The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-19

Austrians Think America Will Keep
the PhiliuDines.

LONDON, Aug. 19.-The Vienna CORE
spondent of the Times says THE develop
ment of the Philippine question will be
watched here with keen interest. Circum-
stances appear to point to the retention of
the islands by America. The fact that Sen
ator Davis, who is a public advocate of
complete annexation, and Secretary of
State Day, a supporter of the Hawaiian
policy, are appointed commissioners is re-
garded as indicating that President McKin-
ley favors their retention 1t is acknowl-
edged that President Mckinley has hitherto
manifested exceptional diplomatic tact in
his treatment both of the Spanish govern
ment and of public opinion in the United
States. He conducted the negotiations with
such foresight and consideration that the
Madrid Cabinet has been able gradually to
accustom the population to the inevitable
sacrifices imposed by the outcome of the
war. For this reason the mere fact
that absolute cession of the Philip
pines was not expressly stated in
the protocol by no means should be
regarded as excluding that possibility of at
least some approximating to the growing
demands of the American people. The pros
pect of a partition of China is likely to
confirm this tendency of the American peo-
pie. The United States are deeply inter
ested from commercial and industrial
STANDPOINT in the future of east Asia. Tney
have the most favorable geographical Sit
uation OF all the great manufacturing
countries competing there, ana it is ar
gued that Sucn an enterpriSing, energetic
people will not willingly 1orego the present
opportunity or securing a footing in those
seas Wpicn will enable them to establish
large mercantile emporiums similar to those
already possessed ny the Englsh on the
mainland, ana which other states are about
to found L ms consideration is expected to
have weight with the final decision of the
rnlnppine question.
There is suspicion here that the meet
ing OF the feace commission in Paris was
intentionally deiayed TO enable the prepare
non and formation of public opinion in
Spain TO accept America new cOlOniZing
roe in It's full extenl.
An evening paper expresses the belief
that ii is Impossible that the Philippines
shall ever again form part of the Span
ish possessions. and the question of how the
ocrelct archipelago SHAH be ultimately di-
divided is regarded as a serious diplomatic
problem. Other papers make ingenious sug
geStionS which 1t is prontless to discuss
seeing that 1t is improbable there will be any
division.
The papers generally expect the Rus
slams attitude will prove important fac
tor in the situation. The German press has
raised the bogie of Intervention talk. OF
the United States sounding the European
powers on the question of annexation Moth
ing is known here of any such feeling, and
States has done and will do nothing of the
kind. America has already given indioa-
lions that she would unhesitatingly resent
interference without waiting to count the
cost. 1t is recognized that the American
is q very different sort of man from the
Turk for example, and might, If an at
transfer the conflict from the diplomatic
sphere to one in which ii would be extreme
the powers or an East Asian dreibund.
Moreover any such interference would
only hasten an Anglo-American alliance.