The record-union., 1898-03-30
AS MATTERS NOW STAND.

Of one thing even the most ardent
war promoter must be convinced, name
1y, that if Spain should yield as
It is thought she will do, to the de-
mands made upon her by the United
States, our victory to that extent will
be nobler and greater far and command
more respect among the peoples of the
world for the American nation, than if
we wrung consent from her at the
mouth of cannon. The reason for ex-
preston of belief that Spain will yield
If hard pressed is based upon what is
the judgment of the world, that if she
engages in war with us she will lose the
last of her valuable possessions on this
side, and probably in the Orient also,
and possibly invite a storm that may de-
stroy her national existence.
The real question, then, is what should
be the demands. A fiery element in Con-
gress is disposed to make it 'Independ-
ence for the Cubans and indemnity for
the loss of the Maine, and the murder
of her crew." since the belief is general
that while the Spanish Government did
not order the assassination, and was not
privy to it, still it is responsible to us
for it. since it was the act of some of her
people, committed while our men and
ship were resting under her protection
Another element in Congress limits
the proposed demand to indemnity and
recognition of the belligerency of the
Cubans, with cessation of barbarities
and consent to relief by us of the suffer-
ing non-combatants. Still another class
of legislators are reported as opposed
to all these plans of demand, and insist
that war shall be declared, and that we
shall make it the atonement for the loss
Of the Maine and the price of Spanish
misrule in Cuba.
This class, with some others who op-
pose war for any present reason, agree
upon one proposition, that is, opposition
10 the relief of the reconcentrados by the
United States on the ground that ii
would amount to extension Of aid to
Spanish arms against the insurgents
They would substitute a demand that
Spain shall extend immediate relief
and. failing that, be compelled to do So
this on the humane ground.
The larger body Of Congressman are
evidently prepared to await further
movement of the President, who has the
undivided S,,ppor+ of Iic Cabinet , I
visers, who declare that he has taken
the only step possible for the Executive
Of great nation, in sending his message
OF Monday to Congress, and in notify
ing Spain of the findings of the Maine
Court of Inquiry; that these steps were
absolute preliminary essentials for the
safe grounding of the policy adopted
which is to avoid war if possible, while
insisting upon every measure of justice
we are warranted in demanding.
Outside of these several classes in au-
thority the people at large are evidently
very patiently awaiting action and still
reposing confidence in the President and
his official family. But the people are
clearly very much moved, and restrain
themselves with no little difficulty. On
the whole the attitude of the nation is
one calculated to inspire respect for it
and to command regard for its DEGREES
At the same time it is undeniable that
the situation is very grave; that the
people while not seeking war, are not
averse to it, and viii, when patience
ceases to be a virtue, plunge into it with
patriotic energy of the most marked
character.
Judging from the news dispatches
from all parts of the country at this
time, the conclusion is reached that
there is still reasonable hope of a peace.
full solution of the troubles of the hour
and likewise some reason to believe thai
Spain viii give the Cubans complete in.
dependence. But it is also a calm judg-
ment that unless these ends are attained
within the next few days, or assurance
given that they may be counted upoI
in due course. the public sentiment vii
drive Congress into foreign war, which
will mean the freeing of Cuba and tbs