San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-05-15
NO SIGN OF DISARMAMENT.

tag give no encouragement to those
who have been hoping for disarma-
ment in Europe. The day of decreas-
( ed military establishments on the
continent seems as far, distant as at
any period of Bismarck's administra-
ton. Won Moltke does not disguise
his opinion that in the present condl-
| ton of affairs disarmament would be
not only dangerous, but suicidal, in
viting attack from other nations ana
exposing the empire to invasion.
Chancellor Caprivi does not express
himself so openly, but his determine
ton to spare neither money nor men
for colonization in Africa, and only so
much of both as may be absolutely
necessary to carry out the work
Germany has begun in securing
foothold on the Dark Continent, shows
that he too is of opinion that Ger
many needs her men and marks at
home. The emperor has given no
intimation of any desire to decrease
the peace contingent of the army, but
contrarywise desires very material
addition to the artillery arm of the SER
vice, with no diminution of the
strength of either infantry or dra-
goons. The whole movement of the
military heads of the empire shows a
determination to maintain and in
crease the fighting forces of the en-
pire. Whether the enemy prosective
against which Germany sees it nee
essary thus to prepare is France or
Russia is not apparent. There is no
rupture of the peace with either of
these nations, and yet it cannot
be supposed that Germany is increas-
ing her military contingents, in the
face of so much home opposition,
without some definite reason for so
doing. Matters are growing unpleas-
ant between Italy and France. and in
case of any outbreak between these
Germany would very naturally desire
to be in position to take advantage of
the situation for her own benefit did
the opportunity offer. Russia is by
no means at rest nor satisfied with
the condition of affairs in the south,
and it may be very greatly to Ger
many's interests to intervene in the
near future in the affairs of Bulgaria.
To build up a strong nationality in
dependent of Russia on the east
and south, and between Russia and
the BOsphOrus is manifestly to the
advantage of Germany, and she
will net neglect whatever OppOrtuni-
ty arises for her to forward such
movement without too open breach
of existing amenities. While thus
keeping her eyes opened to all that
may be transporting in the south. the
recent arrest of her spies in the north
with maps and plans OF the Cron-
stadt Notifications would lead to the
conclusion that she wOald not be
averse to operations giving her more
extended control of Baltic waters, in
case the opportunity offered. Idle as
may be all speculation as to what
Germany may or may not mediate,
the determined position taken by the
emperor and his military chiefs for
the increase of the army, at the very
time when disarmament has been
preached from one end of Europe TO
another, leads to very grave doubts
c ncerning the continued tranquility
OF Europe.
THE cry again goes up for legisla-
tive provision for the confederate
soldiers home at Austin. That cry
oft repeated and pIaintively uttered
should have been needed long ago.
This state should have home for the
manned and disabled soldiers she
sent into the field, and for whose dis
abling she is directly responsible.
Not a union soldier in the state will
demur against paying such addition
al tax as may be levied to maintain
such home.
THE Democracy continue to howl
THAR a iSua III afaotion of praGidaDt Hor