St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-04-06

in order to accomplish the object. In
consequence The president and cabinet
have been accused of dilatory met h.
DDS, weak policy and lacking in de-
cision. There are several important
things to be considered. Few people
begin to realize that this country
was not prepared at all for war in
the first place. We had no warships,
navy, army and equipments to meet
such a foe as Spain; we had to gain
time to prepare for such contin-
gency. II any blame or censure falls,
it should ante.date this administra-
ton and congress for not providing
for our sea coast defences long before
this time. Some time since, realizing
the Importance Of being prepared for
war, should it come, most active,
tireless preparations in every quar-
ter have been going on, turning out
guns and munitions OF war, looking
up all kinds OF war vessels and boats
OF every description, putting ourforts
and harbors in readiness for an oc-
casion. Men have been pressed into
the service, working night and day
and even Sundays, to be ready for
emergencies. Now we are more on a
war footing and are ready to act on
the defensive. The intense suffering
of the thousands dying from hunger
and starvation in Cuba from Weyler's
inhuman policy has deepened the
feeling Tor Intervention. In what
manner or form shall it take place,
peaceably, il possible, if not by armed
intervention? The president has
sought the advice OF both parties in
congress before assuming the grave
responsibility of declaration OF
war. The report OF the blowing up
OF the Maine by the Board of Inquiry
wrought congress up to a white
heat. Especially as the president did
not outline a special, well-de6ned
policy OF action, it was disappoint.
ing to the majority, when be urged
waiting a little longer to receive
Spain's ultimatum (decision). The
wonderful power of Speaker Reed
was tested to its highest poiut, on
that day in congress, in suppressing
all hasty action by the democratic
party led by Bailey, who had pri-
vately planned, it was stated, to de-
throne the speakerii he did not allow
action to take place. A democrat
declared that it was not all an act OF
patriotism, but a determination to
get the resolution on record first for
party reasons, ian important act for
the next political campaign). Adeep
excitement pervaded the house; its
galleries were banked with people
and crowds in the hall could not gain
admittance. Amidst the noise, ex-
citement and confusion, Reeds friends
rallied to his support in the House by
large majority. and his mastery
action and perfect self.possession
could not but command the admira-
ton and respect of all high-minded
Americans. 1t was memorable
occasion, although one lady re.
marked, HE looked as white as
sheet" But he was apparently per.
fectly calm and self.possessed. The
lady said she had once seen Speaker
Randall on similar trying occasion
and he looked as white as Reed, but
he was small man and Mr.. Reed q
large one.
All are eagerly looking for the pres.
idcnt's message on Monday, or at
the latest by Tuesday, and if he fails
to outline decided policy, congress
will probably act promptly in the
matter.
Although the day is bright and
sunny, there seems to be war
feeling all around you that you can.
not help realizing. A week ago,
Cuba" seemed to be on every lip;
now you hear the word Spain" on
every side.
The National Geographic Society
gave great reception to Capt. Sigs.
bee at the Arlington Hotel from 9 to
II upon Saturday night. when 1 900
invitations were issued to members
and friends. .
All seem to feel that ma tional honor
demands war with Spain, and il we
are not as well prepared in our
naval outfit as we should be had we
longer time, yet in the end, all feel
that the United States will be the
victor. A.M.c.
April 4, 1898.