The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1898-07-30
TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.

OnlGcO Obdl6S Is giving COuolNCLaIO
attention to the many military pris-
oners falling into its hands. In no
previous war in history have captives
been SO promptly cared for and rem
dered comfortable. The action of
the government marks a new era in
regard to an enemy forced to sur
render. Savages slaughter prisoners
not only for revenge, but to secure
personal trophies. Even among ma
tions called civilized the practice has
been to deal harshly with those
whom they dlsarm. Prisoners have
been huddled anywhere, fed when
convenient, and sent to insanitary
camps. More or less of vindictive-
ness has entered into the matter.
But the United States takes the
highest possible ground in disposlng
of the men whom it captures. The
firstS point looked after is that they
shall harm no citizen of ours until
duly exchanged. They are held
under safe restraint to that extent.
Beyond that they are well fed, fur
nished with decent garments, and
placed in healthful camps. They
are protected from any form of hu-
initiation and the rank of officers is
respected, form of courtesy which
every soldier desires and appreci-
ates.
It must be confessed that among
countries esteemed to be enlightened
Spain has hitherto been one of the
worst offenders in disposing of prls-
oners. Colonial wars have hardened
the Spanish heart, never too merci-
full in any form of warfare. Insur-
gents in the colonies have been sub
jected to the death ponalty, even
when wounded or sick in hospitals.
Those who escaped death were taken
to noisome dungeons or the terrible
prisons on the African coast. An
average Spanish prison is a mediae.
val horrcr. How large body of
American prisoners would have Jared
has not been tested. But for some
time Lieat. Hobson and his compan
ions we're placed where they re-
strained the fire of the fleet. Their
: location suggested they were
used as shield, and the Spanish
government would have been called
to account if it had continued this
policy. The delay in exchanging
Hobson showed stiff-necked dispo-
sition and a reluctance to depart
from the old Spanish idea that one
of the duties Of war is to make cap
tives miserable.
Toral's capitulated forces are held
under special and unusual conditions.
They are to be sent to Spain at the
cost of the United States for trans
portatlon and subsistence during the
voyage. This is mercy tempered
with generosity; but The arrange
ment is to be commended from
every point of view. We should be
compelled to feed them in any case
and to provide ships to bring them
to the United States. The terms
given will have a good effect upon
other Spanish troops in Cuba. Many
are conscripts who despaired of see
ing their native country again. Ser
vice in the colonies has been almost
equivalent TO permanent exile, often
cut short by fatal disease. Spain
exacts much of its soldiers and gives
little in return.
Probably the terms granted Toral's
forces will be more acceptable to
them than to the Madrid authorities,
but they are in line with their wishes.
They will see their kindred again,
and be put to better use than to die
in an utterly hopeless struggle in the
trenches of Santiago.
A military banquet, attended by