New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-20
HOW A LLTLNG NATION BEGINS.


The difference between living and dying
nation is largely in the treatment Of outlying
nropertv. When Spain has come into possession
Of territory IT has never cared for anything cN-
ccpt TO plumber that territory as thoroughly rs
possible. to fasten upon II a horde or spanish
officials and contractors. 10 extort from lis peo-
plc and It's industries all the profits possible
and so to enrich Spain and Spanish families
md odventurcrs That il the way n nation
dies. and history shows that Spain has for cen
turtles been capable Of no other treatment Tor
colonies coming into its hands But living
nation goes to work just the other way It's
first concern is to build up and develop the new
proncrty. To disclose its resources. Invite new
and thrifty settlers plant there new industries,
provide means of transportation and conncr-
ton with the commerce of the world. aud thus
10 prepare the new possession by increased pro-
duction aud wealth to contribute in cvcr-n-
crcasing amount to the commercial and indus
trial prosperity OF the whole nation.
Before the resolution of annexation was
PASSED by Congress the Hawaiian Government
signed on July n contract giving exclusive
right to an American company 10 lay cable
TO the Hawaiian Islands from This country ana
from those islands To Japan and China, and to
necessary for relay posts in the long line. This
contract for twenty years, # It's terms are cor
rcctly reported and ratified hereafter by the
United states will apparently exclude any for
cign Power from possession or control OF n
cable line across the North Pacific, and the
lines reaching Aslatlc ports from Europe are
controlled 10y the British Government. The en-
,crprslng American company begins at once
10. nina, nv irn
Manila and Guam. the island OF the Ladroncs
where the United states fag has just been
raised. But ms the line from Honolulu direct
to Guam with the allowance Of IL per cent for
slack which IS said to he Necessary IN such
deep waters. would require cable much longer
and more costly than has ever yet been made
and operated. II is proposed TO occupy The alan
Islands. among the most eastern Of The Caro-
lines. about 2.lij miles from Honolulu ms
little island of thirty square miles Is known
mainly as the site for many years OF an AncTi-
can missionary station but M the expedition
which left Honolulu for Manila over week
ago is directed 10 take possession OF thc caro-
line Islands for the United states on Us way, IL
Is possible that n more desirable landing, and
one capable Of strong fertilization. may be So
lected there as coaling and telegraph station
From Ualal 70 Guam the line IS about LILO
NILES. and from Guam 10 Manila about LILO.
so that by safe and practicable stages the Pa
cinc can be crossed. and all the desired sta
lions or possessions brought within immediate
connection with United states commerce and
industry. From Manila line ~ $50 miles VIII
reach Hong Kong: from Guam line ~ lao
miles will reach Yokohama, and thus perfect
communication with japanese trade and Indus
try: from UAan line Of 1850 miles VIII reach
brisbane. and thus give direct communication
with British lines throughout Australasia An
these plans point to the speedy development ~
Industries and trade under American Influence
in parts Of tho world whore This country has
been largely dependent upon foreign traders
and lines Of communication.
Before Santiago surrendered American repre-
sentatives Of companies owning valuable mines
in Eastern Cuba had already gone thither 10
prepare for the rc-cstahllshmcnt of Industries
with the restoration Of order under protection
Of the American flag the iron and copper and
other mines will quickly be prepared to enlist
.he labor Of many hands, and the shipping Of
products Will employ many moro ut the ports
Throughout the eastern province Of cuba. too
there are estates md plantations which nccl
only American enterprise and better means NJ
communication 10 become most profitable II
may he expected. before The United States MIL
tary Governor has fairly established his sway
I'm that region. that cn,crprislng people Will be
preparing plans 10 build lines Of railroad con
Meeting important points with the moro fertile
districts. Within year there are likely TO be
many Americans In that region. creating there
n profitable Industry such rs has never been
possible during centuries Of Spanish rule. That
Is the way living nation goes about It's work.