The San Francisco call., 1898-03-25
WAR FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE.

N such measure as human judgment may be de- pended upon the common verdict that the crsls III the mutual of this country and Span IS at hand seems to be correct It is time of grave moment and one in which action however hasty Tn execution, must not be il-considered.
 During the days since the Maine, at anchor III friendly harbor, was sent to grave in the ooze be- meath the waves, tomb for hundreds ot brave men, the people of the United States have possessed them selves with wondrous patience In the face ot count less rmors despite every indication that their sailors were cruelty murdered they have awaited the verdict of the court of inquiry and with pacific endurance unprecedented they await 1t still. While this tension grows in acuteness it is than unseemly that Spain should by course distinctly hostile provoke to outbreak the wrath which has been slumbering But if she insist upon this insane procedure there will be left to this country alternative The flag of Castile must be driven from Western seas and the blight of her presence in Cuba become but memory
 The people of the United States do not want war. They realize the horror of carnage They have not encouraged ngo spirit. But they are unanimous in the sentiment that the honor of their fair land must be sustained at any cost of blood and money. They are ready freely to contribute both The Pres- dent need not fear that in any step he may take to check the arrogance of Spain he will not have to uphold his hands the fullest indorsement of the ton, It is only in case he may strive for peace that honor may be thrust into the background that he can lack the most complete support. A sign of wavering would only be weakness.
 The Call has not clamored for war; 1t does not now do But it believes war preferable to dis grace. If the President shall warn Madr1 that the Spanish torpedo boats approaching Porto Rico turn about, and the warning be unheeded, the only construction to be placed the refusal would be that the insane folly of Spain in dreaming of pos sbe conquest in this domain about to crystalline into open battle. This fact being apparent, the sooner it shall be recognized the better Even so decisive the capture destruction of the 1otilla would be appauded And then the seizure of Havana would naturally follow. Spain would be helpless Life and treasure would be saved. The would be when scarce begun. Thus the seeming audacty would really be caution; the initial sound of guns demand for peace.
 But if the hotla be permitted to anchor in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, to assume its ment many proud ship will follow the Name before the formidable fleet be dispersed, and only after dreadful contest there be accomplished that which would be so plain an undertaking now.
 There IS no occasion for paying heed to the blus- tering of unclean lot of yellow sheets scurrous with insinuatons that the administration is recreant its fails to realize the dire portent of the occasion. Every such insnuaton is an insult These ehigies of journalism should be cast aside It is an hour for patriots and staesmen for conservative de Cency.
 Patriotism is a strong element in the web of this commonwealth. Its voice is entitled to be heard outside of legislative halls It calls for the crushing of Spanish misrule close to the reign of famine and rapine This voice is imperative; the issue sure Then why delay?