Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
Obst aclcs in tho Way OF Pence.

All true Americans will rejoice over the
Spain has taken the first step in the dircc-
ton of peace. The French minister, who
was placed in charge OF Spain's interests
at our national capital upon the outbreak
of hostilitics, has approached our govern
mcnt, not with any definite peace propo-
sal, but for the purpose of learning
whether peace negotiations would be en-
tered into by the United States. There
can be but one answer to this question,
for the American nation is profoundly In
favor Of peace. as it has been from tho
very outset.
1t Is evident from the tenor of de-
spatches from Madrid as well as from adj
Vices from other European capitals that
strong sentiment In favor OF early peace
with the United States prevails among the
Spanish people and in government circles,
at the Spanish capital With members OF
the Spanish cabinet anxious to sue for
peace; with leading newspapers demand
ing a discontinuance Of hostilities and
with chambers of commerce in all parts of
Spain petitioning the government to bring
would seem to be no good reason why the
conflict should he further prolonged.
The chief obstacle in the path of peace
is that mysterious sentiment which Is by
sufferance called Spanish honor. 1t is ad-
mitted in government circles at Madrid
as well as among the people of Spain that
their country has nothing to gain from
! nj Inn Of hne u Ia
that inevitable defeat awaits the forces of
Spain wherever they come in contact with
our arms. but none of Spains leaders has
been willing to take the first step In the d.
rection of the negotiation of peace. They
were apparently restrained by that spirit
which condemns every leader in an un-
/ successful battle; which calls for the
court martial of Montijo and Cervera and
Toral, and which In effect demands that
every Spaniard shall suffer death rather
than yield even in the face of inevitable
defeat.
Montijo is known to have wagod a most
determined battle, and he gave up only
when his feet had been practically de-
stroyed Cervera obeyed the command OF
the government to make dash for liper-
ty from the hsrbor of Santiago, and he
fought until every vessel in his squadron
was sunk or driven ashore in helpless
condition, Toral continued his brave re-
slstance 10 Skaters irresistible and tri-
umphant onslaught until all hope Of cs-
cape for his men had been cut off and un-
I'll the slaughter of thousands Of his SOL
diers was assured by the impregnable 20
sition assumed by our battalions around
the doomed city. Yet Montijo is In deep
disgrace; Cervera has said that death or
disgrace awaits him at home. and Toral
faces similar fate.
IN the light of such treatment of brave
leaders as this II Is easy to understand
why Premier Sagasta hesitated to take
the initiatory step toward peace with the
United States. We can understand why
l3lanco so long resisted the surrender of
"orars command, and why every Spanish
commander declares his intention to fight
until the bitter end. II the Sagasta min
istry could secure peace and throw the
responsibility for the step upon others.
they would probably not allow the pres
ent week to pass without completing ne
gotiations looking to cessation of hostil-
tiles. But saRasta and all OF his cabinet
officers fear that unfavora BILE terms of
peace will be the signal FOR an up
rising on the part OF the Spanish people.
They know that some one Is to be made
the scapesoat when peace is finally de-
clared; and whether It Is to be the boy
King. through the Queen Regent, the min
istry. or monarchy itself, time and tho
logic Of events apparently can alone de-
cide.
| The Spanish ministers have hoped that
coming disasters might overwhelm the
Spanish populsce aud mako the desire for