Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-03-31
AN EASTERN VIEW.
Geo. N. Moss Tells What the Fasteners
Think of the Cuban Question.

EDITOR DEMOCRAT:
/ am this day in receipt of a COM
munication from you asking for letter
on the subject of Cuba and the "Maine"
from the standpoint of the people of
the extreme east. While l feel that |
am incompetent to voice the opinion of
the majority of the people IN this sec
ton on this good subject, still | am
willing to make the attempt and trust if
the view does not coincide with that of
the readers of this paper, they will
overlook IT and remember that it is not
my personal opinion on this subject.
To say that the people of Providence
were shocked when they heard of the
destruction of the battleship Maine IN
the harbor of Havana would be ex-
pressing it too mildly. All day the
bulletin boards of the three daily papers
were crowded with people all eager for
the latest news of the disaster. Near
ly everyone expressed sorrow for the
loss of so many gallant seamen, and
the widows and orphans it would leave.
The majority seemed 10th to believe it
anything but accident as they did not
see how anybody could be SO treacher-
Gus or cruel. But the feeling was
unanimous that If it was caused by ex-
ternal means Spain should be made to
suffer for it and that quickly. When
the court Of inquiry was appointed by
President Mckinley l think most of
the people were satisfied to abide by its
decision, believing it would be thorough
and impartial and not hasty in jumping
at conclusions. While many are chat
ing under the delay of the Court in
rendering its verdict and declare that
war should be declared at once and
Spain blotted off the map, still I am in1
clined to believe that the voice of the
majority of sober thinking men is for
moderation, believing that if Spain de-
serves it she should be thoroughly and
soundly thrashed, but that we should
be sure in our right before proceeding
general option Is that President Nc
Kinley has received "tIp," and IS
quietly and quickly preparing for war.
and when the Court of Inquiry makes
its report will be all prepared to strike
the blow. l am sare most everyone
feels that President Mckinley is acting
wisely and with discretion in this great
question, believing it would be folly to
plunge this country into the horrors of
war unless it was necessary. No mis-
take should be made, but when the
time comes to strike, strike quickly and
hard.
AS to Cuba: 1t seems to me, as far
as l can ascertain. most everyone in
"the far east'' hopes and believes the
Island should be free, but as to the
means to accomplish the desired end
opinions differ. But / think l am safe
in saying that the majority are with the
former and present administration in
this matter and believe the question
am sure they are inclined to think that
this is not our fight, and the only
grounds we have to step in and stop il
is for humanity sake. That time has
now arrived, and the feeling is that
unless Spain can conquer the insurgents
before the rainy season commences
E,,t1 -.
the report of the Court of Inquiry is
adverse to Spain and war should follow
there is no question but what it would
be the means of accomplishing the in
dependence of Cuba.
1 do not think the nations honor has
been trifled with or sacrificed in this
matter We are too apt to jnmp al
conclusions and allow the blood tha
cources through our veins to become
too warm with the fever of war. The
men who have charge of the nations
affairs at Washington are patriotic
Americans, and l am confident tn:
feeling down here is that our honor i.
safe in their hands.
But does Spain mean to fghtf Be
fore this is being read by your subrcrib
ers the question may have been settled
but we know it is talked of down here
and it may be interesting to my Kan
sas friends to know what the Yankee
think.
The questionis. whether Spain reall,
desires to fight the United States rathe
than weld Cuba without a struggle an,