Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-03-04
War News.

Washington, Feb. 26.-Whatever may
be the report Of the naval investigating
committee now at work in the harbor of
Havana, it is quite certain that congress
and the chief executive will soon be
considering proposition to fight.
War with Spain hinges on the report
Of the naval committee. Even the most
conservative senators. representatives
and department officials admit this.
There may be a period Of diplomatic de-
Thy and consequent ups and downs in
the stock market. But this matter of
how the warship Maine came to be
blown up is one of the most momentous
questions that the government has had
to deal with since 1861
Since the terrible catastrophe occur
ident Mckinley, who up to the time of
the explosion in Havana harbor had de-
cideds on policy that was conservative
and peaceful, now sees that a vigorous
stand must be taken by the administra-
tion.- Until: the destruction of the
Maine occurred it was the aim and OBJ
ject Of the administration to AVOID hos
tilities, the impOrtan Mt commercial inter-
ests involved acting as brake upon the
impatience and impu!siY eness Of the
radical element in congress.
But since 253 American sailors have
lost their lives, those who have talked
with the president say that no matter
whether the investigations now under
way show that the Maine was destroyed
by an accident, Mckinley is Of the opin-
ion that indirectly the great loss is re-
suit Of the present struggle going on in
Cuba. For if there had been no occas-
ion for sending Il warship to Havana,
the Maine today would have been
proudly riding the waters, and her gal
liant crew would have been alive and
active as any of the other crews in the
white squadron.
Hence action is expected and it will
be taken soon. 1t comes from a MEM
Der of the house committee on naval
affairs today that Secretary Long has al
ready submitted his views to the presi-
dent on what course to take. That if it
shall be reported by the board of naval
experts that the Maine was destroyed
from outside causes, Il ringing message
will be sent to congress at once embody-
Ing the report and containing such other
information as the president has to offer
Congress alone has the power to declare
war, bat it is not likely that it will do so
until Spain refuses to pay the indemnity
demanded for the loss Of our great war
ship and the lives that were sacrifice,l
Hence there may be a nlnety-day play
between the Spanish government and
the United States
But Spain wants war. Cuba is escap-
ing from her relentless grasp. And
sooner than be compelled to grant Cub
an independence, Spain would take a
whipping from the United States, and
surrender the island at the point of the
bayonet. The present cabinet in Spai n
Is weak. The elections occur within 80
days. Weyler and his followers have
no use for Premier Sagasta. Hence they
welcome any disagreements in the cab
met. The bonds Of the Spanish govern.
ment are controlled by people who are
on friendly terms with the United States.
But the time has come when something
besides monetary considerations are
paramount. This diplomatic delay will
be taken advantage of by the United
States. Every navy yard and every gun
factory and ordnance manutactury i1
the country is busted to its utmost capa-
city today. tits certain beyond doubt
that congress will be considering the
question of making an indemnity de-
mand on Spain within two weeks.