The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-08
Good Reasons Must BE Given.


We cannot afford to go to war with
Spain unless we have good reasons for do
ing so-reasons which would be satisfac-
tory, not only 10 ourselves but also to
the people of other countries. Sausfac-
tory reasons are necessary. We cannot af-
ford to have it said that we attacked Spain
because she Is weak and we are strong
and we cannot afford to make a precedent
which would be a source of trouble at some
future time All our movements are be-
ing closely watched and our acts carefully
studied by the nations of Europe. If We
should make mistakes they would be used
against us if the opportunity to do so
should arise. The record which we establish
must be a clear one 1t must be so clear
that it will be a precedent for future ad-
ministrations. To establish such record
will require the exercise of great care by
the foreign committees of the Senate ana
House These committees have charge of
the matter and doubtless fully appreciate
the greatness of the responsibility which
rests upon them.
The ground on which the President will
advise intervention in the Cuban war is
not known outside of those who have been
admitted to his confidence. 1t is not prob
able. however. that he regards the Maine
disaster a good ground for intervening. al
though 1t has aroused a much more bitter
feeling among the people than any other
thing connected with the Cuban trouble.
But unless the responsibility for It were
fixed on Spain il could not be made a
cause for interfering in Cuba
Neither Spain's inhuman policy in Cuba
that was adopted by Weyler nor the con-
dition of the reconcentradoes is now a rea-
son for intervening because Banco sub
stitutea a more humane policy for Weyler's
long go and the reconcentrados have been
permitted to return to their homes with
assurances from the Spanish government
that they will be assisted until they are
able to support themselves.
There does not. therefore, appear to be
any good ground for intervening, unless il
be that Cuba, in her present unhappy con-
dition, has been a source of danger to us
and a disturber of our peace and happiness
long enough. 1t is true the Cuban question
has been, and still is, a factor in our poll
tics, and that the expense of preventing
armed expeditions from leaving our shores
to assist the insurgents has been large 1t
is also true that we may be called upon for
heavy damages because of the success of
these expeditions in carrying arms and am
munition to the insurgents Still, if il be a
fact that if it had not been for these ex-
petitions the war in Cuba would have been
ended long ago, it is a question Il we have
the moral right TO intervene and say that
| Spain shall make no further effort to re-
| store her authority in the island because
| q condition of war in Cuba interferes with
our happiness and interests. While our
sympathy is with the Cuban insurgents it
is very doubtful if 1t is our duty to go to
war with Spain in their behalf
The indications are that the President
sees difficulties in the way of intervention,
and, hence, is glad to delay sending his
message to Congress as long as Congress
will permit him to do so, hoping that the
| conservative feeling throughout the coun-
try will increase in strength 10 such an
extent that it will influence Congress to
accept the recommended tons which he wall
make in his message.