Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/237

Rh for peace at any terms at all consistent with Spanish honour."

On the 19th he cabled:

"If you will acquaint me fully with general settlement desired, I believe Spanish Government will offer without compulsion, and upon its own motion, such terms of settlement as may be satisfactory to both nations. Large liberty as to details should be offered to Spain, but your friendship is recognized and appreciated, and I now believe it will be a pleasure to Spanish Government to propose what will probably be satisfactory to both."

Invaluable, kindly man. He was one of the many diplomats this nation has had whose native straightforward courtesy and patent honesty had given him the confidence as much of his adversaries as of his own people. And it is clear, moreover, that he could do what he said. The spirit of charity is invincible—except against cannibals, Barbary pirates, and Huns.

William Rufus Day, acting Secretary of