Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/235

Rh possible if it should prove to be the fault of Spanish authorities.

These incidentals were the popular courses of war. But to the statesman they were not even hard diplomatic problems. They were merely the bellows behind the wind blowing for war, to be used for popular support in case war should be declared for other reasons. Unless, indeed, it was the pressure of this opinion that caused them to begin it.

The most tangible immediate effect was an appropriation of $50,000,000 by Congress "for the National defence and each and every purpose connected therewith."

I think I have made it clear that we had so far no grievance against Spain except her failure to bring about peace in Cuba; and that she had taken our orders as far as she was capable. At this moment she was put really into an untenable position. For as fast as she advanced with liberal propositions and the olive branch, so much the more confident did the rebels become, and so much the greater their demands.