The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-03-08
BROKEN PROMISES MAKE WAR POSSIBLE.

BROKEN PROMISES MAKE WAR POSSIBLE
The starvation of the Cubans, The
| blowing up of the Maine and the murder
of its brave crew, and the other Inci-
dents that have made war with SPAN
| imminent could have every one been
avoided if Mr.. Mckinley and his party
had been true to their campaign pledges
As far back as March 2nd, 1895, when
Mr.. Cleveland was pursuing the same
timid policy that has been initiated by
Mr.. Mckinley, the House passed a
resolution. Reed among others voting
for it. by vote of 3G2 TO II, which de-
clared that "A state of war exists in
Cuba" that the only solution is Cuban
States should bc prepared to protect
the legitimate interests Of our citizens
by intervention. if necessary." On the
18th of February, 1895, the Senate re-
quested the President to accord TO the
Cuban Insurgents the rights of belligcr-
cnts. At that time Mr.. Cleveland was
president and the Republicans de
nounccd his policy as "un-patriotic and
un-American," and boldly charged that
it was dictated by moncyed men who
had interest in Spanish bonds. 1t will
be observed from the vote of 362 to II,
that almost all the Democrats voted for
the resolutions that passed the House
in 1895. showing that when matters
of national honor We're involved Mr..
Cleveland could not secure Democratic
support for his timid and un-American
policy. The democratic party. while
not wanting war, has all along believed
the way to arrest war was by early rec
ognition of Cuban independence. That
position was the true position. The Re
publicans took the ground when Mr.
Cleveland was bowling down to Spain
and spending millions of dollars TO keep
the brave Cubans from getting guns
and ammunition from this country.
In their National Convention they
adopted this resolution:
I'VE believe that the Government
of the United States should actively
use its influence and good offices to
restore peace and give independence
to the island"
Mr.. Mckinley accepted that declara-
ion as binding upon him. He was
'lectcd, and during the twelve months
ne mas been chief executive he has
lone nothing at all toward carrying ont |
ais platform declaration. In january
asst. when the Democrats sought to
AVE action, Reed refused to permit the
'aSsage of any resolution and almost to
man the Republicans voted against the
cry policy they voted for in March.
49,. Chairman Hit begging for more
inc. Mckinley was dumb. and was
lever induced to 10 anything until De
.ome called him a small politician
Since th,n the pressure Of public senti-
nent. given voice and Il hearing by the
Maine tragedy, seems TO have pene-
rated the White House and stiffened
the Presidents backbone.
Whether there is TO be war or not,
/ is the simple truth that if Mr.. Clevc-
and had permitted the recognition Of
'uban bclligerency when Congress ask
Il him to do so. or if Mr.. Mckinley
pom his accession to the presidency had
ought to carry out his platform pledges
With half the zeal he served the Cen
raj Pacific railroads. the trusts and
lark Hanna. the brave insurgents
would have won their Independence,
nd the Maine calamity would have
cen ayerted.