Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-13
The Treaty Signed.


! and the treaty which formally closes
the war between Spain and the United
States was signed and sealed with due
ceremony. That occasion will be a
| memorable one in American history.
| 1t is the climax of the great work of
history making which thus country has
been carrying on at such a tremendous
rate during the present year.
The five peace commissioners who
represented this government deserve
much credit for their prompt and
faithful work. They met able states
men, skilled to perfection in the willy
art of diplomacy, who used all means
to delay the progress of the negotia-
lions and to embarrass the American
commissioners. They knew their rights
anu maintained them, and their work
at Paris has won for America In
creased respect and admiration. This
terms granted Spain are just and gen.
erous. They are so recognized by the
world, and Spain is very fortunate to
emerge from the contest in as good
condition as she finds herself. today.
The signing of the treaty brings up
the all important question, will it be
ratified by the Senate? There ought
not be any doubt ON this point. The
Senate has never yet rejected a peace
treaty, and to reject such treaty as
this, after such a war as has been
waged, would discredit and disgrace
our nation and cause rejoicing among
our enemies abroad. There are few
senators of much ability and unques-
toned sincerity who will oppose the
treaty and others who will oppose it
because they place craftsmanship above
patriotism, but this opposition is not
strong in numbers, and those best in
formed beneve the Senate will act IA
vorably upon the treaty without un-
necessary delay. The country is with
the administration and gives it's policy
hearty support.
Henceforth this nation must bear
new responsibilities. AS a result of
the war it waged for humanity and
freedom our relations with the other
nations of the world have been
changed, our horizon has been widened.
our work is greater, and the path of
the future is lighted by possibilities
and opportunities unknown in the past.
The voice of the croaker and the pessi
mist is heard but how much clearer
and stronger rings that voice which
proclaims faith in the strength of the
republic and firm belief that it will do
we'll the mighty tasks which the God
of nations places before it. The coun-
try which was so we'll united when
foreign war. was a reality. must know
no division now that peace has come.
The terms colonial policy" and for
eign policy will mean more to Ameri-
cans than ever before, and beyond the
shore line party differences must
never be carried. Thus only can the
United States show itself worthy the
new place it takes among nations, and
capable of bearing its increased bur-
dens
May it be far beyond the period Of
life allotted to any of US now living.
before the peace that now exists shall
again be broken. Our relations with
all nations are now most friendly, ana
another foreign war in the Immediate.
| or remote future, does not seem likely.
| But who would have dreamed, .Jeai
ago, that before another Christmas
this country would have fought war
with Spain, wiped the last vestige Of
| it's four century old power from
| America, assumed the control of great
| and rich islands with millions of in
| habitants in the Atlantic and the Pa
| cific. and achieved such increased dig
nity in the family of nations? Though
the war with Spain was as short ana
glorious as it was unexpected, the
United States wants NO more war The
| peace that has come has promise OF
greater victories than were ever won
| in war.