of the battle ship _Maine_ while rightfully lying in the harbor of
Havana on a mission of international courtesy and good will--a
catastrophe the suspicious nature and horror of which stirred the
nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and
sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this
shocking blow, falling upon a generous people already deeply touched by
preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant desperate
resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of a condition of danger and
disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever
wrought. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and the nation anxiously
awaited the result of the searching investigation at once set on foot.
The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of
the explosion was external, by a submarine mine, and only halted through
lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship.

All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before
the finding of the naval court, that a crisis in our relations with
Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it
needed but a brief Executive suggestion to the Congress to receive
immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the
possible and perhaps speedily probable emergency of war, and the
remarkable, almost unique, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote
of both Houses, on the 9th of March, appropriating $50,000,000 "for the
national defense and for each and every purpose connected therewith,
to be expended at the discretion of the President." That this act of
prevision came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the
fund was undertaken. Our coasts were practically undefended. Our Navy
needed large provision for increased ammunition and supplies, and even
numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which
comprised modern vessels of the highest type of continental perfection.