The New York herald., 1874-08-18
The Annexation OF Porto Rico by
Germany.

Germany.
What can Spain give in Europe to Germany
for the inestimable service she has receivedf
This is the first question that is suggested by
the successful effort Of Germany to obtain the
recognition of the Republic by the principal
Powers, and the direct aid she has given
Serrano in the suppression Of the Carlists
There is nothing in Europe that Spain would
dare to part with, nothing that Germany
could take which would not cause a general
war. Startling confirmation of the opinion
that the designs of the Empire are very diff
ferent from this is furnished in our columns
to-day. 1t was rumored that Santoiia was to
be ceded to Germany as payment tor her SER
vices. This is a fortified town in Spain, on
peninsular headland In the Bay OF Biscay.
That it should be given up to foreign Power
is incredible, for no Spanish government
could afford to surrender an inch of Spanish
soil This report has since been denied, and
it has been necessary to look elsewhere tor
solution Of the problem. 1t has been said,
therefore, that Spain is pledged to an otfen-
sive alliance with Germany in case of war
between the latter and France, and this is
probable. But such war is uncertain; it
may be indefinitely postponed; the success
of either the Bonapartists or the Bourbons
would probably make the policy of France
one of peace for years. Thus, while it would
be prudent in Germany to provide by
Spanish alliance for the contingencies of the
future, her spirit of ambition and acquisition
would lead her to demand of Spain immediate
compensation for immediate aid
This was the view the HERALD was logically
compelled to take when German interven-
ton in favor Of the Republic was followed
by the support of England, Italy, Aus
tria, Belgium, Holland, and even by
France, which does not appear to have
hesitated. And the only territory with
which, in our opinion, Spain could part with
out humiliating national pride or provoking
European war would be some of her pos
sessions iu the West Indies. That conclusion
pointed directly to the island Of Porto Rico
as the object of German greed. Some time
ago we pointed out that Porto Rico was prob
ably the price Serrano intended to pay for
recognition, money and the co-operation~
of German feet against the Carlists. The
remarkable information which we quote to-
day from the Freemon's Joatrnal will be read
therefore, with intense interest by Americans
It claims to have its facts from unquestionable
sources and refers for confirmation to
Admiral Polo, the late Spanish Minister at
Washington, who it is important to remem-
ber, was recalled few months ago because he
would not carry out the instructions of his
government While we cannot vouch for the
authenticity of the statements given, we un-
hesitatingly express our conviction of their
substantial truth. It is unlikely that such cor
respondence would be published, and denial
Of its accuracy so peremptorily challenged,
unless the Journal were sure of its authority.
If false it could be too easily disproved. At
least we cannot lightly dismiss the assertion
that in April last Admiral Polo received from
Madrid despatch to the following efect:-
''As the government recognizes the impossi-
bility Of suppressing the Carlist insurrection
and the rebellion in Cuba without foreign
help, and as the government of His Majesty
the Emperor of Germany has made us over
lures at once honorable and acceptable, it is
desirable that this department should know
what position the American government would
take in the event Of the cession of our isle of
Porto Rico, temporarily or defnitively, to the
government of His Majesty the Emperor
Here, then is an event which must COM
mand the attention of the country, as, we
trust, it has already received that of our gov
ernment. Europe now exercises too much
authority upon North American soil, and her
further acquisition of territory cannot be
safely permitted. The American policy upon
this subject is well defined; it is thoroughly
known to Germany; but the danger that she
may persist is evident. The recall of Admiral
Polo and the important assistance rendered to
Spain are unmistakable indications that, un-
less the President and Secretary Fish are firm,
another European monarchy will establish
itself at the gates of the Republic. Ii this is
to be then it was not the French alone but
the Americans that were whipped by the
Prussians at Sedan