The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1898-02-23

THE WORLD.
American Self Control After
The Maine Disaster.
WAITING TO KNOW THE TRUTH.
A Diplomat at Washington Tells How DIFF
ferently Such Terrible News
Would Have
Affected the People Of Any Other Country
Our Government Inspires
Respect.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22.-lSpecial. For
one thing In connection with the disaster
TO the Maine in Havana harbor the Amer.
lean people are highly praised by foreign
ers. This is their self control, their poise,
their patience and their calmness In time
of great public excitement and irritation.
l was talking with a distinguished MEM
Der of the diplomatic corps on this point
today, and he said:
"1he manner In which your people have
borne themselves during this trying ordeal
has commanded the admiration of the
world. If such disaster had happened to
battleship belonging to any other nation
under similar circumstances, the chances
are there would have been a tremendous
explosion Of public sentiment and some
hasty action by the government. France
would simply have gone wild. II the gov
eminent had not acted with sufficient heat
and promptness TO please the fury of the
mob, the streets Of Paris would have been
filed with rioters. The government would
have been compelled TO do something to
appease popular clamor. In Spain there
would have been q similar outburst. We're
the conditions reversed, and a Spanish
warship had been blown up In Key West
or New York, venture to say General
Woodford, the American minister at Mad
rid, would have been compelled to flee for
his life. His residence would have been
sacked by a mob. The government In very
self defense would have found 1t necessary
TO take some aggressive action.
"Even in Berlin or London, continued
this diplomat, now getting nearer his own
country, ~ doubt II there would have
been as much self control on the part OF
the people as that shown by you Ameri-
cans. There would have been more Of a
popular outburst. II IL were a German
ship lost under such circumstances. the
emperor probably would have rushed into
some hasty and i'll advised action in order
to please the people and to show what he
could do when the honor and the interests
Of the empire were assailed. In London
believe the government would have kept
Its head, though I doubt II the people
could have conducted themselves with
more calmness than Americans did when
they learned that the Maine had been de-
stroyed. Certainly the press of England
would not have shown any better self con-
troll than that evinced by the best class of
newspapers in the United States. In my
opinion, England and this country are the
only ones that would have met such a
calamity with strength Of character and
patience, as q great people should meet
such a thing.
Conservation OF Congress.
"It was admirable the way your govern
ment and your members OF congress be-
haved during the first few days. They did
nothing to add to the popular excitement.
They were careful to give 1t out from the
frat that until the cause Of the disaster
H.. H.. ala
do nothing but assume 1t to have been an
accident. Your president kept his head,
and 30 did your administrative officers
Congress, somewhat to tho surprise Of
members Of the diplomatic corps, did like
wise. No efforts were made either In
house or senate to take advantage of the
situation to harass public feeling No dis
turbing speeches were made or dangerous
resolutions offered. I took occasion to
mingle good deal with prominent men
here at your capital those first dreadful
days, when the full particulars of the ca
lamity were coming over the wires, and In
no quarter did l observe anything but
calmness and patience and a determination
to know the truth before taking action.
The very calmness Of your people was to
mo most significant. IL showed me that
you could be patient In the face OF the
greatest provocatlon, but II showed me
also that your very calmness betokened
spirit which no nation can afford to tribe
with. 1t is my solemn belief that II the
United States finds IL necessary to go to
war with Spain you will do 1t with an
energy and skill which will astonish the
world. Once your patience Is exhausted
and that calm waiting period Is at an end
the power you have to fight will do well to
look out for what happens next.
al have heard good deal Of talk to this
effect among the members OF our diplo-
matte corps" concluded the foreigner.
"We all have gained respect for America
and Americans during the last fortnight.
In the face Of a most provoking insult
from former minister OF Spain, followed
by irritating slowness ON the part of the
Madrid government In making the proper
disavowal, your people have kept their
tempers. Then came the awful disaster at
Havana, and still you did not get excited.
Your patience and consideration are re-
markable Long before now, II England
or France or Germany or Russia had the
same relations TO Spain and Cuba that you
have, IL would have taken the island by
force. That Ia what you VIII have to do In
the end-mark my prediction.
Suoh praise as this from an observing
member Of the diplomatic corps, man ex-
perienoed In the politics and governments
Of the world, Is a compliment well worth
having. That seems to be the verdict OF
the foreign press, too, and members OF the
Mckinley administration and prominent
leaders OF both political parties here say ID
IL good thing that We have managed our
affairs In such way that n Ii becomes
necessary 10 have trouble with Spain over
Cuba We shall enjoy the approval OF the
civilized world.
spain Has No Ally.
ID IL well known to President Mckinley
that for year or moro Spain has been
seeking the aid and comfort Of other pow
ers Of Europe. II Ia not believed she has
made any Roadway In this direction. I'm
less our ambassadors and ministers al the
various courts OF Europe are woefully mis-
taken, Spain has not the slgn Of an ally
ON the other side OF the water. Germany
and France might With some guarantees
Tor their citizens " ho ara holders OF Cuban
bonds, but n the unhed States would
giya that, which u could easily do, these
two powers would no, Be likely "a inter-