The herald., 1898-04-21
TO SAVE BRUTE LIFE

TO SAVE BRUTE LIFE
A condition and not a theory con-
fronts the owners of live stock in this
and other sections Of the state on ac-
count of the drouth, and the probabili-
ties are the losses will be very heavy.
Fresno advices are to the effect that.
unless something entirely unforeseen
happens, fully one hundred thousand
head of sheep and cattle will die OF
starvation in that county alone in the
next few months.
The cost of feed has everywhere ad-
vanced to such figure that its purchase
is no longer within reach Of many owners
of horses and cattle, and the effect has
been to throw upon the markets larger
number of animals of the common
grades for what the carcasses will bring
as fertilizers. A Los Angeles horseman
yesterday estimated the number OF
horses thus sacrificed, in this county
alone, during the past few weeks, al
one thousand, and he gave 1t as his
opinion that before the summer is ended
all but the most valuable horses here will
be thus sacrificed.
In order to save as many animals as
possible, by driving them into the foot
hills sections of Nevada, the quarantine
laws of that state have recently been
modified. Owners of live stock in the
section lying south Of the Tehachapi
however, cannot we'll avail themselves
Of this privilege, and the losses will be
multiplied, unless relief comes from some
other source.
1t is within the power Of the govern
ment to measurabl relieve the situation
by throwing open the national park res
ervations in this state to the cattle ano
sheep that otherwise must perish, and
urgent appeals have been forwarded tc
Senator White to properly present the
situation to the president, with the view
of securing a permit from him for sus-
pension of the law closing them for the
grazing of stock Such an appeal, il
strongly urged, may not be denied.
In the much talk about Cuban affairs
very little has been said favorable tc
annexation of the island to this country
The president regards it as subject
which should be given no thought, and
congress has declared emphatically
against acquisition. So far as appears
the sentiment in that body is unanimous
If the acquisition Of Hawaii is desirable
that of Cuba is preferable for many
reasons; among them being its proxim-
ity to our coast, the greater capacity
to produce, to sustain larger popula-
ton, and to contribute to our commerce
Cuba would more easily and speedily be-
come Amercanized than Hawaii. The
controversy with Spain has vividly dis
closed the extent of our coast to be de-
Tended Hawaii is all coast; it is distant
and must be defended at arms length.
Land forces can be readily placed in
Cuba to defend it. If Cuba is undesirable
-
Those who expect a great naval battle
on the high seas, and within few days
are likely to be disappointed. The pro-
gram, now practically agreed upon
comprehends the blockade by the vessels
of the navy of the principal ports Of Cuba
and possibly of Porto Rico, and this
may be at once accomplished without
the discharge Of a gun. That done, some
time may elapse before the Spaniards
decide to attempt to raise it. The land.
ing of troops on the island should not be
a difficult undertaking. That also may
be done without drawing the fire Of a
Spanish vessel. The aim Of the nava
strategists on both sides will be to avoid
direct contests as much as possible, tc
measure strength only when the most
important advantages dictate it, or when
avoidance is no longer possible. Neithe,
power has a single vessel to sacrifice ir
a pyrotechnical demonstration.
~
The courage, fortitude and patriotism
of the Spanish people is spectacle cal
culated to inspire the dullest heart. II
is an exhibition worthy holier cause
The speech of the queen regent from the
throne, delivered yesterday, is full OF
pathos. The crews of the Spanish squad
ron at Cadiz, kneeling before the shrine
of the Virgin Mary, and recording an
oath never to return unless victorious
recalls similar episodes of the civil wal
period, and accentuates the earnestness
of the Spanish tars in their devotion tc
country. flag and religion.
British naval experts seem to have lit
tie respect for the skill of Spanish naval
officers. Brave men and good navigators