The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-13
WILHELM'S VISIT TO SPAIN
REGARDED AS AN EXHIBITION OF
PRO-SPANISH SYMPATHY.
The Idea of Uncle Sam as Landlord
of the Philippines Pleasing to
Many English Traders.


Copyright, 1898. by the Associated Press)
LONDON, Nov. 12.-During the past week
the United States has occupied the atten-
tion Of Europe to a greater degree than at
any time since the battles of Santiago The
entry of the American Republic into the
arena of existing Eastern colonization has
attracted widespread and varied attention,
and never before have the phases and is
sues of an American election been so gen.
orally and eagerly canvassed and so intel
ligently commented on. The supposed in
dorsement of the so-called expansion idea
by the electors of the United States has
commanded a chorus of approval in Great
Britain, while the journalistic spokesmen in
France, Russia and Germany exhibit an
equal unanimity of disapproval. On the
heels of the election the Marquis of Sails
bury threw the chancellories of Europe a
portentiously ambiguous phrase which they
have not yet succeeded in satisfactorily dis
secting. Then came Emperor Williams
change Of course toward the Spanish shores,
which Europeans, ever quick to discover
political portents in the movements of roy
alties, are constituting as an exhibition of
pro-Spanish sympathy.
The Marquis of Salisbury remains so Ioyal
devotee to the old style of diplomacy,
which employs words to confuse meanings,
that his deliverances frequently inspire as
many dlscordant interpretations as there
are interpreters. But there are no proofs
whatever in support of any construction of
his latest declaration importing a warning
or unfriendiness to the United States On
the contrary, all signs point to a unanimous
welcome of the United States entrance on
the role of Philippine landlord from the
English government and people, though it is
accompanied by the assumption which the
London Times this morning emphasizes
that "our unity in that quarter of the globe
depends upon the maintenance of the policy
of the open door,"
The American attitude towards the Philip
pine islands is also certainly welcomed by
the British companies engaged in developing
the islands. These companies, in anticipa-
tion Of a stable, honest government, are
already taking steps to enlarge their enter
prises. This is notably the case with the
Manila Railroad Company, controlled by
English capitalists, which is projecting an
extension of it's lines.
IDENTITY OF INTERESTS.
Outside Of all this, it is highly improbable
that the Marquis Of Salisbury would pub
lcly antagonize the widespread sentiment
Of his countrymen that British and Ameri-
can interests in the East go hand in hand
and the correspondent of the Associated
Press here has good authority for asserting
that he did not intend to do so.~ Moreover,
the correspondent learns that communica-
tions or conversations between American
and British diplomats have occurred very
recently, In which a recognition of this
identity of interests was displayed, though,
20. h.
did not go to the length of pledges of help
or plans for a concert of action in any con-
tingencies.
Henry Seton-Karr, member of Parliament
for St. Helens, who has just returned from
visit to the United States, has given his
impressions of the trip to the Pail Mall
Gazette. He dwelt enthusiastically upon the
friendliness for Great Britain, which, he
says, is animating the entire American peo-
pie, and adds that he considers an Anglo
American alliance feasible and desirable
Such an alliance of kindred people, prob
ably the richest ever known, is in his opn-
ion well worth considering in Great Britain,
while, he further asserts, from the American
point of view a permanent alliance with
the old country would be a good policy as
well as sound business.
While the Sp&niards are unquestionably
hugging the hope of finding a friend and
protector in Emperor William of Germany.
the London diplomats accept his Majestys
disclaimers arguing that the whole trend of
British and German policies is converging,
particularly since the friendly apportionment
of spheres of influence in Africa, and that
the Emperor, believing his interests lie in
the Anglo-American rather than in the
Franco-Prussian camp, will not show any
disposition to duplicate his President Kruger
telegram
A member of General Merritt's party says
that while the bearing of the Germans at
Manila left much to be desired at first,
markedly more cordial feeling grew up as
the American army and navy demonstrated
their capabilities It appears that German
official called upon General Wesley Merritt
after the capture of Manila. complimented
him upon the appearance of his troops and
remarked: II notice you have many Germans
among them" BY this the German official
intimated that the infusion of German blood
explained the efficiency of the American sol
diers. General Merritt, it is added, replied
jestingly: 1--WE make citizen of German
in three years, and we make soldier of
him in FIVE years.
A CENTURY OF BRoILS.
The members of General Merritt's staff
are not unanimous in considering the Philip
pine islands to be a desirable acquisition.
One of the officers said: My observations
forced me to the conclusion that If we take
the Philippine islands we shall be shoulder
ing century of trouble and broils. The ex-
tent of the Spanish possession merely con-
sisted In controlling few of the larger
towns. The rest Of the country ran itself.
The Spaniards were compelled to pay trib-
ute to the chiefs Of some Of the islands 70