the country has President in whose
stalwart Americanism the people have an unfailing
confidence 1t is true that the final issue OF peace
is not in his hands, but in those of Congress.
Nevertheless it is we'll known that to him is intrused
the conduct Of the Government in dealing with the
crisis, and upon his management will depend the
it will take. A President cannot declare war,
but he shape foreign affairs as to make it
well nigh inevitable, and on the other hand, while he
cannot prevent Congress from declaring war, he can
SO direct events as to avert the pretext for it.
On the President, therefore, rather than upon
Congress, the people rely in this emergency. 1t is
with qualification they note, however, that there is
no shadow of disagreement between the two. Con-
gress has thus far made effort force the hand of
the Chief Executive 1t waits with patience and with
readiness his initiative and his lead. The leaders of
both houses and OF all parties will be prompt to re-
spond to any call that may be made upon them.
whether it be to arrange for peaceful solution OF the
issue for war;
The patience and confidence displayed by the
American people during the whole period Of this crisis
has been one of the best proofs OF their assured
strength and determined resolution. There has been
no sign OF undue excitement in any part of the nation
Even in Wall street. where every passing disturbance
of the peace of the world is made the occasion OF
furry, there has been notable break In the even
tenor of its way All classes of people have gone
about their work. neither seeking way nor showing a
desire to evade it.
In his recent address before the Union League
Club at Chicago ex- President Harrison, speaking
with the wisdom derived from his experience as
Chief Executive of the nation, said
"We are not hysterical people We can wait, and
we will know Our duty when it shall be revealed. We
can understand that in time like this there grave
responsibilities devoving upon the President OF the
United States single responsibilities that he may not
divide with any man. Let us stand about him.
strengthening him in the calm assurance that this
great country desires only what is right, and wait
until the facts known before it issues its procama
ton
In that sentiment the great mass OF the American
people agree and unite The yellow journals that live
on sensations and the noisy demagogucs who are
forever seeking notoriety by making clamorous
umult over every OF crisis may lash themselves
into fury during the time, that will intervene before
the issue is settled but the nation large will not be
disturbed. President Mckinley has proved his valor
and his patriotism on blooder battle-felds than are
likely to be caused by any with Spain, and in his
hands the people the responsibility of the time
and await with confidence whatever result may come