The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-05-23
Where ihe Blam Belongs.

WhSre iiS Biam Belongs.
The successive delays in the projected
campaign Of Cuban invasion and res
cue which have interviewed since the
declaration of war and which seem
likely to postpone actual land lighting
for weeks and possibly for months to
come, have undoubtedly eXasperated
the American people, who feel wounded
in their pride by this open demonstra-
tion before the sight of carping world
of their unprcparedness to effect their
own will. and whose instincts of hui
manity are ineNprt ssbly shocked at
the thought Of the wholesale mortality
and suffering among the reconcentra-
does for which these delays are indi-
reCtly responsible.
on the whole the people show eXem-
plary patience. But some of the at
tempts which are being made to place
the blame for our powerful nations
immediate pOWerlessness are 50 unjust
that it may be worth while to con-
slider this phase Of the subject with
some care. Those who hold the presi-
Bile are unjust because these utiicials
simply execute the laws which con-
Eress passes and eXpend the money
whose expenditure congress authorizes.
For years the war and navy depart
msnts have appealed to congress for
sufficiently enlarged allowances to pro-
vide for an emergency in our foreign
affairs such as isnow upon US, but their
appeals have been ignored. During the
past two years, when war with Spain
seemed Increasingly probable, the mill
tary ana naval authorities have re-
doubled their pressure but congress
took no step until forced into precipi-
tate action hy the destruction Of the
Maine. 1t then voted $5O,000,OO in
less than fifty minutes and if money
could cause navy an army, guns,
powder and supplies to appear betwiXt
morning and night we should now be
prepared, not only to fight a tenth rate
power like Spain but, if necessary any
other adversary. The executive au-
thuritics, since they received congress
permission To- go ahead, have worked
days and nights and Sundays. They
have secured the earth Tor purchasible
ships and set the factories of the coun.
try to work on double and treble turn
in the production of tn" thousands o
articles that enter into a military cam
pai2n. Considering the circumstances
and in view especially OF the fact tha
two months ago we had an army o.
less than 5000 men scattered over al
area equal to continental Europe anC
hmdl. "a pound Of reserve powder al
extra Gun, shell, tent. ambulance O
"a ion they hav.' Cosc remarkably well
WNhin this time they have improvisec
an army Of 100000 men, partly equip
ped; hloCkadrd Cuba, destroyed tn
Spanish AsiatiC squadron and put tn
whole machinery of war-making il
motion toward Vet greater results il
the proNimate future. But they hav
what should have been done CAREFUL
and deliberately, in prudential prepara
tion years and years ago.
Why was this not done as it shoul
have been done, leisurely and in time
Why has congress been so dilatory an
negleCtful? Answer these question
and you can then more faill
locate the blame, In cOnsidern
them, remember that cOngi iess /
great measure is represents
tive body rejecting upon the who
with notable fidelity the averap
opinion of its constituents. Remem
Der, too, that for years the pulpit
and the peace societies and the Mus
wumps have denounced not only wa
and war talk but even the propositiO
to expend money in national insuranC
against being forced into war withOl
fitting preparation. Educated me
leaders in religious, social and bushes
circles, have curled the lip in scorn
the "jingoes," so-Called, who urged tn
country, following Washington's al
vice, "in time of peace TO prepare f,
war" And thus invested with Il
semblance of eminent Endorsement Il
false economists in congress held |
che appropriation bills, argued and hal
gled and haggled aud argued ov
small details in navy building, delayir
the whole work; turned an unrespo
sive ear to the call for a regular arm
adjusted 10 meet the country's steaC