New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-22
POSSIBILITIES.

Ii is not in the least necessary TO suggest to
the President. AZ some do. that there may yet
be need for the Army and for the vessels greet
ed so gladly and proudly 10y Newlork Oh Sat
urday. He has already given orders that the
vessels which have shown such tremendous
power should at once he locked, cleaned and
thoroughly refitted. that they will be pre-
pared for more effective service than at any
time since the war began. The great Oregon
has had no chance TO clean reht since her
voyage of twelve thousand miles from the Pa
cific and the OF her big vessels were called upon
10 do their best after seven months spent in
warm Southern waters with no opportunity for
refitting. The Navy Yard and dOckyards will
quickly add TO their fighting and steaming ca
pacty more than can well he calculated. The
brave men who have beeH sevcx months with
out a day Of shore leave or relief from vigilance
and labor will be all the fresher and more
capable after little rest. and after the more
than royal greeting given them by Newlorh
OH behalf Of the Nation.
If Spain pretends that an agreement to evac-
nate means only IN agreement 10 begin talking
about the conditions on which she would evac-
uate. that fee, will have something TO do very
soon Legitimate and honest questions about
the proper mode of evacuation with the least
the time necessarily involved in an immediate
evacuation" by that mode can he discussed
without the aid of guns. But If Spain thinks
that when the President demanded Immediate
evacuation without conditions he did not mean
IT, or that he will now consider any conditions
whatever. when Spain has by the terms of the
protocol bound itself to ''relinquish all claim
of sovereignty over and title TO Cuba, that
Porto Rico and the other Spanish islands in the
West Indies shall he coded to the United
States" and that Cuba. Porto Rico and other
Spanish islands shall be Immediately evacu-
ated' the guns Will have TO remove that mis-
apprehension.
In truth. misapprehension is not possible
Trickery and delay under pretence Of misun-
Outstanding are possible There need be no
fear that they will not be met with the same
stern and unyielding resolution which the Pres
!dent has shown and which the Nation has pro-
foundly honored. Spain can ask no gifts 1t
Is enough that the United States has not de-
manded a heavy indemnity for the expenses
Of the war which may yet be demanded at any
time If by needless delay or dishonest qnib-
bling or refusal TO give up territorial possessions
necessary 10 the United States Spain invites
such further demands The door has been left
omen FOR negotiation and agreement regarding
the Pacific possessions OF Spain outside the
city. bay and harbor Of Manila which with
the suburbs and dcfences have since been for
mally surrendered by the General command
ing. If Spain can satisfy the United states by
territorial concessions. II has the chance. Other
wise it will probably hear about the cost OF the
war.
Civilized nations hold II international law
that the victor in justifable war is entitled
to hold what he has gained by arms, and In
addition to demand indemnity for the cost OF
the war 1t Is useless to say that Spain cannot