The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-04
CHAS. CURTIS ON THE WAR.
The Congressman Writes on the Out
come of the War With Spain.

From the Mail and Breeze
Washington, May 81 have your letter
Of recent date making substantially the
How long. in my opinion, will the pres
ent war with Spain continue?
Is there any doubt as to the ultimate re-
suit?
from that island?
As to the length of the war: This seems
initely settled at this time. The situation
reasonable and almost certain one day is
directly controverted the next Then,
which may have the effect of prolonging
the struggle, or which may end it sud
tions have already arisen which We're not
originally considered or thought of, and
more complex and difficult of solution.
One OF these compiled tons, for instance,
Dewey 9 at Manila. His capture nI of the
Philippine islands brings forward a QueS-
government, either before or after the war
has ceased, as our possession of these
6eaHu1ui e and prodq &c Islands in the
nnents preparation on our part. This was
brought about by the splendid work Of
something which would show my admira-
man. The battle of Manila will go down
in history as one of the greatest and most
FeaTkaDiT n n hr engagements ne eyer yer
men of the Asiatic squadron will never be
forgotten, and it has opened the eyes of
naval commanders, American sailors and
Wherever the American flag floats, and
that the glorious achievements of our
be repeated whenever and wherever 1T is
necessary to maintain our national posi-
ton Dewey was instructed to destroy
necessary to take the Philippines. He did
it Wit9o ut the less Of t man or ship
territory to the diplomats and statesmen
be considered, and 1t has an important
bearing on the length of the war in which
liable to arise in the case of Porto Rico
possibly the Canary islands, and also with
possessions nearer the countrys home sta
ton There can be no such question
raised regarding Cuba, for reasons stated
wiped out, as it surely will be if Samp-
honor would be satisfied and that she
would be ready to sue for peace. In this,
Spanish forces, the island free and a gov
eminent established, she would be met
of Tg by fh1d G9gn 5ae TO hes
tied in an amicable spirit. Therefore,
on spain herself and her ability to carry
it on without exposing herself to too
dangerous proximity to our forces.
As to the ultimate result, believe there
is no question. Its progress so far has
mination without seriously taxing either
SPAN Is concerned, she must sooner
later yield; she must lose her possessions
on the western continent and her reign
of tyranny and deception in waters
must cease forever. She became obnox-
ious, odious, in the eyes of the world in
these matters. and when her lying diplo
macy and treachery was finally proven be-
yond peradventure, 1t became incumbent
upon this government to insist that she
withdraw from this hemisphere. The OBJ
{ect attained, the victory, so far as the
United States is concerned, is won.
As to our attitude towards Cuba after
the Spanish have been driven from the ISL
and: The conditions existing at that time
will be met by the United States, what
ever they may be. in order that a free and
stable government may be established
there. Our action will depend largely up
on the craftsmanship displayed and the
cohesive qualities possessed by the Cubans
themselves Having disclaimed any in
tention of annexing the island and having
pledged ourselves to the world at large to
set up a government of Cubans for Gu
bans, we can do no more and, in my opin-
ion, that is all We should attempt to do.
In passing. 1 might remark that to ac-
complish this will involve a test of the
highest craftsmanship and the most deli
cate diplOmtic fneSse, to all of which I
believe the Republican party is fully
equal. Very respectfully.
CHARLES CURTIS.