The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-06-25
THE SITUATION GRAVE.

the Baltimore American, over HIS own AiS''"
ture. publishes the following in that paper ON
Wednesday:
THE SITUATION GRAVE
When between the United States and Spain
became certainty, and the President issued the
first call for volunteers, excitement ran high, but
the people became more composed when they were
told greater numbers offering their services
than the government could possibly accept, and at
the final news that the country had $4,000 recruits
quiet was restored, and business and matters in
general began once more to move along i'll the
usual brisk fashion But, if we read the signs
Alright this quiet will shortly again be broken by
another call for volunteers. The war, which the
over-sanguine predicted would be ended i'll Il
month or two has already belied that prediction
and is steadily assuming alarming proportions
Spain looks upon present army of volunteers
inexperienced youngsters eager Tor Il trolic, or
ut most as men whose numbers will be quickly re-
duced one-half either by the exposure and hard
ships, to which they are unaccustomed or by ac-
tual warfare. While our navy has made Il magnit
cent record for itself unaided, it is absolutely inn
possible for the navy to subdue and take possession
of the enemY's TERRITORY 1t must be strengthened
by an equally powerful land force-powerful alike
in equipment and numbers-and unless the 2O,O0O
men sent to the Philippines are welcomed and sup
a mere drop i'll the bucket.
And what is true of the situation at Manila is
equally true of Santiago. We fear the troops that
have just arrived there will prove insufficient to
cope with the daring, treacherous, acclimated
Spanish soldiers they will be ca lied to encounter
and other troops should undoubtedly follow them
Immediately rs achievements, and to take posses
sion of important strategical points. To take the
provinces, and hold them against the attacks of
the Spaniards, at least 10000 men should be sent
to Cuba or we must resort to guerrilla warfare,
such as has been in operation between the Span
iards and the insurgents since hosities began. We
should move upon the enemy en- masse never allow
ing any reverse, for we are carefully, and even
jealousy. watched by European countries, and Il
defeat in Cuba would mean greater disaster than
any one would have dared predict at the Begin
ming of the war. Germany, France, and even Rus
sia have all along been eager for some develop
ment that would warrant their direct intervention
and would be only too glad of any incident that
would enable them to say had proved our
selves unable to conquer Spain, and that in the
name of humanity they must put stop to the
carnage.
fear much harm has been done by the tendency
to underestimate the enemy's strength and the
valor of her soldiers. This ''as been due to the
oyer-confidence of n few 10, anxious to pose as
thoroughly familiar with the condition of affairs,
and impress the government and people with their
importance, have furnished roseate descriptions,
and sought to make it appear there was nothing
for this country to do but go right in and take pos
session of the island. According to these great
wiseacres, Santiago, Puerto Principe, Santa Clara,
and even Matanzas and Pinar del Rio, were in ripe
condition for such action part those
provinces were virtually already in possession of
the insurgents, who merely required little
strengthening to establish their claims and make
the conquest of the Spanish complete. But the
real state of affairs is very different Behind tropi
cal bushes, rocks and substantial Notifications
stand Spaniards, well armed and ready to dispute
the rights of possession, thus directly contradict
ing the unwise reports that were used as argu-
ments with the government, which, through lack
of more authentic information, was forced to rely
in measure upon what it had been told.
But it is mistake to undervalue the Spanish
soldiers now in Cuba, for the flower of Spain's
army is there, and many of the leaders represent
the heads of her noble and royal families and their
loyalty is dear to them as life itself The most
merciful warfare is that which is waged quickly.
Reconstruction only means lengthening out of
anxiety suffering and sacrifice of life. Therefore
If the President really intends to issue another
call for volunteers he should ask for at least 25O
600 men, This would give us army of half
million, and would convince European
friends that our resources are not lacking. The
troops now in camp should be pushed forward
with all possible speed, and the new leyies
equipped as soon possible War is truly terrible,
but now that we are in it, must reverse the old
order of things and turn our ploughshares into
swords giving credence to Napoleon's theory that
God is always on the side of the heavy artillery,
and ;ge might add the heavy numbers too.
When war was first declared the outlines of Cuba
were its horizon and no one imagined that in a
few short weeks our forces would be scattered as
they are today-somc in the Philippines, Others at
Porto Rico, and still others in cuba-ail in INSULT.
eient numbers to achieve decisive victories
Hence, say let the President issue his call fol
$4,000 additional volunteers, for the situation is
ora d sne FELIX AGNUs