Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-14
In the Hands Of Congress.

War now seems certain. The House
acted, yesterday. and after a stormy
session passed the majority resolution
for immediate, armed intervention by
the overwhelming vote of SO to 49,
Excitement was high and much feeling
was displayed. as the telcgraphic a.
cour. shows. but debate was shut off
ard the attempt of Bailey and a small
following Of cheap Democrats to play
politics was frustrated by the patriotic
majority In the Senate action was not
so prompt. A similar resolution was
for debate and no vote was taken The
House resolution means war and the
Senate resolution Will probably be
passed. today. Our news columns tel!
the exciting story of yesterday, in
Washington.
Congress was impatient fer the Presi-
dent to act that it's own opportunity for
action might come. The President has
acted and now the country is patiently
awaiting final action 10y Congress. The
President has done his duty, and il has
been done in way to which history
will give unqualified approval tn
issue is now IN the hands Of Congress,
ard there is rot much longer to wait.
Tie question Of peace or war has hung
in the balance for many weeks Many
times the crisis has seemed upon LIS,
and each time there has been delay
and postponement. Hoping for an
honorable peace this country has made
every preparation for war, war that
is to give Cuba freedom and avenge the
loss of the Maine.
AS was thought probable the House
spoke the decisive word, yesterday. and
passed the resolutions that the exigen
cies Of the occasion demanded But on
such a mCmentous question there were
differences as to the line Of policy. and
in the Senate more time for debate was
wanted. Final action, however, IN that
branch is expected at once. probably,
today. There is no doubt that Con-
gress will authorize armed intervention
at once to end the Cuban war. Our
right and our duty to thus intervene
can TO longer be questioned after the
statesmanlike discussion of the matter
in theXresid nts m S agr. There is har-
mony between all factions on the mat
ter of armed Intervention. but the
question of recognition before or after
intervention is rot so easily agreed
can no longer be doubted. Spain has
not backed down, and will not do so
until at least show of resistance has
been made. Spain must withdraw all
her land and naval forces from Cuba
and Cuban waters and acknowledge
Cuban independence before America
viii be satisfied, and to compel this
Congress will authorize and direct tho
President to use the forces and re-
sources of this country to such an cX-
tent as is necessary. Then will come
the matter of indemnity for the Maine.
1t is greatly to be hoped at tbs
critical time that Congress will present
united front in support of the Presi
dent. 1t is no time to play politics, and
Democrats should strive to remember
that they are Americans before they
are partisans. The President is right
and should be given the support OF
every citizen of high or humble station.
lie has tried for peace with honor and
fails through the folly and obstinacy Of
Spain. Now that war seems inevitable,
let the Union be united for war with
honor. Waged in the name Of humanity
and cur rights. and carried to speedy
and complete victory.