The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-01-04
EUROPE AND THE CUBAN WAR.

Et HOFE AND the ttbAN WAN.
The intimation by the London Times
that the European nations would stand by
Spain in the event OF war with the United
States was followed by semi-official DENT
ais. This might be expected. Because it
was not true that any actual agreement
had been arrived at and It was not desira-
bic that the United States should be irri-
tated by such reports. nor the Spanish
people elated 10 the point OF bringing on
the war. No European nation would de-
sire such a war, and only the German en-
peror. of all the soyereigns, would will
ingly enter upon II. Yet the view taken by
the London Spectator Is undoubtedly cor
rect. While the nations hope TO avert
the war. they could not stand By and see
Spain defeated. The enormous debt of
Spain interests those who have advanced
the money, and defeat. after what must be
an expensive war, would be followed by
bankruptcy and possible Reputation of
what would then become debt hopeless
OF payment This consideration particu-
larly applies 10 France. whose people have
been generous buyers OF Spanish bonds.
Austria would dread the political conse-
quences which must follow defeat OF Spain.
II is not alone that family relations with
the sovereign would arouse her sympathses.
Overthrow OF the monarchy would give
great encouragement to republicanism all
over Europe. and the personal regard felt
for the emperor and empress OF Austria
does not extend 10 the heirs apparent and
presumptiye. The late Prince Rudolph was
a favorite. but his shocking death and the
disclosures. gradually leaking out. of the
yet more shocking scenes with which it
was preceded. have done much to destroy
respect for the throne. Ii would take very
httle at an oppontune moment 10 over
turn the government.
The emperor of Germany apparently
does not see the extent Of the disaffection
IN his country, as his cousin Of Austria
does. His egotism and mis- serene conf
dence n the divine right OF kings forbid
any serious apprehensions. but the social
lists annoy him and ne believes The people
need something 20 occupy their thoughts.
TINS a war would do; and he would he the
deur OF snowy uniform and surrounded by
the dramatic accessories he seems to have
a taste for inventine. The motive aftrib-
uted 10 him. Of a German colonial en-
pre- with Brazil as the chief possession, is
purely visionary. Tho Germans are among
che very best Of colonizers. but they have
selected the United States Cape Of Good
as their homes. No independent settle
rncni Of any great extent has ever been
formed by them. ana there Is reason 20 be-
l.eve that escape from che paternahsm
and restrictions OF the German govern
ment IS as strong motive as the desire TO
found a new home. !, may be set aside as
absurd that, Ga case OF victory for Spain,
the other powers would permit Germany
to appropriate any territory on this conti-
uent, even - the Uuited States should be
unable to eGectualiy resist It alone.
The only unjust motive sscrlbed 20 any
power Is that % I.aly. II = ridiculous 20
say that the United States treats Italians
as il they were negroes and rcd Indians"
The Indian has no vote. while the Italian
has been-even unwlsely ia many instances
admitted 70 fun citizenship With the ma
tive forn American. without even being
required 20 speak the language. There are
very few Italians who would leave the
United States 20 return 20 Italy until they
had accumulated a considerable sum OF
money. and then they return because OF
she climate,
II IS unjust 20 say that ah.s country
treats any fora3gner worse than ne would
be treated n Ais own country. or any
worse shan Sc treats native born az Ike
iuteilIsencs and character. II an Italian
or Hun IS treated as al ignorant person
w9tA vicious propensstles and unpleasant
habits. e Is because % xhcse faults and
not because 81 MS race.
Nevertheless. thcre IS 10 fouhs trait sae
powers wctgl1 cr-nblne 20 al Spain 81 case
% Nar vita as i; ultghf mot ne an open
ssosgtlty. ssTt Y would tnsese large SUITS
o. rlorey Being qua a. her disposal wssh
whsca So coui8 buy safps zrs employ
ruercensries 20 to.a her army. L would -
3 very expensive war for as. even = So
cesssul and would entail tho sacrifice of
macy iivrs
c7e-scn,h ~ 80 c,st OF such a war con
t~egtsd SO Caha's treasury would more
quiek,y bring asout re same result. Tee
saccess 81 Cuoa ags.ns, Spain win ere
Ca.t@3 statss Esrnafusas neutral. wcald
htve very ssrezt aspeet 80 ta2e active
Faretesp2t.48 - sass cossnsSy la an tnzur-
recttoo ty a col3ny againsz .ts h3ne gov
eru@cat-