Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-16

PDs7ia everything she can ask for, ana
will surely be her friend in the event OF
hostiltes with Japan
A glance at the map OF eastern ASA
will assist ono In the understanding %
another matter OF importance. 1t IS 20 be
kept in mind that France and Russia con-
stitute but one Power so far as their
uolicv IN Eastern Asia is concerned. They
acted as such last year IN the proceedings
which resulted so unsatisfactory Tor
Japau. They put q check upon japanese
ambition in the case of the Liao-tung
peninsula They have repeatedly CO
operated in their manifestation Of pracu-
cal friendship for China The consequence
OF their conduct is that both Of them are
regarded with suspicion by Japan. IL
may therefore, be taken for granted thal
France and Russia viii act "a allies IN
the event of any disturbance OF the public
neaco whether It shall occur in Asia or
in Europe
Now. then. let II be observed that, while
Russia menaces Japan from the north,
and also, II may be said, from Korea,
France is able 10 menace her from Ton
quin and the other territories under
French rule in Southeastern Asia Taking
these things into account. IL can be seen
what a prodigiOus advantage Japan would
gain, as against France by obtaining a
foothold upon the Philippine Island OF
Luzon or by securing the possession or
that island, which would constitute
place suitable both for defence and for
attack.
BY the procurement Of Luzon. and by
the safeguarding Of Formosa, Japan could
make herself reasonably secure against
any French expedition from French
Asiatic territory
The statements here presented are SUM-
cient 10 enable any one 10 understand the
exceeding Importance OF the Philippine
Islands 10 each of the two great Powers,
Russia and Japan, which seek TO get n
footing there.
The condition Of things i'm Spain, and
the conditions which exist in her Colonies
have doubtless served 10 stimulate the
activity Of both Of the parties engaged in
the competition for q portion of SPANS
property. The Spanish Government is in
bad luck everywhere. There is a revolt
against her in the Philippine Islands, not
10 speak here of that in Cuba. Russia
wants 4 concession from her. japan
would like to make a bargain with her or
/ perhaps 20 take something away from her
| without any bargain. The commander or
/ that japanese warship will doubtless look
around when he gets TO the place for
which he is bound.
! Russia cannot afford TO see Japan plant
= cd in the Philippines any more than ia
/ pan can afford TO see Russia planted
there. France is not likely 10 keep silent
when Russia speaks. Japan has not a
| hacker in all the world. England has az
/ fairs of her own that fully occupy her
time. Spain stands amid the ruins Of an
/ empire that once was vast. striving 10
. save a few scraps for the satisfaction or
/ her pride.
The situation In the Philippines grows
more serious the nearer Spain approaches
n condition of helplessness. As she seems
to be very close 70 that condition. the
time for some stronger country to pick
up the outlying pieces OF her estate may
/ be al hand.
1t is TO be hoped that there Will be no
trouble over the remnants that make ny
! the Philippine Islands.