The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-02-07

The Possibility of War.
The London correspondent of the New
York sun, Mr. II. r. Chamberlain, a
Wcll-equipped journalist of the first
rank, with conservative tendencies, has
recently made a study of political con-
ditons in Spain and his deductions are
not encouraging. The danger Of war
between Spain and the United States
impresses him as real and not far ais
tant Sagasta and some of his broad
minded colleagues are doing what they
can to avert 1t. but unless they can
conquer the inevitable in Cuba and
thus nollify their countrymen's inor-
dinate pride Mr.. Chamberlain believes
that war will he declared by Spain up
on us and the awful consequences
thereof deliberately invited within a
few months at furthest.
The reasons which he assigns for this
lelief are numerous, being mostly
familiar to the American reading pub
lie. But in specifying some Of them ne
presents illuminating details. He tells
of the almost incredible ignorance and
patience of the Spanish peasant class,
who are bled on all sides by their un-
scrupulous governors and who are now
for the first time beginning to mur-
mur; but he also adds that it is from
this very class, whom new war would
injure most that the danger of a war
forced with the United States chiefly
proceeds. The bulk of Spain's con-
scripted recruits for the Cuban service
has beer drawn from this class. Adds
Mr.. Chamberlain: Hundreds of boys
and young men who went out sturdy.
robust specimens of early manhood
have come back in the hospital ships
pitiful, hopeless wrecks of humanity
whom their friends and families are
often unable to recognize when they re-
appear at their homes. Thousands
more have perished miseraby in Cuban
fever hospitals. not to mention Cuban
battlefields. 1t is the invalided re-
turned soldier who is the chief propa-
ganda agent of hatred of the United
States in Spain. 1t could not we'll be
otherwise, and he is not in any sense
blameworthy. He has been told by his
Cuba that it Is American aid to the
insurgents and nothing else which has
kept the rebellion alive. Ee has had
no reason for disbelieving the stories of
his superiors and comrades. Campaign
ing in Cuba has been n helllsh expert
ence for him, and the Yankees are re-
sronsible for his sufferings and for
tbpca Of I,is ,pY,,ra1ae ,,.l,, a,, ,l,n1 -,
left behind. His ruined constitution is
proof of the horrors he has endured
He tells his story. He is honest and
sincere. The people look upon his
wasted frame, and they believe nim
Why should they do otherwise? And
believing him, they share to the full
his hatred of the accursed Yankees"
This hatred is stronger now than ever
before and Mr.. Chamberlain thinks
that it is growing. 1t would take very
little 10 set il atire.
1t is the opinion of this writer as it
is of most students of the subject that
Spain has so far exhausted her finan-
cial resources as to preclude the en-
tended continuance of an open military
ers at Madrid that this is practically
admitted by the Spanish government,
which, however, at the time of his
wrting-Jan. 20-had great hope that
General BlancC would soon bribe the
chief insurgents into surrendering.
That hope has already failed. however.
if later adyices be true. Indeed there
is ample testimony thar it and auton-
omy have for all practical purposes ex-
pired together, bringing Spain face
front TO the final crisis of her sover-
eighty in Cuba Can Spain let Cuba
go without precipitating revolution
at home? Mr.. Chamberlain fears that
the only escape from such q conse-
quence will be through war Wilfully
provoked with the United states The
present ministry win not invite this
evil until forced to, but it's overthrow
would mean that and its preservation
may compel that.
1t viii be observed that the admin
istration at Washington, while talking
good deal about peace and good will
has taken, 1t would seem. about every
turn of affairs. Our warshlps are with
in easy reach of every possible center
Of danger, and though their officers are
now on dress parade. they are also
ready, and we suspect willing, fol
sterner duty.
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