of Spain from the western
hemisphere would prevent the provoking of another war of the same
character, and this desirable result could not be achieved so long as
Spanish rule was maintained in any part of the West Indies.

The demand for the freeing of Cuba, the possession of Porto Rico, as
well as a protectorate over the Philippines, was just, and the nation
demanded it.

The Boston Herald aptly remarked:

"This may well stand in the place of any exaction of money. The United
States is much too rich to desire to compel money payment from an
exhausted and practically beggared nationality. Such a course would be
belittling the war in the eyes of the nations of the world, and it is
not at all in accordance with ideas of our own national dignity. Here is
the substantial concession of Spain, and it involves all and more than
all for which the war was declared."

The invasion of Porto Rico was not commenced until after the result of
the war had been definitely decided.

But the Spaniards with that unfailing belief in "manana" (to-morrow)
behaved like true Orientals, as they are in part, and acted as if time
gained was half-way toward victory. With scarcely an exception, they are
all indolent and fatalists.

The prime minister, Senor Sagasta, put off everything with that word
which has proved so fatal to Spain, which undoubtedly precipitated the
war, and which was at the bottom of all Senor Sagasta's
policy--"manana."

It is related that one day in the Cortes, a deputy criticized the
idleness and indolence of Senor Sagasta, and the latter replied:

"_A nadie le ha sucedido nado por no hacer nada._"

A free translation of this is: "Nothing happens to him who does
nothing."

Both Sagasta and the Spaniards have doubtless found out by this time
the falsity of the saying. To show the feeling prevailing in Spain, it
may be well to quote a Madrid corresponded of the London Times:

"Though peace is regarded as assured, it may not be attained so quickly
as is generally expected. Senor Sagasta objects to be hustled, and
insists upon everything being done in a quiet, orderly and dignified
manner. He considers it necessary to have full and satisfactory
explanations as to all doubtful points, in order to enable him best to
protect the national interests against the aggressive tendencies of the
Washington Cabinet.

"He has also to examine very minutely the exigencies of the internal
situation and home politics, so as to avo