The defiant tone of the Spaniards has made an impression
in America. Although the Senators and Representatives are agreed as to the wording of their joint-resolution, it has still to be finally passed by the Senate, and it is meeting with resistance, nominally because of the absence of evidence as to cruelties in Cuba, and as to the pretensions of the insurgent leaders to constitute a Government, really because the com- munity are not clear that they want a war. It is added that the Executive is wholly opposed to precipitate action, and that a large section of the electors are not disposed to trust the Senate on so complicated a question. The perplexed Senators are amusing themselves with a repetition of the Sackville incident. The Spanish Minister, being used to diplomacy in which one declares war in a well-bred whisper, has publicly, in a letter to the Herald, condemned the violence of Senators' speeches, and the Senate is inclined to ask the President to demand his withdrawal. It is a Senator's privilege to denounce Spain, and to denounce the representa- tive of Spain if he objects to the language. It is not supposed that Sefior Dupuy de Lome will be sent away, but the world is getting a little tired of all this. The Americans should either adhere strictly to diplomatic etiquette or grant full licence of speech all round. It is a little hard to be shouted at and compelled to whisper in reply
