The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-05
MIST WE FACE THE COALITION ?

rbo news we have been receiving from
Santiago for the past few days IS most
interesting ana important, but IN our
oninion. II IS Of the most trihins conse-
ouence compared with an announcement
that comes from Berlin. The oorrespon-
dent Of the Associated Press cables from
Berlln that he IS informed upon tho very
hest authority that Germany, Russia anu
Franco have rea.hed an understanding
relative TO tho Philippine Islands, to the
effect that they viii not actively inter-
fere untl hostintes cease, but that atter
those are ended they will determine
what disposition shall be made OF tno
islands although they may be in the
,oesessfon of American forces by right
NJ conouest I'm our war with Spain And
while this statement has since been
donied we are not treasured by
tho denial II must have some founoa-
zion. Tho correspondents Of tho Asso-
clated Press abroad do not send sensa-
tional stories 70 this country. Almost
our entire foreign news comes by me
associated press. its foreign agents I'M
dorstard therefore that they occupy
sort Of Official position. and the RESPONSE
,ui,ies OF their position impress them
with fhe Importance OF avoiding tho SEN
sstional and connmng themselves 70 es-
tablished facts.
IT, however, Germany has any snch
49,. 20 Interviewing with MS in our dis
nosition of the Philippine Islands we
have got 10 make mp our mind TO form
an alliance with England for the purpose
NJ fehting it out with them. England
and America can together undertake the
whole coalition. though neither could I'M
dertake It alone.
we confess that we do not az all relish
the prospect Of disposing OF the Philip
nine Islands. after we have conquered
them. as we may be ordered 10 dispose
of them by Germany and Russia. For
ourselves. we cay that we will accept
war. with England as our ally, rather
than submit 10 the dictatlon.
Besides. the contest will be, we believe
eventually inevitable. The Philippine
Islands are merely a pretext. The real
contest is between despotism and'democ-
racy. IT is sometimes spoken Of as the
contest between the Auglo-SaXon and
the Latin and Slav races. But that Is
only another name for the same thing
The despots OF Europe see Democratic
ideas knocking at their doors, and they
know that these ideas are going 10 over
lurn their thrones. and level all classes
to the uniformity OF equality unless their
spread can be arrested. The only sure
way Of arresting them is to break up their
home, which is England and America.
They want, therefore. to suppress both
countries, and they will undertake 10
do so If they dare. The real issue Is
the natural antagonism between freedom
and slavery, and. If we should yield in
the matter Of the Philippines, another
pretext would soon be found. and We
should be crowded into the struggle soon
er or later.
We say. therefore, that we should take
our stand and abide by it. We should
notify Europe that we Will not submit
TO the dictation, and we should at once
commence making such an arrangement
with England as will insure the utmost
power Of both nations for the struggle. lt
is an awful prospect TO contemplate, but
it is a case in which civilization will be
upon trial. and we canot shrink from
our part as its defenders.