Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-07-24
4 National Scandal.

The naval battle Of Santiago, which de-
stroyed Spain's power in this hemisphere,
was in itself one of the most glorious
of American achievements As on that
firsJ day of the reports 1t thrilled every
American with pride. it should have re-
manned and have been celebrated for all
time as one of the most notable events IN
the history of the republic. The name OF
every participant should have been en-
biazoned in shining letters upon the shield
of the nation as worthy of the highest
honor.
What is the fact? The battle is remem-
bered today chiefly with shame and cha
grin. 1t is mentioned mainly to precipt-
tate uuarreIs between neighbors, even be-
tween members of the same family. II
has riven the naval service and has pre-
vented the bestowal of full hOnors upon
those whose bravery and skill made posi-
BILE that sweeping, almost bloodless VIC
tory. Instead of becoming a source OF
pride il has degenerated into topic to be
avoided a detriment instead of an III
spirItion to patriotic sentiment.
The reason for this extraordinary spec
tacle is that partisanship, forgetful of the
requirements of the national honor and
even of the truth. has played fast and loose
with this great event, to the pettiest of
personal ends. The friends of the two
commanders of highest rank in this en-
gagement, Selling upon and eXaggerating
the alleged mistakes of omission and COM
mission of both. have allowed their personal
prejudices to overcome their higher sense
Of duty and of pride and have engaged in
a quarrel of such bitterness and vindic-
tiveuesS that the country is today heartily
sick of the whole topic.
In rreI has hpan
revived after seemingly it had exhausted
itself. 1t caused long postponement of
the rewards bestowed upon the officers
whose unsefish services contributed to the
victory. II led to wrangles in Congress, to
iuceSsant newspaper discussions and final
H. after a period of quiet, it has broken
forth afresh upon the disclosure of the mis-
conduct of a writer Of naval history, who
has allowed himself the license of a dema
Gogue in characterising the conduct of one
uf the principals of this affair. His work
has been promptly and properly repudiated
by the Secretary of the Navy, but to no
effect regards the quarrel. The embers
Of partisanship have been famed into fierce
flames and the controversy is raging once
more. as destructively ever.
IL would have been infinitely better for
American patriotism and self-respect had
this controversy never been preciptated.
1t would have been better. having been
started had 1t been checked by an official
inquiry at the outset II would be well to-
day il il could be resolved forever without
further attention and assuredly without the
formality of an investigation. But appar-
entity this is not TO be. and the prospect is
that naval court will soon sit TO ascer-
tain the facts and adjust the blame. II
this is the only way TO secure peace, then
the people will speed the program. There
has been so much washing of the dirty
linen of the navy In public during the past
three years that perhaps 1t will be well to
have one grand cleaning day, to give all
the old clothes a thorough scrubbng and
To let the fresh air of final decision blow
away the odors of the biIge water in which
they have been so long asoak.