The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-24
OUR RELATIONS WITH GERMaNY


OUR RELATIONS WITH GERMANY.
Official Germany continues 10 protest
that she has no idea Of meddling with
our affairs in the Philippines, but acting
Germany continues doing and saying
things that make 1t perfectly evident
something is going on behind the scenes.
II we could accept without question what
the Paris edition of the New York Herald
prints from day 10 day, we should be
forced to admit It as a foregone conclu-
sion that we are "in" for trouble with
Germany.
day or two back the Paris Herald
had statement of a report that nego-
tiations were in progress between Ger
many. France and Spain for transfer
by Spain Of the Philippine Islands to
Germany, in consideration for which Ger
many will give back to France Alsace
and Lorraine. The Herald gave little
credence to this but published 1t as an
evidence OF something being under dis
cussion between those Powers. The same
edition OF the Herald had a statement.
however, for which it vouched' that the
German Emperor has made a distinct
proposition to Spain that II she will agree
for him TO establish twenty years pro-
tectorate over the Philippine Islands
(Which would mean ownership, he will
land in them enough troops to establish
order there, and will pay Spain $l25,OOO,OOo'
with which to carry on the war with
the United States. We put very little
more faith in this than the Herald did IN
the Alsace-Lorraine story. But all OF
this shows that something Is going on
between Germany and Spain and all the
time we are to bear in mind that Ger
many has sent a fleet to Manila out or
all proportion TO her interests there, as
great. indeed. as all other European
Powers combined, and almost, II not
quite. a match for the fleet that Admiral
Dewey had before we started reinforce
ments to him.
And now comes the definite statement
from London that foreign marines have
been landed at Manila to protect foreign
ers from the islanders when they capture
the city. as 1t is apprehended they will
soon do.
We could not object to this landing or
marines before our troops arrive there
TO preserve order, but when our troops
are there. there will be no reason why
foreign marines should be on the land,
and they ought al then 70 withdraw.
VIII they do it?
When we demand It we shall learn
whether Germany really has determined
to force a war upon us. IL she has she
must be accommodated at once. If she
IS required to withdraw her marines from
Manila when our land forces arrive
there. and she refuses TO do it, General
Merritt must attack them just as though
they were Spanlards and Admiral Dewey
must omen upon their ships just as
though they were Spanish ships. This
Is an ugly and a dreadful prospect. but
We have gone into foreign politics TO
certain extent, and we cannot now shrink
from any of the responsibilities that our
action has brought on us Whether we
ought TO have declared war upon SPAN VI
,.botber we ought not. we did it, ana
o,co done. we we're I'm for war .that
o,.ery American was bound TO support
80 his utmost ability. Being at war win
spain we were bound TO attck her IN the
PHILIPPINES, and, having conquered them'
We were bound 10 meet all of our respoH-
e,bnities in connection with Them one
% which was to see that they were never
returned to the expressions Of Spanish
rule. and that they were secured gov
ornment that would insure them liberty
and n progressive civilization. All OF
these things have followed I'm perfectly
natural and logical sequence. and we
are simply compelled now TO do all that
Is necessary for securing the islanders
absolute immunity from the expressions
they have endured.
This indeed. IS so obvious that we can
not understand Germany meddling IN the
business. unless II is in execution OF
some deep laid plan. Of which we are
not yet permitted to see the outlines
We most earnestly pray that indiea-
lions are misleading, and that Germany
professions truly represent her temper
and feelings. But the indications OF the
reverse are too significant 10 be over
looked. and the administration should be
considering them and should be prepared
to strike and strike with all our might
If we are really TO be forced into war
,-fth Germany.