The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-02
ABOUT THE WAR.

Editor Of The Times:
Sir:-I have read with amazement ana
regret your editorial in this morning
issue. entitled Irresponsible for the sioF-
rOrs Of War
Within the space Of four inches you
charge every member Of Congress VINO
voted for this war with absolute reckless
ness. remorselessness, selfshness, inhu-
manity and an absolute lack OF patriot
ism Is not this conservatism run mad|
You take upon yourself TO say that
every drop Of blood Of American soldiers
shed in this war IS on the hands OF the
men>Who brought It about, and you
charge that these selfish politicians
brought about this war in order thereby
TO get themselves back to their places
In Congress.
II all you say be true, 1t would seem
that the politician and demagogue has
voted for war because the people de-
manded IT. 10 Is not reasonable TO sup
pose that every man OF the large ma
i0rty in Congress who voted for war mas
mistaken the public pulse, so that the
logical conclusion of this morning. con-
demnation OF our Congressman IS that
though the people thought the war was
right and demanded II. and though their
representatives yielded TO this demand.
yet not only are the latter false to all
better instincts. but the former are hope
essly in the wrong.
! have always heard that a great news
paper has two missiOns-One 10 voice
public sentiment. and the higher to mould
and direct IL in the right direction.
Plainly you do not voice 1t. and It would
seem that such harshness and severity
of condemnation not only OF the Congress
Of the nation, but of the nation at large,
IS not the best way in which TO mould
and direct that public sentiment.
In the name of conservatism, in the
name Of human weakness, in the name
OF charity. and In the name OF that de-
cent regard for the opinion of others
which Is expected in this day and gen.
Grafton. l call upon you to moderate your
transports of indignation and 10 endeavor
TO see that view OF the matter which is
manifestly held by the vast majority OF
this great people.
CAUsIDICUs.
July /. 1898.
We publish the above at the request Of
the writer. who we may remark. is one
Of the two or three persons within our
personal acquaintance who has been
from the first in favor OF the war for
humanity" 50 called. II he had been a
member of Congress and had voted for
the war, we would have been perfectly
sure that he voted conscientiously and
was willing to justify his vote by per-
sonally enllsting for the war. There are
no doubt others Of the same stripe
among the "humantarians," but only
one has so far been developed. and that
is the ola warehouse, General Joe Wheel
er, and whether he is more of a humani-
tartan or Of a natural born fighter We do
not know, but are disposed 10 think that
preference for fighting predominates
IN him.
We stu aver as our deep belief that
this war was brought about mainly by
politicians who believed that it was popu-
lar, and who voted for it before they
knew the almost unanimous opposition Of
the people. We believe to-day that IL a
popular vote should be taken, that the
course Of Congress in precipitatlng this
war before the reasonable methods inau-
gurated by President Mckinley could be
fairly tried, would be Overwhelmingly
condemned. 1t was declared by the lead
or of the Democratic party, Mr.. Bailey,
that the Democrats had exhibited great
patriotism I'm not forcing the issue Of war
while the President was trying to avert
It. While on the other hand the Repub-
licans were fearful lest the Democrats
might get some advantage of them by
frat Of cpfr
and between the two parties there was
sort OF an auction bidding going on. each
trying TO offer the highest bid I'm bonn
bast buncombe and then in real war TO
,gratify what they supposed was the pop
ular wish.
Never was there a more fatal blunder.
Never were the tremendous powers which
are delegated 10 representatives, more
recllessly or selishly used. and II any
one doubts this, let him make inquiry in
any part of this county. and he will find
pitlful minority who justify the course
OF Congress against an overwhelming
opinion that the powers which were en-
trusted to them have been shamefully
abused.
For our brave and good men. who, with
a noble patriotism. that we trust Will
never fail in this country. have gone TO
the front with their lives in their hands
because those in authority asked them to
DO so, our admiration IS equalled only by
our solicltude. For them we cannot do
enough And now that they have put
their hands TO the sword we earnestly
desire that it shall not be sheathed until
the manhood OF the Anglo-Saxon has
been absolutely INDICATED. II II is to be
a war for humanity. let us make 1t an
honest and effective one. and for our
selves We have no desire now that we
have embarked upon II TO look back. As
soon. however. as peace for the soldiers
has been secured. war should he declared
upon the gentlemen at case in Congress
who praferred the suffering and,death OF.