The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-06-10
ONE OF THE WORLDS DECISIVE
BATTLES

There have been numerous battles in
which general or nation has triumphed
over another, and they are 6enominated
decisive battles Students of mutations
in the progress of the world, however,
treat as decisive only those battles that
have to a marked extent changed the cusi
rent of human affairs, such as have ar
rested the march of barbarism, or
changed the system or destiny of nations
A celebrated author placed the number
at fifteen at the time he wrote, the last
being Waterloo. Since that time Gettys-
burg and Sedan may properly be added
to the list of decisive battles. If measured
by the numbers engaged, the losses, and
the genius of commanders, there have
been numerous greater battles than those
designated as decisive, but they have not
been given that distinction, because re-
suits have been inconsequential.
Manila is prospectively a decisive bat
tie; not because in common acceptation
it was a great battle, but for the reason
that Dewey's victory will probably cause
this country to depart from its tradi-
tional policy in regard to the acquisition
of territory beyond the continent and in
distant sea. 1t will have the effect to
change our attitude toward the four great
est European nations in regard to Orien-
tai affairs, and will relieve this country
from the comparatively isolated position
;,,t ,;,,J
pool of international complications. Re
tention of the Philippines, which appears
to be inevitable will add to our RESPONSE
bilities in the matter of government, and
two hemispheres.
Asia has principally known and been
under the influence of Europeans. Our
presence in the Orient as a possessive
power will cause inquiry into our charac-
ter as a people and our governing capac-
ity, and if what we do is favorably re-
ceived our influence will be potential.
Thrusting this great nation into the
worlds affairs in new field can have no
other effect than to modify our methods
and perhaps principles, of government
and to change the current of the world S
affairs through the introduction of new
element.
1t Is perhaps too early to speculate as
to the eventual outcome and conse-
quences, but as the students of history
understand ii, Sf Manila is not set down
in history as one Of the decisive battles
of the world, it will be for the reason that
this country withdraws from the Philip
pines and leaves them to drift as they
will. If we let go of them it will be a
course of action without precedent on the
part of great and victorious nation.
Dewey's victory changed in a day the
whole tendency Of American thought,
which was not for the extension of our
territorial terminus, but rather to be con-
tent with what we already possess.
grave question confronts this country.
1t has been presented in the case of Ha-
wall, and it's proportions have been i'm.
mensely enlarged by the certainty that
Porto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines in
some form will pass under our jurisdic-
ton. The seemingly inevitable departure
from our traditional policy will present to
the nation test more severe than any in
our previous history. The enthusiastic
optimist is disposed to look upon the stu
alton as tide in our affairs, which, taken
at the flood leads on to fortune. On the
other hand, the thoughtful have an ap-
prehension that it will be taking the tide