Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-16

|
teaching of Christ. Spain has drained hel
resources of men and money. If We had
sent a million of men and spent a billion
Of money this country would not be so de-
pleted as she is. And yet We are asked to
whet our appetites for war upon her. II
would be like man kicking a cripple, fear
ing that the. crutch might hurt, and after
ward asking for the plaudits of the crowd.
Spaniariis Not COwards.
I'VE have heard many people say that
the Spaniards are towards. 1t is not true.
From the days of Alva and Pizarro to the
days of Weyler they have been brutal in
their conduct. but they have been cour-
ageous and brave. and when We enter upon
this war. We do not want to befool our
selves or the youth of the land with the
idea that we are to meet towards or cow
ardice.
This war under which We are entering
can bring US no material gain. 1t will re-
suit in the loss of millions to commerce
1t Will sweep our ships from the sea, and
we will leave thousands of our Young men
dead from fevers and disease in the tropics.
All this must be counted in advance and
We have counted it. 1 believe the day of
Cuban freedom has come, but when we
have achieved the victory, there will be no
| territory to indemnify US for our sacri-
| fees. because We do not want territory.
There will be no money to indemnify us,
because Spain is bankrupt. We must find
our supreme satisfaction for our blood and
treasure in relieving the cry Of suffering
and the cause Of humanity.
This war must be fought because, in the
eyes OF the world, We stand as the sentinel
OF liberty on the Western hemisphere. and
because. if We fail to listen to the voice of
suffering and the downtrodden, We will be
untrue to the principles upon which this
government is founded as upon a rock"
| Galleries Applaud wolcott.
| wave OF applause swept over the gal
ieries as Mr.. Wolcott concluded, and this
| demonstration almost resulted in the clear
ing of the galleries.
| Mr.. Cockrell. of Missouri, demanded that
this be done, but various senators on the
floor interposed. among them Mr.. Hoar, of
| Massachusetts. who called attention to the
fact that the most fragrant violation of the
rule inhibiting such demonstrations had
been encouraged by the example of SEN
| ators on the floor.
| At this point Mr.. Morgan, of Alabama
gave notice that he would move to lay all
amendments on the table
AS Mr.. Spooner was recognized, the scene
| IN the chamber was a notable one. The
throng of auditors, both in the galleries
and on the floor. had greatly increased, and
among them were many of national fame
and prominence. including members of the
supreme court.
Il sincerely lament this debate" began
Mr.. Spooner. in low. distinct tones. With
out desire unduly to criticise any of my
colleagues on this floor. do deprecate the
direction the debate has taken. and the
| rancor that has been manifested 1 agree
with the senator from Colorado (Mr. VOL
cotD that We are On the threshold of war,
and 1t is an ugly prelude to the roar OF
cannon and shrieks Of the wounded that
carps at the president and attacks with
suspicion and innuindo his policy. If We are
to go to war. he is to be our leader. We
should rally round him and uphold his
hands rather than seek to minimize his in
fluence with the nations OF the world. We
should rather say: God bless you in your
efforts. You lead-we will follow"
Mckinley Brilliantly Defended.
Mr.. Spooner then entered upon a brilliant
and elaborate defense of the conduct of the
president throughout the pending crisis.
a ot NJ.
the country and to the world in the pres
ervation of peace. if peace were possible.
"He has Travelled his pathway alone,"