Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-03-22
The Situation.


plosion which wrecked the Maine in
Havana harbor. and the nation is stilI
waiting and endcavorinE to susper
Judgment 1t is difficult to say whether
or not we are nearer war than Il week
or month ago. Certainly we are more
prepared for war if it must come, and
in any event we are now well prepared
to maintain an honorable peace. TIL"
papers are so full of sensational stories
of war and preparation for war, with
a contradiction following almost every
rumor and report that the average
over the situation. At the best we can
only feel that the situation is very un-
certain, and nobody knows what a day
may bring forth.
The court of inquiry has been in Se'-
sion for a month. receiving testimony
and deliberatin-. For IA week its re
port has been expected any day. and
yet it may be delayed Il week longer
The investiga zion has been most com
pete and Thorough, and the delay oc-
casoned thereby has been we'll inn
proved by the government in vigorous
~ preparing to meet any possible
emergency. No one can say what the
verdict will be, but it is certain thai
the American people. from all it can
learn of the facts of the explosion
through the press is unanimous in eX-
dc sign" When the verdict is made
known to the government and people, -
what next Will demand for in
demnity at once follow" This seems
likely, and Il less firm and aggressive
course would not he consistent With
the policy of the administration thus
far. would not meet the approval of
patriotic and united people. If the
Maine was lost by an external explo-
sion. ii seems agreed that the Spanish
government is responsible; and if the
explosion was not aused by the direct
act of the Spanish government a large
indemnity promptly paid would settle
the matter. But if the Maine was
wrecked by the treachery OF SPAN
herself or if Spain refuses to pay just
indemnity then" 1t is certainly
not a matter for arbitration. and if
Spain persists in a refusal to pay it is
very difficult to see how war could be
aVerted. y peace without the main
tenance Of American rights and
American honor is not tn be thought
Of. War is terrible to contemplate but
such a peace is worse and far more ex-
fought, we think, in the immediate
vicinity of Cuba would be of short
duration: would result in the humila
ton of Spain. the payment of the in
demnity and the independence of the
oppressed island
Thus it is seen that the key to the
situation is in the report of the court of
inquiry which may be made public ut
any time. Relations with Spain hay
long been strained and have become
molc 50 since her recent insolent d.
mands which We're promptly and justly
refused. In spite of the dark clouds
that have been thickeninE on the hori-
zop tins country is still wishing ami
working for peace. but its extensive
preparations for war show that If
Spain forces The dread alternative. then
50 much the worse for Spain The
prudent and patriotic course of the al
ministration has united and inspired
the country. and won the sincere com
menda ton of the civilized world. This
of other nations than ever before, and
we may be sure that Spain viii nos
draw other countries from position of
neutrality to her assistance.
Asid" from the results of the verdict
of thescuurt Of inquiry there is another
matter of vital Importance pressing for
consideration which cannot be much
longer delayed This is the question Of
American intervention in Cuba, or
recognition of the belliGerent rights OF
the insurgents Everything points to
free Cuba soon. and the method iii
which this is brought about may mean
war with Spain. 1t is separate mat
ter from the loss of the Maine but the |
combination of the two questions com
plicate matters very seriously and do |
not strengthen the prospects of peace. ,
War or no war. the additional strength |
given to our army and navy and our
coast defenses at this time is for the |
best interests of the country The |
work is late, but not too late
The New England Telegraph and Telc- |
phone Company are to lay a cable from |
Saturday Cove to lslesboro. Il distance of |
10000 feet. The telephone connection |
will be made in Belfast. VIA Northport |
This will be mighty convenient especially |