The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1898-06-02

WASHINGTON, May 3o.-Henry Nor
man, editor Of the London Daily Chron-
icle, whose letters from this city during
the Venezuelan boundary dispute at
tracted such widespread attention, Is
in Washington again as war corre-
spondent of his paper. He cabled an
article to The Chronicle and though his
courtesy the Associated Press is able to
present the matter from this side, in
which he said:
"Since my arrival have sought dill
gently in all quarters for some outline
or suggestion of the policy to be pur-
sued by the United States in the imme-
diate future. The result of the war is
q foregone conclusion. Each days
news has therefore only an incidental
interest. But wholly without inten-
ton on the part of the administration
the country Is rapidly approaching a
situation where decision more mo-
mentous than any for century past
must be taken. The results of this deci-
sion will affect European nations hardly
less than America itself. Upon such
matter / have been unwilling to say
word until convinced it was based upon
solid facts. have conversed with al
most every man beginning with the
highest, whose authority will mold the
issue, and with many old friends and
new acquaintances representative OF all
shades Of opinion.
at mean that neither in the White
House nor the state department Is there
any definite conviction or determination
concerning the future direction of the
national policy with regard to the dis
posal of those overs sea possessions over
which the American flag will be flying
when the war is over. This may sound
like hostile criticism. Nothing is fur
ther from my mind. The United States
has drifted steadily toward its new fate.
If the Maine had not been blown up war
would not exist today. The neutrality
of England forced Admiral Dewey's
squadron to sea to smash the Spanish
Asiatic squadron and seize Manila was
his only course. This accomplished it
became instantly imperative to send him
reinforcements. and these had to be
strong enough to defeat 20 Spanish regi-
ments and occupy the principal islands.
The same is true of the Atlantic. When
war was declared it was believed that
the insurgents were capable of taking
the field against the Spanish If supplied
now known they are wholly incapable
of this, and the military authorities
have become deeply averse to any CO.
operation with the insurgents, holding
the view that the American army should
act with complete independence, SO as
to be free to face whatever situation
may arise after the Spanish are ex-
pelled. TO President Mckinley alone is
due the escape Of this country from the
fatal blunder Of recognizing the insur-
gents as belligerents, and for this every
thinking American today is profoundly
grateful.
Moreover, nobody could have fore.
seen the extraordinary change of public
opinion after Admiral Dewey's victory
Between April 80 and May a revolu.
ton took place. On one day the idea
Of keeping the Philippines had not oc.
CURED to anybody; on the next, few
people thought Of giving them up.
Now also it is appreciated that it is inn
possible to dispose of them to any other
power without the gravest complica.
tions, while public sentiment is intoler.
ant of the idea Of restoring them to
! Spanish misrule.
"The opponents Of annexation urge
that the constitution permits no terri
tory to be incorporated in the Union
which cannot become state. 1t is re.
piled that America must no longer lei
George Washington do its thinking foi
it. It is declared that the country
possess no class of men capable of ad
ministering eastern countries and that
these will merely become the prey OF
professional politicians. The retort il
that the necessity Of finding such meI
will compel at last complete reform
of the diplomatic and consular service:
and thus deprive the politicians of theil
old spoils. Why ask the ones, 'shoul(
we needlessly entangle ourselves will
European powers, and enter the fa
eastern perilous arena?' I'VE are al
ready entangled, reply the others, 'ouj
interests are equal to those of EnglanC
in keeping open the vast markets o
China, and England will be overbornC
and China seized piecemeal, unless w
range ourselves alongside her. 1t will
take great army and navy, say the oh
jectors. 1t is perfectly certain, repl,
the annexationists that the country ha
already determined to have stronI
navy and an army such that neve
again shall we be caught in this dis
graceful state Of unpreparedness. Hav
Ing these, therefore, why should W
not use them to advance our materia
interests and the general civilization?
~ have reason to believe it has bee
decided 10 enforce only a moderate rev
enue tariff upon the Philippines, I
which American goods will be subjec
like the goods of other nations, and thi
is already SO great departure from tri
dition as to render other departures LEI
surprising. Cuba will be given ever
chance of freedom, but if, as may we
be, she lacks the elements of indepent
ence, she must become American. Thi
Porto Rico will be retained l feel sur
Europe, therefore, needs to envisai
development Of American polio
: which will upset many calculations al
possibly radically modify the preset