Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-08-26

and even attach themselves to some
ether country, they would be allowed
to depart in peace, however, with the
deepest sorrow and regret on Britain's
part.
But for instance, in India the rule
is different. That country is ruled with
a firm hand. Local self-government is
allowed but under the watchtul eye OF
the British governor with the soldiers
at his back. And that is infinitely
better government than the Hindoo can
provide for himself.
Had the British government been as
wise in 1776 as it is now it is more than
probable that the United States, like
CanaGa, would have fioated the union
jack. But the Briton profted by the
lesson.
Well may we ask what is the source
of British power. Here,is a small ISL
anG capable OF feeding less than half
its people from its home agricultural
resources. On the. other side
OF the channel is larger
and a better country with a brave and
warlike people, yet weak in compari-
son. What makes the difference? The
question IS not a difficult one Il is
Britain's colonial policy. There was
a time when brave, enterprising little
Holland was the foremost trading M
ton in the world and had more extern
Slve foreign possessions, with the ex-
cept1on OF Spain, whose navigators dis
covered America, but of which Spain
made little practical use, while Holland
reaped rich profits from her foreign
policy. AS England also gradually be-
gan to explore foreign lands Holland
very unwisely attempted to restrain
her forcibly, and, notwithstanding her
bravery, she was at length compelled
to surrender a. great part of her foreign
provinces to England. The English
merchant soon became aware of the
great advantages the foreign trade
brought and from that day to the pres
ent England has bent every energy to
extend and secure foreign possessions
Through the early efforts of an early
trading company she finally gained
profit not only, but to the decided ad-
vantage of India also, which always
has been and still is utterly incapable
of governing herself. She has posses
sion of large and by far the more
valuable part Of Africa, though she
European powers, but retaining the
| lions share.
May not we learn from English ex-
| perieUce? There is much opposition
to Hawaii and Cuban annexation. We
are told that we Will have so much
sea coast to guard. Also that the peo-
pie OF Cuba and Hawaii are entirely
different from our people and that we
wish to have nothing to do in control
ling or governing them. Suppose Eng
land had said the same thing as tc
British America, India, Australia, At
RIGA, ETC., where would she have been
If England can govern India and Afri-
ca with decided advantage to those
countries and profit to herself, can moi
we in like manner govern Hawaii anC
Cuba? 1t is argued that the Rawaiiaf
and the Cuban are not fitted for Amer
lean citizenship. Very true. Nor are
the Indian and native African fit fol
British citizenship. 1t would certainly
| be a most foolish operation to admit
Hawaii and Cuba as states of the union
They will be much better off under the
direct rule of the general government
1t seems to me that a little study OF
the worlds history must quickly con
vince us that it will be decidedly ad
vantageous to both parties to annex
Hawaii as now proposed, and also tc
annex Cuba as soon as a favorable op-
portunity presents itself. j. A. J.