The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-03-09
THE INTELLlGENCER.
WHEELING, MARCH .. 1898.
III. War Emergency Credit.

sa9s4 The War Emergency Credit.
Thcprcmptness with which the members
/, OF Congress met the Presidents request
for a war emergency credit OF $50. 900, oOc
shows how false was the claim by some
that there was a disposition not to come
70 his aid with money for war prepara-
lions. Congressman Boutelle, of Maine,
chairman Of the committee on naval af-
fairs, who has himself undergone some
severe criticism on account Of his al
legged attitude against emergency appro-
priadons for the navy, and has been de-
nounced viciously by the lingo press. ex-
plains why former measures were de-
1ayed, and shows conclusively that It
was not due in any manner to any dispo-
sltlon on the part of himself or OF
Speaker Reed to embarrass the Presi-
! dent. On the contrary, they have been
in perfect accord with. the adminlstra-
ton. Mr.. Boutellc states that whai was
construed as opposition on his part to
legislation on naval affairs tina. had
been asked for. was simply temporary
delay at'The request OF the President and
secretary OF the navy, because hasty ac-
ztlon would inilame public excitement
and because the object Immediately
sought could be otherwise attained.
The withdrawal OF these specific meas
.ures, on account OF witch 50 much mis-
apprehension and unjust criticism was
INDUCED in by the sensational and lingo
press, proves to have been the part OF
wisdom. for the effect OF the final con-
ference between members of the cabinet
and Representatives OF the house and
senate was TO give the public the assur-
ance that Congress would furnish the
President the power and the money to
prepare for any emergency, leaving
severythinS:i IN the way ottsucn prepara-'
lions to MS discretion.
This was the wise and proper course.
5 and not only avoided the probability OF
wild and exciting rumors and sensa-
tlonal specula;ions and criticisms from
the press. but assured the supper. Of the
publlc. Whether we shall have war or
not Is question which is not definitely
settled, but the situation is undoubtedly
grave enough 20 warrant this emergency
measure. and one of the effects will be
to cause the public TO stand still more
Z firmly by the President and strengthen
the confidence OF the country in his
ability 10 meet the crisis and in the Wis
dom OF his policy.
The unanimous action taken by the
house yesterday in passing the emer-
gency bill! was splendid testimonial OF
the confidence OF the country In the Pres
!dent and the unanimity OF sentiment In
behalf OF standing by the administra-
ton in this crisis. Without single ex-
ceptlon men OF al parties voted for the
s measure. It was demonstration OF pat
7 riotism such as has seldom been wit
messed in the national legislature Of any
country. Its effect not only In this
country but throughout the world will
be Increased confidence In the unity and
stability OF the republic.
Should there be no actual war the
Z events that have occurred and the meas
lures that are being taken will have ac-
complished another good result. The
country is receiving wholesome lesson.
and Is having practical demonstration
of our deficiencies IN respect to our ma
ti;,nal dcfenses. We are having i'm
pressed upon US the great truth that
the best way to preserve peace Is at all
times 70 be prepared FOR war. Attention
has, been called TO the needs which here
Z tofore have only been regarded as ur-
gen. by the naval and military authori-
ties. Now the whole people have awak
{, cred 10 the realization Eha. these needs
(Which, whenever they were mentioned
heretofore. were sneered at In many
quarters as Unnecessary. have been too
long neglected.
X II nothing more serious than n peace
( ful outcome 10 the presen. crisis occurs,
the gain to the country ana the cduca-
tlon the people DIRE receiving in these
matters will count for something Cap
tious opposition 10 proposed increases In
the army and the building up OF the
navy, SO often heard. will cease. and the
4 public will have better appreciation Of
the duty of the government to maintain
the national defenses. and to be always
prepared for emergencies that may arise
between the United States and another
country.