The record-union., 1898-03-09
YESTERDAYS SPLENDID AC
TION-THE VALUE OF SPIRIT.

The proffer-for it is certain to be-
come law-of the legislative arm Of the
Government of the sum Of $50,000000
to the President of the United States
to be used in his discretion for the
Strengthening of the army, navy and
the defenses of the nation, is q splendid
tribute to the character Of the Presi-
dent and a noble example Of the patri-
otic spirit of the people of the Ameri-
can Union.
The unanimity with which the propo-
sition passed the House of Representa-
tives yesterday, and the scenes of pa
triotic enthusiasm in the chamber, are
even in the cold reports of the press
full of such fervor that he must be as
cold-blooded as a fish whose pulses do
not quicken under the reading.
Party politics sink wholly out of sight
in the presence of such a spontaneous
and patriotic manifestation Of conf
dence in the Chief Magistrate, and of
love for the nation, the honor of which
must not be soiled. nor the skirts of
its garments be trailed in dust
The fearful souls who moan for fear
that the country will stiffen its naval
and military arms will be terribly
raked up, of course, over this action on
the part of the representatives of the
people. They will find in it a menace
TO the propagation Of their doctrine
that the republic is only fit for vul-
lures, and must be supplanted by some
one or other of the fanciful, radically
socialistic and revolutionary schemes
evolved from vain theories. But their
wailings Will in no wise affect the body
of the people.
The effect OF the spirit Of determina-
tion now possessing the American peo-
pie to be prepared for any contingency
that may confront national honor IS
already seen. While the House of Repre-
sentauves was passing that magnificent
credit to the President, that we may
be prepared to challenge the menacing
attitude Of Spain. the latter nation took
fear on the wing, and, having with
drawn its insulting hint that it wishes
General Lee to retire from Havana, or
ders its pretentious cloud Of torpedo
catchers and flotilla of torpedo boats
not TO leave moorings for Havana, and
the outfit to convoy them over the sea
to be tied up indefinitely in Spanish
harbors.
So much for even a little show of
spirit. Spain is convinced now. if never
before, that in closing with the Ameri-
can nation she would grapple with an
antagonist that would demonstrate her
steel TO be cast and brittle America
more conserved peace by the act of the
House of Representatives yesterday
than it could have done by a month Of
diplomatic chatter and correspondence,
and the settling upon weak concessions
TO placate the Spanish cat by gentle
stroking Of its treacherous fur
II we are sincere in our expression
that the war in Cuba is inhuman. pros
ecuted to the shame of humanity.
that it Is destructive of our material
interests. Is involving the property of
our citizens and stripping them of their
goods without hope Of indemnity; if we
believe what we preach. that the miser-
able pretence Of Spanish rule in Cuba
should stop. and a fair, decent just
and humane system of government be
substituted. let us strike now while the
iron is hot. and give Spain to under
stand as much. and we win find her
plant and submissive.
she threatens when we supplieate.
she becomes reasonable when we
threaten That is the length and
breadth Of the matter The relations
we now have with Spain are those Of
peace. 50 the official departments in
form the people. Let US maintain them
in that state by such preparation that
Spain cannot afford to make them un-
friendly. nor to refuse to DO justice to
Cuba, our neighbor.
The truth IS that a nation is best Sc
cured Tor peace and prosperity that is