Arizona republican., 1898-08-15

so finding compensation for the lost Antilles. Discussion of che best measures toward the subdu- ing and the administration of the island is already current in Spain Berlin aside, the continental cabinets would probably be con4ent for ths moment with such an arrangement, even though it only postponed future |rivalries. As to Germany, unless very shrewd and we'll informed observers are mistaken, it desires more and more keen1y the possession of one of the islands as point of support for Its oriental interests. If opportunity ensue there after the war, or if it had !only weak native government with which to deal, it is quite bold and am- bilious enS<gh to seize station there on some slender pretext, as it occu- pied Kiao-Chau. If, on the other hand, a compromise between America Spanish sovereignty there, it would probably seek it's object by purchase or some similar compensation accept able to Madrid. Russia has been sus- rected of similar designs, but the sus-
 
 sip. German aims, however, are taken much more seriously in what are called diplomatic circles both in Lon- don and on the continent, and the dread of the new rivalries that they might provoke has made the other confidential powers with interests in tie orient better disposed toward the retention of the PhiliDpines hv the
 ~R 1Znelar1 and Japan, they would JooK iealously upon America in the far east; but if am correctly informed, they would not directly protest against American control of the group, and apprehension on that score in New York and in Washington is prema- ture There are subtler methods Of furthering the preferable resumption of Spanish sovereignty-like lofty ap- peals to American disinterestedness generosity and traditions.
 As to the English view of the fate of the Philippines and the course of the United States, the government, it is agreed in every trustworthy quar- ter. is disposed to see that the United States has a free hand in the disposal of them. and is ready to accept what ever decision the administration at Washington may reach. If there were any visible signs of concerted Euro pean intervention as to the group. England would be an obstacle to it, and, if report here runs truly, the president and his advisers are well aware of the British position If America decides to retain the Philip pines. develop them and keep the door open to trade there. England will. of course, be strengthened against France and Russia in the orient, but there is no disposition in official or unofficial opinion to force the hand of the United States. Only to English ears the statement that the president ana his advisers seek "the maximum of commercial and strategic advantage in the Philippines combined with the minimum of governmental respons:~ bility," sounds very like the declara- ton with which England went into Egypt. All the world knows how it has resulted in virtual control of the valley Of the Nile, until English withdrawal from 1t has become purely an academic speculation English men even apply the analogy to Cuba, anticipating there and in the Philip pines the same Justification for de- parture from hastily declared policy that events have brought to Britain in Egypt. Men that know the far eaSt have not grain of confidence in any native government of the islands. Be- side the Filipinos, they say, the Gu bans are relatively fit for self-govern- ment. Americans are presumed to be holder and more self confident than their brethren over sea. but here in London there seems to be more faith in American ability to rule and civi- lize the Philippines than there is at home.