The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-26

1Lt SlJi AiiON'
We arc sorry so have 81 say 70 our
readers that the indications of war with
snain grow no less. but rather increase
with time. We are entirely unable to
see any cause for war and we therefore
stiu hone that war will be avoided. or
course. If the Court Of Inquiry fixes the
responsibility upon Spain FOR the destruc-
ton Of tho Maine. war will almost inev-
itably follow.
But so far We have seen no sort OF
evidence that Spain committed the act
The suspicious circumstances are very
strong undoubtedly. but that sort OF
evidence upon which judgment is founded
is as vet lacking. Nevertheless the prep
arations which are being made by the
government in every part OF the Union
point Enthusiastically 90 SIS opinion that
war is Inevitable. from which We inIer
II has evidence that the public lacks that
Spain is resolved to force war upon US
as a means by which she can abandon
cuba without causing a revolution in
Spain. she may think an unsuccessful
war will cause her less injury Than
bloody revolution at home. All We can
do, therefore, is to hold our souls In pa
thence. preserving a calm and digniled
attitude that neither courts strife nor
avoids 1t If It must come.
Archbishop Ireland was in Washington
a day or 80 back and ne made the fol-
lowing remarks TO a reporter which we
commend to the thoughtful perusal of all
Of our people. lie said:
Il did not see the President to-day,
nor have | been at the White House.
You may say for me, however that II l
had seen the Presiden, I would have told
him that l heartily approved of his con-
duet in this matter, and the dignity ana
forbearanco with which the administra-
tion was dealing with the whole, veNa-
tious question. l admire the dignihed
policy OF the President II is what be-
comes a great nation. to hold Its soul IN
patience and await fuller developments.
America is always willing to 80 10 war
when honor and safety demand it, and
there is no question OF safety IN the case
at all. But war. glorious as II Is when de-
Tending the honor of o great country, is
horrible aud terrible thing even when alb
solutely necessary, and we should hesi-
tate long before embarking in a terrible
conflict. IL does not become a great
country like this TO rush needless into
war. or 10 declare war unless the cause
is clear and definite. Then the people
he
ernment. So far nothing has developed
TO demonstrate the connection between
Spain and the Maine disaster. and the
government is carefully investigating the
case
This light talk about rushing into
war. as "a crowd Of young people would
scamper to basket picnic Is very weari-
some. There Is entirely too much froth.
too much sensatonalism. In q great deal
OF what We hear and read. This is
time for serious and dignihed conduct Oh
the part Of all the people. : do not be-
lieve that the temper OF the nation is
inclined 10 war unless IL Is utterly I'M
evoidable. OF course, we have not reach-
ed a state where conflicts between nations
are 10 occur no more; We may still expect
TO see men appeal to the arbtrament of
the sword and the reverhoTation OF big
guns will yet startie the world; but until
there Is absolute faith IN the justice of
war. II is foolish and wicked 10 inname
the popular mind.
''The conservative. tudicious and dig
nihed conduct OF the administration IS q
coed model for all 10 follow. The Presi-
Gent is acting for the best interests OF the
s'hole country In this matter and what
ever he does will be prudent and right
lie will be amply sustained, TOO, by the
best sentiment OF the nation. II ought 10
be said also that too much praise cannot
De accorded those newspapers which have
abstained from catering TO the preiudices
of readers. but which have endeayored 10
treat the situation calmly and dispss-
siorately."