The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-05
WE SHOULD KEEP.
Diplomats Astonished at the Hest
fancy of the United States About
the PhiIipp1nes.

Washington, D. c., Aug. 5.-The diplo-
mats are much exercised over the Phil
tppines problem, not, however, for the
United States or Spain, but for them
selves. The question of American con-
troll of the Philippines, and the propriety
of submitting the degree of ownership
the United States shall set up is likely
to become dangerous to the peace of
Europe if not handled with the utmost
discretion. This is the opinion of repre-
sentatives of at least three of the most
powerful nations in the world. If Eng
land, Russia and France had any say
in the matter, there would be no COM
mission to settle anything.
'Such a convention said an attache
of an embassy, whose navy is queen of
the seas, will give Spain the oppOrtuni-
ty she has thus far been unable to find,
to make bad blood. For instance, there
is one Spanish loan of 400, 900 600 pese-
tas. bearing Az per cent, based directly
upon Cuba as a security. Most of this
is held in France and Austria. Spain
being a Roman Catholic country, the
church all over Europe, but especially
in France and Austria, recommended this
loan to its congregations, and in many
instances the funds on which great
charities were based had very consider
able sums invested in these Cuban 41as.
This is the real reason for the papaI in
reference twice since March l in Spain's
favor. It's a great pity America has
shown any timidity in this matter of
the Philippines, or hesitated for an in
slant to gather in the fruits of her con-
quest" concluded the EngliShman, who
speaks for his nation.
The French embassy agrees with
England and Russia in regard to the
danger of a commission dealing with so
important a conquest as is the key to
eastern Asian waters. mo matter how
such a commission might decide" said
an old and influential member of
Frances embassy, nearly all Europe
will be displeased We don't want to
have such a case as this of the Philip
pines used against US as a precedent.
If your country is right, then we of
France should release Madagascar,
Senegal and Algeria, and England ought
to let go Egypt. No. no; 1 don't know
how you ever led into such a violation
of the law that has stood for tend cen
turtles that the title won by the sword
is the best of all BY it, the NOrmans
have held England, and the drum beats
of their descendants re-echo around the
world. No wonder Germany feels Of
Tended. The conquest of Alsace and
Lorraine is too near for any national
high moral example to be agreeable"
you see, nobody objects to Americas
keeping what she has gallantly won by
the sword" said the Russian attache,
who is kept from his lOnged-fOr holiday.
Nobody but Spain can possibly be
benefited by a convention touching
what shall be done with the Philippines.
Suppose they were divided between the
great naval powers, say No division
is possible that could make each ma
tons share equal; the great prize is the
Island of LuzOn, and Manila. the key
to eastern Asian waters. Whoever got
that would have about all there is
worth having in the Philippines group.
The political equilibrium as arranged
years ago by nations with interests in
the east would be seriously disturbed
The wisest heads in Europe fear this
very question may bring on that war
that has been the fear of mOnarchs
and dread of statesmen for fifty years.