The record-union., 1898-12-06

carrier ten years rebellion as we'll as
the present insurrection from it's start
No alternative save physical exhaus-
ton of either combatant, and there
withal the practical ruin of the island,
lay in sight, but how far distant no
one could venture to conjecture.
DESTRUCTION OF THE MAINE.
AT this juncture, on the 10Th of Feb
ruary last, occurred the destruction of
the battleship Maine, while rightfuIly
lying in the harbor of Havana. on a
mission of international courtesy and
good will, catastrophe the suspicious
nature and horror of which stirred the
nations heart profoundly. 1t is a
striking. evidence of the poise and
sturdy good sense distinguishing our
national character that this shocking
ploW railing upon a generous people,
ALREADY deeply touched by preceding
events IN Cuba, did not move them to
desperate resolve to tolerate no longer
the existence of condition of danger
ana disorder at our doors that made
possible such a deed by whomsoeyer
wrought. Yet, the instinct of Justice
prevailed, and the nation anxiously
awaited the result of the searching in
vesugation at once set on foot. The
hnd1ng of the Naval Board of INQUIRY
established that the origin of the ex-
ploslon was external by a submarine
mine, and only halted through lack of
positive testimony to fix the responsi-
b1lity of it's authorship.
A UNIQUE SPECTACLE.
All those things carried conviction to
the most thoughtful, even before the
nnolng OF the naval court, that a
crisis in our affairs with Spain and
toward Cuba was at hand So strong
was this belief that it needed but
prlef executive suggestion to Congress
TO receive immediate answer to the
duty of making instant provision for
the possible and perhaps speedily prob
able emergency of war, and the re-
markable, almost unique, spectacle
was presented of unanimous vote of
both houses on the 9th of March. an
propriating $500OO,0Oo "for the ma
tonal defense and for each and every
purpose connected Herewith. to be ex-
pended at the discretion of the Presi
dent
CAME NONE TOO SOON.
That this act of provision came none
too soon was disclosed when the annli-
cation of the fund was undertaken
Our forts were practically undefended
Our navy needed large provision for
increased ammunition and sl,pplies
and even numbers, to cone with anv
sudden attack from the navy Of Spain
Which comprised modern vessels of the
highest type of continental perfection
Our army also required enlargement
OF men and munitions. The details of
the hurried preparation for the dread
contingency is told in the reports of
the Secretaries of War and of the
Navy, and need not be repeated here.
1t is sufficient to say that the out
break of war when it did come. found
our nation not unprepared to meet the
conflict.
THE POWERS APPRENTICESHIP.
Nor was the apprehension of coming
strife confined to our own country. It
was felt by the continental Powers.
who on April 9th, through their En-
passadors and ENJOYS, addressed to
the Executive an expression of hope
that humanity and moderation might
mark the course of this Government
and people, and that further negotia-
tions would lead to an attempt. which
while securing the maintenance of
peace, would affirm all necessary
guarantees for the re- establishment of
order in Cuba. In responding to that
presentation, also shared the hope
that the Envoys had expressed. that
peace might be preserved in a manner
TO terminate the chronic condition of
disturbance in Cuba, so Injurious and
menacing to our interests and tran
quillity, as we'll as shocking to our
sentiments of humanity; and, while
appreciating the humanitarian ana
| disfnterested character of the COM
munication they had made on behalf
of the Powers. / stated the confidence
of this Government on its part. that
equal appreciation would be shown for
its earnest and unselfish endeavors to
fulfill a duty of humanity by ending a
lsituation the indefinite prolongation of
which had become insufferable.
NO RELIEF OFFERED.
Still animated by the hope of a peace
full solution and obeying the dictates
of duty, no effort was relaxed to bring
about a speedy ending Of the Cuban
struggle. Negotiations to this effect
continued actively with the Government
! Of Spain, looking to the immediate con-
clusion of a six months ar1nistice in
Cuba with view to effecting the re-
cognition Of her peoples rights to in
dependence. Besides this. the instant
cancellation of the order of reconcentra-
tion was asked, so that the suffering re-
turning to their homes and aided by
united American and Spanish effort,