Final answer:
The New York Journal, involved in yellow journalism, published sensationalist content to influence public opinion on the Cuban cause and the Spanish-American War. While it's not specified, the question may refer to the 'de Lôme Letter' scandal.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1898, the New York Journal, led by publisher William Randolph Hearst, was at the forefront of what is known as yellow journalism. This term describes the sensationalist and often exaggerated reporting style that emerged at the end of the 19th century, particularly during the Spanish-American War. The Journal, along with Joseph Pulitzer's New York World, fiercely competed for readership by employing bold headlines, vivid pictures, and engaging stories.
While the specific item the Journal stole and published is not mentioned, the question likely alludes to the role yellow journalism played in inflaming American public opinion towards the Cuban cause of independence and the Spanish-American War, particularly with the infamous 'de Lôme Letter' incident, which involved the Journal publishing a private letter critical of President McKinley, stolen from the Spanish ambassador to the United States.