The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-05-24

Of England, Germany, Russia or Austria,
with modern arms and full stomachs.
But such Is not the case. The world
knows that Blanco has only an army of
half-starved men, inadequately clothed,
wretchedly equipped, and presumably
short Of ammunition. 1t is more than
probable that a large proportion of his
men will flee to the ranks Of the insur-
gents or lay down their arms, once they
are confronted by formidable foe. 1t
is certain that his army will Id no match
for the forces massed at Tampa and Chat
tanooga, nervously anxious for the word
to advance. 1t is absurd to claim that
our men are raw" and unAtted for a
campaign in Cuba. They are in the
main the sons of the men who responded
to Lincoln's first call for volunteers
they are in the main more or less ex-
perienced state militiamen, and a large
part Of them have seen service. Within
forty-eight hours. after the issue Of that
call the Sixth Massachusetts, met the
enemy in the streets Of Baltimore.
Within ten days there was formidable
army gathered in the national capital.
Within six weeks it was thrown against
the phalapxes Of the confederacy in for
midable battle array. If our volunteers
are to be held back until their discipline
reaches that point of efficiency exacted
by the Washington strategists there will
be no invasion of Cuba until fall, for it
will take that long to perfect the or
ganization up to the standard. But the
plea will answer until the rainy season
sets in, and that will be good for at least
six months additional delay.
This is a Democratic journal, and its
characterization of such policy of pro-
crastination and delay might be taken as
dictated by partisan bias. The new test of
loyalty is unquestioning endorsement of
everything done by the administration,
ready acQuiescence in every detail of its
plans, trusting confidence in the wisdom
of it's every movement. We shall be con-
tent, therefore, with the reproduction
here of the views of Republican news
paper, whose loyalty may not be ques-
toned, and Of Republican senator whose
fealty is not debatable. The Milwaukee
Evening Wisconsin, May 18th, says:
The navy department and the board
of strategy at Washington. have made
more fuss over small fleet Of Spanish
cruisers than If it were a veritable
Spanish armada. In the different naval
in
United States has ten times the force Of
the rowing Spanish feet. And yet it
has been reported, from time to time,
that the expedition will not start until
the whereabouts of the insignificant
Spanish squadron can be ascertained.
There are twelve United States regular
regiments ready to move on Cuba, but
the fear of that horrible fleet has de-
tanned them upon our shores. The peo-
Pile demand quick, sharp and glorious
war. 1t is the common remark that if
the rainy season commences before
military operations are fully under way
. campaign in Cuba is impossible. Ha-
vana must be taken before the war can
be terminated. That is the long and the
short of the matter. The people thor
oughly understand this fact. and they
will hold the authorities to rigid re-
sponsibility if nothing effective is ac-
complished before October next.
In an interview in the New York Jour-
nal, May 18th, Senator William E. Chand-
Ter, former secretary Of the navy, said:
How long is it since Dewey's victory?
Two weeks yesterday-fifteen days
since the most comprehensive and re-
lrob ,arfor in
history. How many soldiers have been
sent to occupy the conquered territory?
None. Has a single transport carrying
military relief been started? Not sim
gle ship. Keep watch of future move
ments in this connection and note
whether soldiers or aid from the navy
department start first. 1t occurs to one
as somewhat singular that a nation
numbering 100000, with our active and
latent military strength, has not been
able in a half month to send needed sup
port to Dewey. First, we were to send
few soldiers. to be followed by others
as soon as troops could be raised and
transports secured. Then it was de-
cided to postpone the start and send
more men. Further postponements fol-
lowed for similar reasons. 1t is evident
that these delays are the result of the
peace promoters labors. They wish the
war to be fought by the navy. They are
not SO unpatriotic as to hope for our
defeat. but they wish the victories of
the United States to begin and end on
the seas. They oppose the military oc-
cupation of the Philippines or of Porto
Rico. They are against any flag-rais-
ing enterprises or the acquisition of
foreign territory. think perhaps they
have given up hope Of saving Cuba.
but they wish the effect of the war to
be limited to the freeing of the island.
In this matter of Cuba, too, 1 do not
remark any undue precipitancy in land
ing American soldiers. The reason for
opposition to the taking charge of Span
ish colonial possessions by the United
States is fear that it will impair the
value of Spanish bonds, if it does not
render them worthless as securities.
That is the length and breadth of the
situation, in my judgment.
II this testimony is to be impeached,
we shall leave the work for Republicans
to do. No such damning arraignment
has been essayed by Democrat, in or out
Of congress. 1t will not be answered, for
the obvious reason that it Is unanswer-
able.
THE WATER COMPANIES REPLY