Now, Americans, people of the free and independent United States; you who enjoy all the blessings of liberty; you who can pursue your avocations without let or hindrance; you who are the jury in this case—the evidence is before you.
You have undoubtedly heard it said that the interference of the United States was unwarrantable; that there was no real reason for the present Spanish-American war; that a stronger country took advantage of a weaker; and other arguments ad nauseam.
But is there one of our readers who would see a woman, or a weak though honorable man, attacked by a savage foe, without interfering, and doing the best he could to give life and freedom to the oppressed?
Think it all over, Americans, and think it over carefully and judiciously.
At your own doors, is a poor, miserable, starving wretch, starving from no fault of his, and with a bulldog, not your own, but belonging to a neighbor (a neighbor, grant you with whom you have always hitherto been at peace) about to fasten its fangs in the throat of this unhappy man.
Would you hold your hands, saying that it was no affair of yours, or, with your superior strength, would you fly to the rescue?
Once more, Americans, you have heard the whole evidence. The case is in your hands.