Evening star., 1898-08-29
A BLO0DLESS STRIFE
European Powers Preparing for a
War Of Trade and Commerce.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RUOSIA'S PROPOSAL
Probably a Result Of Recent
Achievements of This Country.
MEN TAKEN FROM INDUSTRY

TIE State Department has not yet been
notified of the communication from the
Russian government to the foreign repre-
sentatives at St. Petersburg looking to a
universal preservation of peace and the
gradual disarmament of Europe This couh-
try is not directly interested in the propo-
sition of disarmament. but as it is under
stood that it was addressed TO all the for
eisn repres 7utatives in st. Petersburg, the
communication will in due time be received
by this government. Though at this mo-
Inent just conciudingsa war in which VIC
tory has been attained by force of arms,
the sentiment of this government is strong
ly in sympathy with any movement looking
toward the abolition of warfare. and our
sympathies will be with the suggestion
emanating from the car. This government
Is Eow about on the point of adding greatly
10 its naval establishment and SOMEWHAT,
on account of acquisition of territory. to it's
military. but we have never had the mill
tary or naval establishment in the sense
that they are maintained in Europe, and
all that this government is likely to do in
the way of adding TO its military and naval
strength would not he of Z character nor to
an extent which would antagonize the prin-
ciple involved in the cars proposition for
disarmament. That policy is one which TINS
and ths suggestion OF the czar applies only
10 the European powers, which have been
expendiug great sums Of money in arming
themselves, one against another.
1t is regarded as peculiarly significant and
encouraging that this suggestion to call
halt in the tremendous waste of treasury in
warl!ke preparations, which involve bur
den upon the whole of Europe. should come
from Russia just at the momsnt when the
whole world is alert with the idea that an
immediate rupture was imminent between
hat government and England, and at a
lime when the Chinese question seems
vaguely to threaten the peace of the whole
world.
Recent Achievements Responsible.
1t is felt in government and political
circles tilat the recent achievements Of this
country are probably in no slight degree
responsible for this proposition to suddenly
reverse the policies of the old world. Il is
thought that our raval exploits have DEM
Cgstra;ed to the old world that all the i'm
mense treasure the several powers have
expended would not insure any one of
them absolute Immunity should the con-
tinuance of Y ar preparations finally lead
TO a general disturbance of peace; and,
moreover. that If this government should
be drawn into the general contention and
attempt 10 rival the powers of Europe IN
lis armament, it would involve upon nearly
every power of Europe an almost exhaust
ing draft upon its resources. already heav-
lily taxed. to maintain that relation of
armament toward the United States which
would be deemed imperative.
Another thirg which has attracted the
attention OF the political economists cf ET-
rope is that by maintaining immense
armies Of men taken out of the Industrial
pursuits they have weakened their power
OF production and added largely to a con-
Stunning class IN no way productive. IE the
war of tariffs and commerce it appears
that by reason of this very condition the
United states has a considerable advan-
tGge over her European competitors en-
abling a higher rate of wages to be main
tanned here. though the ratio of product
iveIess is greater.
Returning Men TO Industry.
The abolishment of the conscript system
in Europe and the return of a large part OF
the population to productive occupation
may. however have a very material effect
upon the interests of this country. Every
nan released from the military service of
Europe would become recruit to tae in
Custrial army. which is to fight in the
blOodlsss battle between the old and the
rev world. 1t is foreseen that ty the
establishment of truce between them
selves the powers of Europe are preparing
for the war Of trade and commerce which
they regard as imminent with this country.
Regarded rs Utopian.
The official mind here looks upon the
Russian project for a general disarma-
nent as Utopian at this timc and while
any Statement as to the attitude of the
United States toward such a conference as
that proposed is purely conjec tura1 in al
vence of the receipt of the invitation, the
impression prevails that our government
would not care TO take any active part in
its deliberations.