The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-04-24

Gn1AT RNsULTs Will FOLLOW.
The rssuiu u this conflict with Spain are
| likely 10 be far-resching in shaping the
future policies Of the United States. We
lhAre asserted ourselves Just at . critical
stage Of the worlds history. and have
acted with such disregard OF the Wishes or
criticism Of Europe that we have astonish-
Cd some Of the Old World people.
The moral effect OF our conduct will un-
doubtedly be to add to the political and
military prestige Of the Nation. in cnse we
give good account OF ourselves in battle
and win q comparatively prompt and de-
clsiye victory over our antagonist Europe
has looked upon US. as Kipling has init
mated. as a big. "fat" republic. with plenty
Of money but little martial spirit, and al
most defcnseiess against attack. It has.
been assumed we would stand more insult
than the other large nations except China.
and that It would be next to impossible to
arouse us to war point
This has unquestionably been the prevail
ing opinion in Europe. outside Of Eng
land. p .s .S-
This aggressive action towards Spain,
followed By an exhibition OF military and
naval skill and prowess and display OF
our great and ready resources, Will open
tho eyes OF the world to the realization
that America IL one OF the big powers, in
war as well as in peace. The fact win
command for us greater respect throughout
Europe and Asia than we have heretofore
enjoyed and result In larger safety OF our
citizens and our interests abroad
The physical effects. likewise. are cer-
tain to be OF surprising importance. II Is
possible that wc may at least add Porto
Rico to our territory, thus giving us a
strong naval station in the West Indies
md increasing our defensive and offensive
strength both as rcgerds the Gulf of Mex
leo and Central and South America. The
freedom of Cuba and our ownership OF the
rich island OF Porto Rico viii add, possibly,
5000. 100000 to our shipping trade within a
year after hostllitles have closed, aud opcn
up commerce in the West Indies capable
of indefinite expansion.
But the commercial and political effects
VIII not stop with the West Indies. It
wall for war purposes" and the sugges-
| ton Is advanced that We shall take and
hold also the Philippine Islands. This
would add another hundred millions or 80
to our shipping trade. The Philippines
IRE rich and contain population of about
| 60G0,000, many OF the people, however.
being only savngcs. Their commerce Is
large and MS a base for naval and CONNER
cal establishments of this country, the
islands would place us in commanding
position for controlling great Eastern
trade, reaching far into tho Asia,ic CONT
nent
But these Pacific possessions would
throw us necessarily into the politics OF
the East, and compel us to maintain large
navy, and possibly to Join with England
In dominating the orient
The prospects, therefore for our com
ing out OF our shell OF isolation. so to
| speak, and taking a conspicuous part in the
| future political and commercial develop
ments of the world are excellent, Our in
terests are becoming too worldwide and
inomentous to permit OF our longer keep
ing aloof from the great game of ma
| tions." II is possibly our manifest des-
| ,iny" and wo could not hold back Il we
would! There is more In this war than
the freedom OF Cuba