The record-union., 1898-06-07
PEACE PROPOSAL WITH A
THREAT

The dispatches say tnat the evidences
accumulate that Spain is desirous OF
bringing the war to a close by nego-
tiating peace, but that she wishes to
do sthis through. the. agency Of some
foreign Power, which she desires to
make the initiative movement by an
intervention suggesting to the United
States that terms Of peace should now
,be' arranged.
1. This is supplemented by a quotation
from the ST. Petersburg "Novosti," the
Russian censor having permitted that
Journal to say that it is full time to end
"a senseless and criminal war;" That If
Spain appeals to Europe to that end
the Powers must intervene, and that
america must submit her pretensionS
to a tribunal Of European Powers. This
is accompanied by a positive threat
to the dictation of Europe, since our
coast lines are so extended and de-
fenseless that we cannot withstand the
combined fleets of two or three Euro
pean Powers
If Spain wants peace there is di-
rect road open to her to secure it. Let
her make the proposition direct to the
United States. This has been the pro-
cedure between nations for centuries:
there is no reason for departure from
1t now. The Spanish movement to have
the proffer of peace come through a
'3disinterested Power is a mere trick,
asdevice to call a halt IN present activi-
ties, while Europe NEEDLES in our af-
strength attempts to dictate to us our
course of action 1t is more than alb
surb; it is ridiculous
Just how the United States will re-
ceive such overtures may as we'll be
stated now. They will be firmly re-
jected with the statement that if Spain
has any communication to make upon
the subject, We are prepared to re-
ceive the same and deal with her with
the justice and equity with which this
nation has always met offers for ne
gotiation of any order
The threat of the '"Novosti" is conse.
quential because of the semi official
character of that journal, and because
under system of strict censorship it
has been allowed to indulge in such
threatening Illumination The people
of the United States will resent any
such interference, with the spirit such
impertinence justifies. and the Govern
ment will act in reflection Of the senti-
ment of the people No matter if such
resentment of an offer by third party
should involve US in war OF years,
we cannot and will not submit to such
Interference as is suggested.
1t is not, however, to be apprehended
that intervention will be made, though
1t is undeniable that it is under con-
sideration by Spain, which appears to
be especially solicitious just now to in
fiuence some Power Of Europe to take
the initiative in that direction No
nation of Europe can afford to take
such a step, since 1t is clear that the
European States cannot be brought in
garding it, and because such procedure
IS not warranted by precedent or justi-
fed by equity.
We repeat If Spain has in mind, as
IS believed, the idea of bringing on
negotiations with peace in view, there
is but one step she can take to that
end, and no other. She must address
ithe Government of the United States
edirectly. And she can rest assured that
her evertures will be received with that
dignity. courtesy and fair dealing
which are characteristic Of the Amer
: ican people.
, She can make this approach, since
diplomatic relations are broken off,
Through any proper agency represent
1ng her and speaking her desire, but
such agent must not occupy the atti-
tude Of an intervenor, coming in its
own strength, by its own motive. or ac-
lrompanied by the menace of threats.
1t is contended for Senator White
that he voted against the war revenue
bill because he could not secure adop-
fion into the measure of the policy
(which he thinks it essential for the
Government to pursue regarding the
currency, the coinage and the assump-
fion Of debt. Well, how does that alter
. fhe case? Just the same it was a
vote in the direction of Gripping the
progress Of the war. Being in a hope
less minority, Senator White knew that
the country under present conditions,
81 ever. But he would not so far tenn
porarily forego his attachment to his
pet notions as to vote for a measure
absolutely necessary for the conduct of
the war. And still it is claimed for
him that he is patriotic. But unhap-
PLY for Mr.. White he votes and speaks
steadily also against the annexation OF
Hawaii, which comes to us with open
and pleading arms. 1t is shown to
him that the annexation is a war me-
ycessity and viii be for all time a naval
necessity, since ships of the navy with
out coal are worse than useless AS
1t is, our vessels are engaged in chasing
coal more than in hunting the enemy
sor in making commercial visitations il
American interests. The two votes, and
the two positions Of Mr.. White, bear ar
Intimate relation to one another. Ha-