The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-09-27
VOL. XIII.
EUROPEAN DISARMAMENT.

II
That the governments of Germany
and Austria are considering the
propriety of disbanding their i'm
mense standing armies, IS poor en-
couragement to Adjutant General
Drum, in his effort to produce a senti-
ment in favor of a strong national
militia"-a standing army, in other
words, for the United States. Yet
this is the news that comes to us from
across the Atlantic. 1t may be that
the imperial governments are "play-
ing possum," just to get France to
let go her hold upon standing army,
or it may he that the Triple Alliance
has nearly created such formidable
power of resistance as to command
peace in Europe. 1t is to be hoped
the latter supposition is true,
for, if it be SO, peace would reign for
many years on the continent, Willie
the masses, being relieved from sus-
tanning such expensive armies. would
become happier and better contented
under monarchical rule. Aside from
the encouragement to the philan-
| thropic dreamers of the near approach
| of the time when wars shall cease. it
would afford great relief to the toiling
millions of Europe if the hordes of
soldieT5 that prey OF their substance
were disbanued md restored To the
! industrial pursuits OF life. IL
/ the report he true, it is an
other Evidence OF -what power
there is IL comhination. Here are
three nations that simply through an
agreement, offensive and defensive,
can absolutely contemplate disarma-
ment, feeling assured that no un-
friendly power will dare molest them.
There is no doubt that this alliance in
central Europe could give effectual
check to any disposition to break the
peace, whether it came from Russia
in the north or the French republic in
the west. But this very alliance is in
itself the most serious menace to the
peace of Europe. AS long as it lasts
it will be watched with jealousy by
France and England as revival OF
the Holy Alliance Of 1915 for resist
: ing the progress and influence
of liberal principles of government.
Still the statement that dis
armament IS contemplated, may be
taken with many grains of alio%Sance.
Even if the political and military
equilibrium of Europe should be so
nicely adjusted as to afford guaran-
tee Of international peace, there is q
potent reason in the people themselves
why the standing armies will not be
disbanded. The governments OF Ed
rope have, nearlv every one of them,
enemies within that are more sincere
" dreaded than the enemies without,
In the first line of these internal foes
are the Socialists, Nihilists and radi-
Gals of various types, who are spread
ing over Europe and becoming more
and more redoubtable. While these
internal disturbing elements exist
there is little reason to anticipate
disarmament.
Behind the regular conspirators
against all government are the masses
of the people, whose demands for
greater share of political rights are
constantly increasing. In resisting
the claims for such political rights us
belong to the people Of this country
the armies of Europe in the near tu
ture will have far more employment
than in rspreSsing the Nihilists and
irreconcilables who are satisfied with
nothing short of the destruction of
all social order and government. Dis
armament in Europe, it has been said,
can be effected only by the people, not
by toe constituted rulers of empires
and kingdoms. DiSarm}'n 9nt is poSSi
bic moTe through the armies them
selves than through the sOvereigns, for
armie. are more apt to ,1 inspired by
POI u = demand than through impe-
rial DEGREES. While sta ling armies
are 1ne familiar agents of despotism,
instances are not wanting in which
they have been on the side of the pPo-
pie In Spain, for example more than
one government has been overthrown
by the army acting in sympathy with
the popular demands. The great Yir-
tue of an army is unthinking obedi-
ence. But when it begins to think in
such governments as Russia, Germany
and Austria, it will become as formid-
able as it is now necessary to absolute
power. There is not government on
the continent of Europe, including that
of France, that its army could not
overturn in days notice. When
disbandment of armies begins in
Europe it will be by more or less vio-
lent upheaval from below, not by vol
untary action from above. In ali
governments standing armies are
grievous burden and curse to the
people. As long as despotic govern
ment lasts the army will be its essen
tial stay and support. In Democratic
government vast army is unneces-
sary for internal defense and danger
Gus to liberty. But more emperors
and kings, in our judgment, will have
to pass away before the people of
Europe are relieved from the burden
I Il