The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-03-12
ANSWER TO SPANS BLUFF.


In Washington was the passing by the
house OF representatives. by unanimous
vote. after a most stirring and patriotic
debate, OF the appropriation OF s50,O0o.0O0
for war emergencies.
This and the active war preparations that
are being made by every branch of our
military establishment form the answer Of
the United States to the bluff which Spain
thrust at us with her suggestion of the re-
call of General Lee.
The swiftness and force of the action Of
the administration and the congress repre-
sent the power and purpose of the Nation.
1t is the answer of America to spain's Dip
lomatic Inquiry whether or not the United
States was really willing to fight. 1t is the
shaft OF lightning that clears murky
sky. The result OF 1t is that Spain beats .
hasty retreat The game Is too heavy FOR
her and she throws down her cards. In the
demonstration of nerve, money, ships, men
and guns the United States has come out
ahead, and In consequence the prospect OF
peace is now brighter than 1t has been al
any time since the Maine was wrecked in
Havana harbor three weeks ago tonight.
speak with the most complete ana
trustworthy information when say there
Is knowledge In administration circles that
Spain made a mere feint at this govern
ment. There was no intention at Madrid OF
going to war or permitting things to drift
near TO war. Spain wants no trouble with
the United States. Her statesmen realize
that only dire extremity will justify them
in going that length. They have during the
last twentyfo four hours given assurance OF
AL t.,s@ oh,
there is nothing In the present situation
suggestive of the possibility OF war, save
only desire on SPANS part TO bring war
on, the fact may as VOL be admitted that
danger has passed. The war cloud has been
dispelled by a thunderbolt of American
power and unity. 1t is perfectly true that
today the only menace to peace is accident
or some overt act on the part of unauthor
lied individuals which might fire the spark
and produce a conflagration.
If Spain wanted to test the firmness OF
the United States she must by this time
be abundantly satisfied. She has learned
with unexpected celebrity how the Ameri-
cans move when they think the time for ac-
ton has arrived. They have within twenty
four hours seen our whole military estab-
lishment in state of significant activity.
They have seen the president negotiatlna
for the purchase of war ships to exc out
our navy. They have seen congress rush
ing to his support with authorization OF
new regiments, and, above ALL with snug
war fund of $50, 900. 600 passed by unani-
nous vote in the popular branch. tucked
away In the presidents pocket Spain be-
holds all these things with amazement She
looks over her greasy cards, In which but
a pair of sevens Is visible, puffs away at
her odorous cigarette. Views with misgiv-
tt.
of some one and placed in the middle Of the
table. and concludes to drop her cards.
The Importance OF this measuring OF
strength can not be overestimated There
arc two ways by which nations In periods
of strain preserve the peace. One is by
bringing before the possible enemy, meet
ing his every demand, satisfying his every
whim. throwing ones self upon his mercy.
That is what Spain has been doing. She
has been on her hands and knees before us.
She has crawled on her belly. 1t may not
be generally known, but am able to make
the disclosure that General Weyler was re-
called from Cuba at the suggestion of this
government. Weyler himself charged that
this was SO, and used IL as q reproach
against the Sagasta ministry. But his ver-
sion has not been generally accepted. Yet
it is true. He was called back toOSpain by
ley asked 1t. In many other ways has
Spain bent the suppliant knee before the
United States.
Tho second way of preserving peace is BY
tmpressing your opponent with your firm
ness, your willingness to fight, your abil-
ity TO wage stif and destructive battle.
Having cringed for six months, Spain con-
cluded all OF sudden to try the other tack
u moment and see how 1t would work. That
she was instigated to this by Dupuy de
LONE. whose opinion of President McKin-
ley was we'll known In Washington before
his famous letter made its appearance.
there Is now little doubt. The play of Spain
was TO ascertain by an actual test by a sug-
gestlon requiring either compliance or re-
lection on the part of the American govern
ment, whether or not Mckinley had the
courage to make stand. She accompun-
led her play by open preparations for war.
by feint at buying many war ships. Dy
news OF the dispatch OF fleets to Cuba.
Instead OF weakening before this bristllng |
of guns and purpose. instead OF showing
the white feather of fear the American
government responded with n demonstra-
ton OF force and resources which convinced |
all the world, Spain included, of the utter
uselessness of Madrid attempting to beat |
Washington, This competitive demonstra-
ton of courage and power shows SPANS |
comparative weakness 1t settles once 70, |
all the question OF superiority. 1t makes |
for peace aS certainly and unerrngly as |
surrender after a lost and decisive battle. |
For the present at least, or until other |
events or some recovery OF courage or re- |
turn OF desperation at Madrid changes the |
aspect OF the international game. Spain Is |
again down on her knees before the United |
States. and peace reigns.
Walter Wellnan.
POINTS ABOUT PEOPLE.