The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-06-04

many old friends and new acquaintance.
Representatives Of all shades 81 opinion
The inquiry has been like the search FOR
needle I'm a hayxtack and haye now
reached the conclusion that in this par
tscular stack there is no needle at all.
mean that neither in the White House
nor in the state department. IS there any
definite conviction or determination on the
future direction Of the national poafy
with regard 10 the disposal OF these across
sea possessions over which the American
flag will be flying when the war is over.
This may sound like a hostile criticism
Nothing IS farther from my mind,
The United States has drifSed steadily
towards its new fate. II the Maine hsd
not been blown up war would not exist
today. The neutrality of England forced
Admiral pewey's squadron ~ sea. and 20
smash the Spanish Asiat!c squadron and
seize Manila was his only course. THIS
accomplished, Il became Instantly imnera-
tive 10 seni him achievements, and these
had 70 be strong enough 20 defeat ,wenty
Spanish regiments and occupy the prin-
clpal islands.
The same is true OF the Atlantic. When
war was declared. IL was believed that the
insurgents were capable OF taking the
field against the Spanish Il supplied with
arms. ammunition and focd. Il is now
known that they are wholly incapable or
this and the military authorities have be-
come deeply averse 10 any cooperation
with the insurgents. holding the view that
the American army should act with COM
plete independence so as 10 be free 10 face
whatever situate might arse after the
Spanish are expelled. To President Me-
ki1ley alone is due the escape OF this
country from the fatal hlunder OF recos-
mixing the Insurgents as belligerents and
for this every thinking American today IS
profoundly grateful.
Moreover, nobody could have foreseen
the extraordinary change OF public opin-
ion wrought by Admiral Dewey's victory.
Between April 30 and May |. a revolution
took place. On the first day the idea Of
keeping the Philippines had not occurred
10 any body; on the next day, few people
thought OF giving them up. Now. also.
Il is appreciated that ii is impossible to
dispose Of them TO any other power with
out the gravest complications while pub
lie sentiment is inloierant " the idea OF
restoring them 30 Spanish N sruie. Thus
in every direction events have moved and
the administration has followed. In Am
bassador Hays words. ii has been case
of imposition of Invisible hands. The NOV
ing finger has written and II cannot be
hired back 10 cancel half line.
The question IS will the United States,
when peace is signed. withdraw within its
old limits, abide by old traditions and
resist temptations, or viii II boldly fol-
and turn It's face toward a new destiny.
The struggle VIII be long and bitter. The
opponents OF annexation urge that the
constitution permits no territory 10 be IN
corporated into the Union which cannot
become a state. 1t is replied that America
must longer let George Washington do
its thinking for il. Il is declared THAI
the country possesses no class OF men cap
able of administering Eastern countries,
and that these will merely become prey
of professional politicians. The retort is
that the necessity of finding such men
VIII compel at least complete reform in
the diplomatic and consular services, and
thus deprive the politicians OF their old
spoils.
In view of this sharp division of opin-
ion. IL Is obvious that the only statesman
like course of the president is TO finish
the war first and let the policy take care
of Itself.
HE would he bold or a reckless man
who would venture 10 prophesy the out
come. Still, 26lD men have gone 10 Ma
Mia. $500 are going in ten days, and more
afterwards. probably. until. 20.ooo are
there, and these troops are hardy sent
merely 10 be recalled. Moreover | have
reason to believe IL has been decided 10
enforce only n moderate revenue tariff
upon the Philippines. 10 which American
goods Will De subject like the goods of
other nations. and this is already so great
a departure from tradition as TO render
other departures less surprising.
Cuba will he given every chance of
freedom, hut If, as may well be. she
lacks the elements of independence. she
must become American. That Porto Rico
will be retained feel sure. Europe there
fore. needs to envisage development of
American policy which will upset many
calculations and possibly radically modify
the present balance of power.
In all this the relations OF England and
America are vitality concerned, and with
these / shall deal in another dispatch"