The San Francisco call., 1898-04-09
THE PRESIDENTS COURSE.
THE great issues of war and peace are too grave
 concerns to be treated from partisan or per

Il k great issues Of war ana peace dic 'oo Si"'~ concerns to be treated from partisan or per
 sonal standpoint They affect the nauonal honor and the welfare of the whole people,
 In modern times war has been either Hlaoe o' avoided by nation without criticism usually unjust, of those in authority, who see and know all siaeS of ever, contingency France was convused with the wsr spirit in 1Szo and her Emperor had the choice of domestic revolution or martial enterprise abroad Choosing the latter he plunged into 1t without pre- paraton and fate unroed the record o disaster from the first skirmsh to Sedan and the decheance Greece wanted war and forced the Government to 1t with an army that had nothing to fight with but the historic glories of Marathon Salams and Lepanto
 History is full of instances in which zeal has sub sttuted preparation for war with resulting disaster and humiliation.
 In current history these incidents are n course of repetition Ii for the purpose of partisan advan tape the country had been excited into war six or three months ago the enterprise would have embarked entirely without preparation. Yet some papers and some politicians were urgent for immediate war. Ii they had had their way the opening would have been disastrous Of course, in the long run, the country would have equipped its army and navy and closed the struggle in honor and victory but the expen- dture of life and treasure would have been doubled. Then the minority politicians, who using patriot ism as campaign stalking horse, would have made the welkin ring with accusation against the Presi- dent for disaster they had caused by their uneeing prostitution of popular loyalty
 During the Civil War President Lincoln had to stand the bitter blame o every disaster and yet nearly every move that failed hoty urged by the very classes that abused and derided him when fol- lowing their demands brought defeat.
 President Mckinley Is tyro in statesmanship or war His patriotism and courage put to test that was not tried by most oi the who profess to see something covert and cowardy in his patient preparation to avoid the worst by being ready for 1t He followed and fought for the flag in many an action and won his promotion before he reached his majority. In considering strategy and preparation he is equipped with full experience in practical war He knows that battles are not won by pertervid oraory that powder IS needed and not periods, rams not rhetoric and he knows that the beginning of failure is in underestimate of the enemy. Spain IS poor and in decadenoe but when such nation goes to war it is to fight, and other, no matter how great its inherent strength, go out to meet ii unprepared.
 In the last eight weeks we have put our strength on land and sea in equipment for military We have money, men and ships; have guns and pow der an organized comniissary, transportation in order and stand at attention. ready for what Is to come II now diplomacy force Spain to see herself as she is and she for reprisal this country will have valuable experience and in future the rnouth-vaant warrior will set his buccal squad rons in the air and invoke Mars to windy in vain ii the country feel either lack o need oi preparation.
 1 The eyes oi the people are on the who will attempt to gain partisan advantage out o such a serious issue as slaughter for ii war come they will be the first to hamper and impede the President and as their kind have done before, keep fire in the more galling than that in front
 IL is for Congress to declare war and for the Pres dent to wage it He knows his responsibility and has ] prepared for 1t No point has been lost while the torrid Hotspurs have found difficult restrain their desire to see somebody else fight. The President is . soldier and knows his duty and will do it
 He should not fail however, to give due weight to ! the public mpatenoe which has followed the an nouncement that military preparations complete
 He will thereby deprive the political minority of the chance to make capital and embarrass him by even ! temporarily ahenating the public confidence in his course In such struggle as seems imminent the President must not permit any shadows between him and the people, for the partisan opposition in Con grcss will make oi them substance, ii pretentious statement can do it. Since the speech by Lentz of Ohio it is evident that the minority intend satisfy the patriotic expectations of the people by voting war budgets and make party capital by crtcizng the expenditure oi the money With substantial frank ness of relation established between the President and the people these misplaced manifestations of par tisanshp will excite only disgust for the people never patiently endure the effort of politicians 10 turn battlc-shed blood into office-seeking advantage