New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-26
SPANS COMPLAINT.

Spain has complained to the Powers" We
read 1t in yesterdays papers. in those OF the
day before. and-well. we think We have read
II every morning since the war began. Now,
when we see a sentence beginning, "Spain"-
we don't have to read the rest. We know the
five words that follow. II We didn't find that
plaintive announcement in the morning papers
we should think that the Atlantic cable service
had failed in It's duty, or that Spain. losing
heart, was ceaslng to prosecute the war with
her customary vigor.
We don't remember all the things regard
ing which Spain has complained to the Powers
We can't. But the burden of them all IS that
the people Of this country are uncivilized, that
they know nothing Of true politeness, that they
arc no gentlemen. Professor Conde who
teaches international law at Madrid. says our
ways Of fighting are unciv1lzed- The Spanish
Minister OF the Interior says So too heuten-
ant Carranza who has dwelt among US. like
q modern Diogcnes, went around with bis pistol
looking for one gentleman. He couldn't find
one. And now Colonel Cortijo late prisoner
OF war and brotherin-law Of that distinguished
teacher Of etiquette valeriano Weyler. adds his
testimony We didn't know how TO treat him
like gentleman. Oh. lamentable ignorance.
To a people like the Spanards. who have lived all
their lives in the atmosphere OF exalted polite
ness, 1t must be hard to meet those who know
nothing Of true courtesy. Their embarrassment
"a obvious. We hadn't thought Of the explana-
ton before.
But why protest to the Powers? We don't
see what the Powers can do to help them.
However they may sympathize with Spain In
her predicament, they only utter the tru-
ism: Gentlemen are always careful with
whom they associate IN arms. You should
"have inquired first regarding the antecedents
"of these Americans their character and their
manners" What can the Powers do? Spain
can't expect them to civilize this country right
out Of hand. up to the required standard. 1t
would take too long and delay the war too
much Clvzlng is n slow process. Spain
knows this from experience. OF course, her
own civilization Is famous, but though she has
had all she has now for three centuries 1t took
many more than three to develop It. There's
no harm IN complaining 10 the Powers" but
1t Is not likely to help matters
Spain doesn't like this cOuntry's way Of fight
ing II shows a lamentable ignorance Of good
form. II seems that this countrys warships
shoot at Spanish Notifications without first
sending word that they intend to. The Span
iards are said to be sometimes In doubt rs to
whether the shooting is really meant or not.
1t has ever been this country's way, even In
private affairs, to shoot first and explain after
ward. 1t Ia more economical OF words for
when the shooting is over the explanation IS
often superfuous. OF course. we are young
country, and our methods lack a little In refine
ment. We have much TO learn from this our
first meeting In many decades with European
Power. 1t is a noble opportunity for Spain as
a civilizing influence. Let her come forward
and civIlize us, as Charlemagne used to convert
the Teuton tribes, with the sword. Look at her
noble efforts with sword and rife at civilizlng
her colonies!
or course there Is no harm in her protesting
daily to the Powers about this country's bar
barism. 1t reads wen at home, and Is a splen-
did example Of polite but aggressive warfare.
We know it's polite. because it's Castilian. The
wapds Az syponymoua. 1--WE even N. this ceun-