The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
-zSSNNfLx~
Daily Eagle
M. Nj. MURDOCH. Editor.
WHATIT MAY MEAN,

The deed is done, the overt act mas
been committed, and war between the
United States and Spain. over the IN
dependence of Cuba, is an actually,
"Jacta est alea'' Diplomatic negotla-
lions are at end, and the solitary shot
across the bows of the Buena Ventura
of yesterday may today find an echo
in broadsides by full batteries. That
the thousands who have been clamor-
ing or the conflict, or that many OF
the official representatives Of the peo-
pie who have been urging President
Mckinley to precipitate hostilities eV-
en- measurably comprehend the full
import Of their opportunities, is ques-
tionabIe. But the one word which
cannot be recalled has been spoken,
the one step which cannot be retrac-
ed, taken, and whether for veal or
woe, this bright spring Sunday morn
ing, April the oath, 1898, finds US, our
country, America, the nation whose
motto is Peace" plunged into a war
whose complications cannot be grasp
ed or final results measured or COM
pretended 1t is a war for justice, we
Americans hold, but one of conquest
as believed and charged by our Eu-
ropean enemies. In its invoking vast
domestic interests are involved and
national destinies implicated. That
which sets out as naval combat be-
tween these two countries may, ere
many months, through incidental in
vasions of rights, or accidental in
Engagements Of assumed perogatives of
others, prove an international mael-
strom of coalitions, contentious and
conflicts, involving the lives and en-
quilting the fortunes Of millions of
peoples, who, if not oblivious, are but
Indifferent spectators of the critical
events transpiring.
But whether the people of the Amer
lean republic shall be held as an ag-
gressor or only as a mediator, the act
remains that the struggle which they
have entered upon is a disinterested
sacrifice for principle, pure and sim
pie. There is neither the glory of con-
quest or the cupidity of indemnity in
it. Inspired by the exalted philan-
thropy of the enlightened benefactor,
only as a benevolent protector, out of
pity and in response to the appeals of
l. 70 he
rescue of the helpless victims of a
ruthless ruler.
AS for the possibility Of complica- |
tons or a final rupture with other ma
tionalities. there is little of apprehen-
sion, and no lack of confidence upon
the part Of this country, nor need |
there be any. No nation in the entire |
history Of the world was ever so COM |
petent of self preservation. We have, |
as a people, the wealth and resources |
within ourselves, even as against a
blockade maintained by the combined
navies of the world, to keep up a war
Of defense or prosecute one of offense, |
for years. We can build ships, con-
struct guns, manufacture ammuni- |
ton. provide sustenance for an army |
Of a million men or more, and pay all |
the bills, for an indefinite period, |
though the ports of every cline were
closed and the army of every power
raised against US.
If, therefore, in this conflict for hu-
manity. the powers of the world shall |
become involved, dynasties will col
lapse, crowns crumble, and hereditary
rulers disappear, yet, in the language |
of the immortal Lincoln, "a govern
ment of the people, for the people and
by the people shall not perish from the
EARTH