From Washington: American People Waiting for the Verdict

March 12, 1898

Summary

The American people anticipate the ruling of the Naval Court of Inquiry in the sinking of the Maine.

Transcription

War the last resort.

(From our regular correspondent)

Washington, March 7, 1898.

President McKinley is proud of the patience and forbearance displayed by the American people during their trying wait for the verdict of the Naval Court of Inquiry that is investigating the Maine disaster, in the face of many unjustifiable and inflammable publication, although he is not surprised. He knows that whatever may be said or done by a few individuals that the great mass of our people recognize that it would be as great an insult to the brave officers who compose that Court to take action in advance of the Court as it would be to a judge and jury of any other court to take an accused murdered in the midst of his trial and lynch him. Every preparation that wisdom and patriotism can suggest is being made to place our military and naval forces in a position to meet any emergency that may arise. If there is to be war we shall be ready for it, and we shall win.
About this article

Location on Page

Upper Right Quadrant

Contributed By

Cali Hughes

Citation

“From Washington: American People Waiting for the Verdict,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1355.