Evening star., 1898-03-25
WAR OR PEACE.

Two. Communications Setting Forth
Different Views on Cuban Question.
Mr.. William Howard Mills writes to The
Evening Star as follows:
The action of the President of the United
States, of Congress, and of the American
people, is conclusive evidence that their
Sympathies are extended to all contending
for the right of free government, the pur-
suits of peace, happiness and prosperity
especially the patriot Cubans-and that
they condemn the brutal policy that
has caused deaths, by murder and starva-
ton, of more than four hundred thousand
wounded and sick patriots in hospitals, as
well as innocent women and children, who
were removed from comfortable homes for
the purpose of systematic starvation.
I believe the President and Congress- in
justice to suffering humanity should i'm
mediately recognize the independence of
Cuba and aVenge the deaths of two hun
dred and sixty-six brave American seamen
and marines. sent into eternity without an
instants warning, and who have since
died of most horrible injuries received in
the line of duty, as result of Spanish
treachery.
1t is my belief that the President and
Congress will do that within a week. or
ships, escorted by naval vessels, laden with
food for the suffering ''reconcentrados," !"
will be sent to Cuba, and if Spain inter-
feres. recognition will Immediately follow.
The haste with which Spain fell over
itself in recognizing the independence of
the Confederate States of America Is not
forgotten. America has been a model of
forbearance and consideration toward a
nation overburdened with effort for self
preservation, but the destruction of the
U.S.S. Maine, whether connived at by the
Spanish government or only by some of its
officers, was an act of war against Amer
tha
gods would destroy they first make mad"
Cuba will be free. Japan will have the
Philippine Islands. The Carlists will over
turn the present reigning dynasty and
Spain will disappear from the worlds at
las if it foolishly indulges in war with
America. America cannot and will not re-
treat an inch. Spain must pay an indem-
nifty of $50. 100000, apologize to America and
free Cuba, If 1t would preserve itself a ma
tion.
Something is about to drop. 1 have it
only one remove from the President. Un-
less he changes his mind. and he is not a
changeable man. the people will be clectri-
ned within a week-poSsibly before Sunday
The President and Congress are to be
congratulated upon the unprecedented
spectacle of the complete union of mora
than seventy million people in enthusiastic
support of their policy. Let us have
peace, with honor, or war-there are
worse conditions than war.
An Opposite View.
c. II. G. in a communication says:
peace for warning Cuba, food for starv-
ing Cuba and independence for freedom
loving Cuba" This is the true keynote and
for your utterance of it in The Star yester-
day thousands of Christian Americans
Thank you.
But just now is not the food problem the
practical thing? Your reports Of the past
two days show more vividly and touchineiy
than ever the suffering Of the starving IN
Cuba. Spain does not stand in the way of
this government sending $1O.0OO,OO0 of our
$50.O0OO00 In food. medicine and clothing.
Why not do that and see what the effect
would be? Protestant and Catholic alike in
obedience to Him OF Nazareth, and the
Secular League and Robert Ingersoll in
obedience to commands and instincts which
they do not trace to any origin, must say
that the first thing is to relieve the starv-
ing; settle differences afterward.
And In the settlement Of differences does
not Christ say forgive? Suppose 1t could be
shown clearly that some foolish Spanish
official had ordered the blowing up Of the
Maine. would not the Spanish nation be
more punished by disgrace OF the mere
proof OF the fact than by being beaten at
war by the United States. The real GRIM