The sun., 1895-12-27

least for the moment Its complete and
permanent settlement, however, may be dis
missed as improbable, II not utterly impos-
sible. This republic was established in oppo-
sition to the military resistance of England,
and shortly after conquering its indepen-
dence It was again obliged to contend against
British arms. During our whole history since
then we have been engaged almost continu-
ously in diplomatic disputes with England,
delicate and dangerous as possible provoca-
tions to war, and actually exasperating for
this country more especially. Even
| the arbitration Of the Alabama ques-
| tion left behind 1t dissatisfaction and
resentment; and the whole tone and
course OF the British Government
during our civil war angered and outraged
both sides to the conflict. The Behring Sea
question is still an open sore The insolence
Of Canada In It's unconcealed hostility to us,
affords constant provocation to war; So
long rs Canada remains an English posses
sion, war between America and Great
Britain is always threatened.
Knowing that such Is the case, the British
Government is now considering a scheme
for strengthening and perfecting the Cana
dian seacoast and frontier defences; and
long before the controversy touching Venez-
uela reached its present critical stage, q
movement in that direction was quietly be-
gun. The attention of English military en-
gineers has also been bestowed on the de-
fences Of the British islands of the West In.
dies, as having points of advantage in the
event Of war with us which cannot be neg
lected without danger to British interests.
- = l.
well, and as precisely, known at the London
War Office as at Washington. Europe, and
England more especially, has taken moro
interest in our military affairs since the
civil war than they have awakened here at
home. In that respect England has sized
us up completely.
The furry Of war talk occasioned by the
Venezuelan message has not been taken
seriously by England as n symptom of i'm
mediate hostilties, but its real and grave
Importance as an incitement to a more
vigorous and an adequate military policy
and establishment on our part is not
underrated there. Obviously we must
counter the strengthened Canadian
defences with like defences against
British aggression from that quarter. We
must overcome the vast preponderance of
English naval power, needing the wise sug-
gestions of Capt. MAHAN, whose previ-
sion has commanded, from the first, more |
respect in England than here. The enlarge
ment Of our army. as a school for the train |
ing Of officers, and to man the in
creased and multiplied land defences
now recognized as essential, must be |
provided for. When Mr.. TILDEN. with
his great saRacity as a statesman and his
vision, sought to awaken this
country to Its need of new and vast system
of defences, his prophetic words were little
needed, but now Congress and the people be-
gin to estimate them at their true value as an
Of wiser and more far-seeing
than has been manifested by
any other conspicuous public man in our re-
cent history
These military preparations, the impera-
hive necessity for which is now generally
will cost vast sum of
money whose expenditure must continue un-
nterruptedly for long period to come,
with the not improbable consequence that
they will bring about a change on the whole
lace Of our politics and introduce
new element to determine our financial
sion OF actual conditions which will make
obsolete and of no pertinence financial
heories and discussions which hitherto
,ave engaged the thought of Congress and
livided and confused the counsels of finan-
'iers. We must have n largely increased
evenue, certainly until the pension exac-
ions are materially lessened, and pending
he receipt Of that revenue the United States
must again become large borrower. Talk
bout retiring the greenbacks is now, more
han ever, a waste of words. 1t is the dis
ussion of an impossibility.
We are entering on an era of appropria-
ions by Congress greater than any it has
made since the civil war; but the conse-
uence of this vast expenditure in military
will not be to increase the
anger of war. The expenditure will rather
urnish us with the best and the most effect
al and the only practicable safeguard
gainst war.