The William F. Cody Archive: Documenting the life and times of Buffalo Bill

Sentiments on the Cuba Question

The opponents of intervention have no substitute proposition. They have no plans save those that have already failed. If the government were guided by their advice, butchery, devastation, and barbarity would become permanent social conditions in Cuba, and the unrest, the tumult, and the passion of the last sixty days would take their places as established features of our national life.

No man who is not willing to hear about the hideous crimes in Cuba, to read the war speeches of jingo Senators, and look upon the war headlines of the yellow journals every day in the year for the remainder of their natural life has any right to oppose intervention in Cuba unless he submits an effective plan for the permanent abatement of these nuisances, which, in the language of the President, have become intolerable.

There is one more consideration. Any American who finds himself unable now to support the president in his proposed policy towards Spain shows himself to be perfectly content that this country should exhibit itself with an attitude of a nation that will not fight for its peace and safety, for its honor and self-respect, or in the performance of its duty imposed by humanity and civilization.

Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to introduce to you, a Congress of the Rough Riders of the World.