The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1895-12-28
OF WAR.

A WAR with Great Britain grow
ing out of present difficulties is not
probable. That belligerent relations
should exist between the two great
English speaking nations is a matter
of too grave consequence to be Gag
erly sought. 1t is not so much a
question as to which might win, but
as to whether the nations can afford
it.
1t is well known that the United
Kingdom a easily command the
means with which to prosecute the
war. Her army and navy are the
pride and envy Of the world. She
can raise the money to wage war in
definitely, and a probably o%utlast
any other nation in the continuance
of hostilities.
On the other hand, the United
States would be backed by the allied
republican powers of America, in all
probably twelve republics, whose
total strength would be united in one
common aus Our coast dcfenses
are not the best. The coast defenses
of South and Central America are nc
better. But the combined armies
and navies of the Western Hemis-
phere would furnish an offensive ag-
~gregation, which for s~tupendous
proportions has never been known in
the history Of wars.
We are not Of the class who be.
lieve that Great Britain is merely
bluffing that she will retract if
met by stubborn opposition. The
English are just as brave and pat
riotic as any people under the sun
They will fight like Spartans, when
called upon, whether in defense OF
home. or of national honor. They
are AS brave and dauntless as Amer
leans, for we are mainly Of their
blood and bone. Their training in
var is much better than ours as is
also their ability to meet its financial
demands. We will not discuss the
attitude the European powers might
assume, should wal be declared.
But the commercial advantages to
be gained by Russia, OF France or
others allying themselves with
Americas cause are too apparent to
presuppose a coalition Of all those
countries against America. England
boasts commercial supremacy.
Should the war begin, she would
lose the object of her national pride,
and other countries would succeed
her as leaders in the carrying trade
of the world. Her in
western waters would be all cut off.
And however much her own navy
might besiege our coast lines, Amer
lea would go on fighting. living
within herself, and by her inherent
prove herself unconquer-
able.
The consequences of such ii war
would be more terrible to Great
Britain than to ourselves. She can
not beat down the established rules
of this country, and her attempt in
that direction will not be made in a
hasty manner The dictates of pol
icy demand that the Venezuela ques-
ton be settled by diplomacy. If
Great Britain's claim is Just. or if
part of it is Just, the whole, or such
part. will be given her. -four coun-
try finds that even a small part of
her claim runs counter with the doc
trines of America, England can not
acquire her end by any amount of
fighting. And we believe the Isle
across the sea will realize the situa-
ton. If America allows England
10 colonize any part of the Western
Hemisphere, which has formerly be-
longed to a local power, then the
stability of our governments is en-
dangered and "a direful precedent
established. Great Britain has much
to lose by the war and certainly 3
very little to gain.