Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-19
Playing Politics.

When Congress as one man. without
q dissenting voice or vote, made the
$50. O00, 900 emergency appropriation
asked for by the President, several
weeks ago, the country was electrified
by the splendid unanimity shown in
that patriotic act. The harmony and
the promptness shown on that occasion
gave double value to the appropriation
in its inspiring effects upon the nation
and in its moral influence upon Spain
and the world at large. But since
then, though the crisis has been grow
ing more serious and the need of unity
and concord proportionally greater.
there has been an increasing tendency
among the Democrats at Washington
to play politics and to attempt to emf
ba1rass the Republican administration
and place it in a false light before the
country. This is much to be regretted
and in the end Democracy can gam
nothing by such treachery and dis
loyalty.
There should be no party lines in sucn
a foreign war as now faces this coun-
try. nor in the preparations for such
war. That the whole country VIII
loyalty support the government in ms
war need not be said. and it is the
chcarest kind Of craftsmanship for tire
Democratic leaders at the Capitol TO
adopt the tactics recently displayel. III
is an open secret that the recent Visit
of Mr. Bryan to Washington was to
get his followers in Congress into Inc
to thwart the Presidential policy. Ii |
possible. Consequently under the
House leadership of Mr.. Bailey of
Texas. the Democrats We're solidly ar
raved, and the Objectionable element ct
politics was suddenly injected into tn"
Cuban situation. The question OF |
recognition before Intervention IS one
upon which statesmen honestly differ
but the sudden lining up Of the solid
Democracy for the recognition of the
present so-called government in Cuba
is by no means due to sincere convic-
ton.
The Presidents message has many
present recognition of the inSurSent
republic and the recently added tesi-
mony of Gen. Lee gives much strength
to his position. The Republicans i'll
the House stood by him in splendid
fashion; in the Senate enough radical
Republicans, however. Joined the Dem
ccrats to add recognition clause to
the resolutions. There ought TO have
been no party lines in this matter any
more than in the persecution of the war
itself when it comes. The Constitution
of the United States provides that the
President shall initiate the foreign
policy in this country. In the crisis
now before us, he has suggested a line
Of action to be followed in order TO
make the force of the nation most effec-
tive, and, at the same time. to avoid
needless complications. He. from his
thorough knowledge of the conditions,
and with the great responsibility rest
ing upon him. is in vastly better posi-
ton than any one else to determine
undone. Loyalty to country compeis
acceptance of his views until he proves
untrustworthy.
The attempt of Mr.. Bryan and his
followers to make capital for the silver
cause cut of the question cf Cuban free
dom and the loss of the Maine shows
the desperate straits to which they are
driven. Their attempt will react upon
themselves and Will add to the strength
of the popular support given the strong
and patriotic administration which IS
unwavering in its determination to DO
what is right. All parties at this time
should combine into patriotic Ameri-
can party to give unqualified support
to President Mckinley. His course has
| been above question. He has done
what was best and right. and his
recommendations should be followed.
! He has done everything possible 20
| bring about honorable peace. rAling
in this through the folly of Spain he is
the right man to lead a united nation
| IN q war which shall make Cuba free
and avange the martyrs of the Maine.