The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-24
TUESDAY. MAY "a 1S2S.
A MOVEMENT IN BEHALF OF
SPAIN

rho latest foreign news IS that the
Continental Powers are preparing TO ad-
dress themselves 10 the task Of inducing
spain TO sue for peace with this country.
There are no representations that Eng
land is taking any part in the movement
and II may be assumed that she is notThe
position she has held throughout our I'M
fortunate mess with Spain Is one that
should bind England and America to-
uether in the strongest bonds of union Tor
all time. IT is nowhere doubted that if
she had not put her foot down and stern
IN notified Europe that If it attacked
America it must attack her too we
should have had several and perhaps all
of the Continental Powers Of Europe on
our hands in this Spanish war. The old
proverb that actions speak louder than
words" contains more truth than almost
any other saying. and this is a case in
which the whole force of the proverb is
demonstrated. Others may mouth as they
please. but. when we were threatened
with the terrible ordeal that the war
brought before us. England, without any
noisy professions of any sort quietly no
titled Europe that she would make our
quarrel hers. and the danger vanished
like a summer cloud This should make
those Americans whose stock in trade has
been vituperation of England blush for
shame. and it should make all Americans
see that our proper position is one of
eternal amity and practical union with
England.
But to return TO the present movement
in the interest Of Spain. There may be
absolutely nothing in It, for in these
times of war and excitement it seems to
be the aim of those who furnish us with
the news to publish as much Of what IS
false as they can get the public to re-
ceive; nevertheless. the report comes with
so much Of what IS plausible in detail and
circumstance that we are justified in Civ
ing the matter some attention.
1t is said the movement is based upon
the idea that Spain shall ask us to make
peace upon the proposition that she sur
render Cuba. and gets back the Philip
pine island in return.
Can we accede TO this? 1t is our delib-
crate opinion that the American people
will never consent to the return Of the
Philippine islands to Spanish rule. The
impulses OF humanity are what carried
Us into this war and those impulses Will
never tolerate the suggestion that peo-
pie who have been once liberated from
Spanish despotism by our arms shall be
returned again 70 that despotism. We
think this suggestion may be dismissed
once for all. 1t IS entirely possible this
government may renounce all right 20
control the destinies Of the Philippines in
the future, but 81 will be under some ar
arrangement that will guarantee freedom to
their people and an opportunity to them
20 elevate themselves in the scale Of hu-
mainly ana acquire a place amongst the
nations Of the earth after awhile. But TO
return them 10 the horrible misdeeds Of
Spanish rule and the inquistlon Will never
be listened TO here.
There will be no issue in this country
over that. The question 50 far as It re-
iates 10 those islands will be whether we
shall or shall not retain them as our
own domlnlons. The argument In favor
OF our approprlating them has vast deal
I'm Il that Is most taking 20 men who ar
que superncially. The Chinese empire is
plainly going TO pieces and the commerce
90 be developed with It's vast fragments
viii be immense and OF the utmost
valre 10 this country II We are able TO
share IN It fully and freely.
1t Is argued that our possession Of the
Philippines will give us many advantages
in seeking that commerce, and those who
INSIST on our keeping them are undoubt-
edly strengthened immensely In their
claim by the tempting offers OF Chinese
trade
But. for our own part, we say lei all
these advantages 80 10 the dogs when
they arc made the excuse for seducing us
from our time honored policy OF conan-
Ing ourselves 10 America. While We do
that we can get along with a standing
army that costs rs very little and with
a reasonable navy. But II We are 10 so
ort into the worlds politics and take a
esrt IN adjusting the balance Of power