Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-29
GERMANY AND OUR WAR.

While the position of the German Gov
eminent touching our war with Spain
has been made very clear, taking the
German press by and through as repre-
senting German public sentiment, 1t has
been hard to gauge accurately public
feeling as to the matter. Furthermore,
it has been evident that many of the Ger
man papers do not understand the situa-
ton and grasp the principle that prompt
ed our action in going to war.
There are, however, notable exceptions
to this rule, one of the most notable be-
ing the Nation, of Berlin. whose editor is
DR.. Barth, a member of the Reichstag.
and man who is recognized as enjoying
the confidence Of fnanciers and public
man, not only in Germany, but elsewhere
on the continent.
In a signed article in recent issue or
his paper, DIR. Barth reviews SPANS
Colonial maladministration of centu-
ries," says that in the process Of the
worlds historical development the United
States assume the role of the brusque
performer of a necessary amputation,
and expresses the opinion that in this
war between formal right and historical
necessity every respectable political con-
sideration tends to inspire the wish that
the imperative operation on the body
polite of Spain may be performed with
vigor and dispatch"
DIR. Barth then goes on to argue that
in determining which way their sympa-
thies should be the German people are
aided by the consideration that, In spite
of our indiscreet way Of going about such
matters. the United States represent the
sounder culture and an Astounding vital
ity, while Spain presents a picture OF de-
cline Next, he applauds the Imperial
Government for keeping within the
bounds of strict neutrality and deciding
to abstain from putting any obstacles In
the path of the United States, and in
conclusion, says:
1.-THE final outcome of the war is NOT
doubtful. The disproportion Of the
powers is too great. Even If the United
States should meet some reverses in the |
beginning. they would have scarcely any |
influence on the result. Even IN the IN |
terest OF Spain, 1t is 10 be hoped that the |
business will not be protracted by trivial |
successes at the outset. 1t might gratify /
Spanish pride TO disable few American |
warships, or TO lombard some large |
coast city, but every week that the war |
was prolonged by such successes would
drive new nail in the coffin of SPANS /
financial credit and bring that hapless
land nearer bankruptcy. European diplo-
macy, therefore, can render Spain no
greater service than to convince the
Madrid Government right soon that Spain
will preserve her honor and make no
great sacrifice of her national pride IL
she yields TO power and gives up Cuba"
Nowhere have we seen a more appre-
ciative article on the whole question than
this one from the Nation. 1t is equally
sound in presenting our justification in
war and in prophesying the
end. Moreover, it unquestionaby points
nut the way in which the great Powers
If Europe can best serve Spain, If they
lesire to serve her. The longer the war
asts and the greater the cost of it to us
n blood and treasure. the greater the
,rice Of peace that will be demanded OF
spain.