The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-01
I'LL THE IALkB M)NG WlR.
VARIOUS OPINIONS ABOUT THE y. q.
WIS FUTURE MOVEMENTS.
.. L Murphy. Whc n Well Aequains-
ed in washinxse. Cisy. Gives m
Interesting Chat Abost some 81
the Leading MEN ~ the Capital

Interesting Chat AAout Sone of
the Leading MEN at the CAPITAL
There was nothing talked 81 ID this city
yesterday but war. II was war this and
war that. After the militia boys had
kissed their wives and mothers ana sisters
goodbye and started on their Journey TO
American lake, the immense crowds OF hui
manisy which had witnessed their de-
parture stood on street corners. In hotel
Hobbies and every other place where there
was good camping ground. and discussed
war. Some said the militia boys would
never return: others said they would be
IN Cuba fighting the Span.ards and In two
months: others sent them to Spain, s.sd
there were hundreds willing to bet money
thaf unless the boys shoot of their guns
while In Tacoma. they will not have the
pleasure of smelling powder.
After settling the question as 10 the .u-
Sare movements OF the state militia the
crowd fought over the present war. In
the hotel Hobbies one could hear enough
war talk to fill book
Down at the Rainier-Grand a crowd
gathered during the afternoon. Among
those present was D. /. Murphy. who
served under Cleveland as United States
pension commissioner. He. is personally
acquainted with the majority Of the pres
ent officials at Washington. He makes
his nome there and sees them every few
days AT the request OF a friend I'm the
Rainier-Grand crowd Mr.. Murphy said a
Few things about the present war and the
officials who are handling the United
states end Of 1t. He said:
There can be no possible doub. In the
mind OF any rational man In deciding that
We nave mad abundant reason In going 10
war against Spain. Not TO mention the
brutal outrages. inflicted upon American
citizens and the losses of American inter-
ests in Cuba. the losses to our commerce
and the conduct of the former minister
DE LONE. that one treacherous act.
the destruction of the battleship Maine.
was sufiicient cause for the declaration
OF war.
The American people are patient and
long suffering. but that one awful exhibl-
ton OF Spanish perfidy made Americans
forget that they were OF different political
beliefs and made the bloody chasm' be-
tween the North and the South a thing
OF the far distant past. In my estimation.
the finest exhibition OF American patriot
Ism was when congress. without a dissent
ing vote. passed the act appropriatng $780,
oW.eo Tor the defense OF the national hon.
or 1t was n scene never to be forgotten
by those fortunate enough to obtain admis-
sion to the galleries.
The people Of Seattle are Thoroughly
eonversant with affairs at the national
capital and have closely followed the
course of events. You asked me to saw
something about those who now control
the desonies OF the nation. II so happens
that am not OF the party In power. hut
l know many of the men who are shan
ing and carrying out its policies While.
with many others OF different politics /
had serious doubt about the wisdom OF tba
uo-noshing' policy that seemed 10 pre-
vail at Washington. L have been more
'han gratified at the turn In affairs since
congress expressed its will. l should say
the peoples will.
Public interest In Seattle. as at Wash
ington. suppose, eenters around the
naval department, for the war We mug.
presume will he largely upon the seas.
secretary Long Is a conservative man.
probably too much so. but he is a man of
ability and may be depended upon 10 do
ms duty. OF Assistant Secretary Roose-
FELT too much cannot be said in praise lie
Is an American all over, fuu OF fire ana
patriotic spirit. man df splendid ca
pacity. and one who always has the -cour-
age of his convictions. have known him
ever since he was appointed civil service
commissioner during President CIeye-
lands first administration 1t Is a pity.
at this juncture, that Mr.. Rooseyelt's
services should be lost to the department.
out predict that he will render splendid
account OF himself in the field as the
head of the cowboy regiment now being
organized.
Yes, / know the assistant secretary Of
war. Mr.. Meikeljohn. and his services will
tie of great value In the conduct OF the
war
You want to know what think of Gen,
Miles! Well. will tell you. When I say
that he has attained his present exalted
rank In the army without the advantages
or West Point training, ana simply on
Ms merits az a soldier. you viii have the
whoie story. or course, soma OF the reg
Eiar army men are more or less Jealous of
him. You can easily fad that out in Wash
ington. but he goes right along neverthe-
less, attending TO his duties and takes no
notice OF those who do not like him. With
Miles as commanding general, the army
VIII add additional luster 10 the American
name
Among naval officers am fortunate In
having many friends. and finer set OF
men never served under any flag. A day
or two before leaving Washington I was
talking with Commodore Nicholson. one Of
the heroes of the old navy. bat now on the
retired list. and inquired what kind 81 men
the commanders of our various fleets were
The commodore replied In more forcgbie
language than I can repeat Old Schley
Is the best sea deg In the United States
navy, ard born fighter. Dewey and
Sampson are fine fellows. too splendid
specimens OF naval officers. excellent sail
ors. great lighters. ard they have the re-
spect and love OF the men who serve under
them
With such men controlling our military
ard naval operations, there can be but oae
result. and that a speedy termination OF
the war and added glory 10 the American
name ard fame"
Mr Murphy is Ia Seattle In the interest
Of the Kiondike-Yukon and Copper River
Company, In which corporation he holds
the position Of treasurer. The company
has obtained from the Canadian govern
naent concessions OF immense value on the
Yukon. Stewart. MeQnesten, Indian. Hoo
tainuua ard Peace rivers. The first ex-
ledition sailed from Seattle three weeks
ago. ard {; IS supposed. about this time. 10
be beginning active operations. The next
expedition is scheduled 70 leave on May q
-.