The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1897-06-11
A GENERAL WAR.
Probable Result of European
Uprising.
Attitude of the Different Nations To-
ward Each Other The Effect
1t Would Have on
America.

If the alliance of the three emperors,
of Austria, Russia and Germany, holds
out, what can the rest of Europe do?
The Balkan and other eastern and south
eastern provinces have been led into the
combination, giving three emperurs, it
is estimated, a fighting force of little
short of 12.OOO, 900 men. IL seems to be n
combination of eastern Europe against
western Europe and western Europe
has the weakest end of the continent.
France, Italy and England together
have a fighting strength of hardly S.OOO.-
600 men and France has not been on the
best of terms, historically at least with
either Italy or England. The disposi-
tion of Spain and Portugal and Holland
and Belgium and Norway and Sweden
and Denmark in event of an outbreak of
Il general European war would be prob
lematical. They would try TO remain
neutral, probably, if that should be pos
sible. Spain has enough to do to put
down the instructions in her colonies
Norway and Sweden are practically
isolated from the rest OF Europe and
could profit by their situation and loca-
ton. Holland and Belgium would DE
right between the contending powers
in northern Europe. The natural affilia-
tions of those two little but populous
countries would be with western Eu-
rope. Belgium is half French and uol-
land has no love for Germany. for Ger
many is generally suspected of having
designs on that country.
At home England might have trouble
with Ireland, the Irish leaders would de
mand large concessions or give the rul-
ing island great deal of trouble. On
the sea, France, Italy and England com
bined have two-thirdS of the naval
strength of Europe and could sweep
everything before them, but the. great
war would not be fought on water but
on land and that land in the vicinity of
the Mediterranean. In the division of
the spells. for it would be a war of
spuliation, Russia and Germany and
Austria would help themselves and the
rest would get nothing.
Such might be the course of a general
European war, which, according to
many statesmen versed III foreign
affairs. now seems probable. 1t would
be the most destructive war the world
has ever seen. France and Germany
could not fight on the same side and
Germany and England could get along
no better together, for the anti-German
feeling in England has become acute.
Germany and France have contended
and may contend again for territory,
but Germany and England may in the
future contend for the oIrmcrce of the
world Such at least are tho hopes and
ambitions of the Germans, who have
already gone everywhere with their
wares. In the general European war.
Greece and Turkey, who would have
been the cause of il, would be lost sight
Of
What effect would a European war
have on America? At first the effect
would be increased prices for all Amer
lean products and manufactures. Eu-
rope would eat everything that this
continent could raise. Millions of men
would be taken from the producers and
added TO the consumers. Prices in tins
country would go up with a bound and
STAY up. This is no doubt alluring TO
some Americans. But in the end would
it be blessing to this country We
think not The increased prices would
be a benefit to some. but a hardship to
others. We have consumers as we'll as
producers. in this country. and if the
former receives more for what he has To
sell, he would also pay more for what
he has TO buy. And after the great war
was over would come a period of de-
preston, sooner or later. the steady
consumption of American products
would ba interfered with. because of
the disturbed Industries and oondi-
tions. 1t is now generally recognized
that action and reaction are equal.
Americas position in event of
great European war would be that of
strict neutrality. 1t would be a strug-
gle i'm which we could take no sides,
and in which our affections would be
greatly divided. although the prepun-
derance of sympathy would he with
the nations of western Europe. both be
cause they are nearer to us geographic
ally and nearer To us 10y race and
blood. There would be plenty of
work for the American navy, however,
to protect our POI Is from marauders,
and to protect the rights of Americans
abroad.-lowa State Register.