New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-15
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CROWNS.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND Inn thV"NS-
There exists in the Stock Exchange-perhaps
Il would be more accurate 10 say there pretends
TO exist-some fear that Germany and the
United States will have trouble about the Phil
ippine Islands II the United States decides 10
hold them. Putting aside for the moment the
unsettled question what the United States
wants, it may he said with some confidence
that the desire OF this country will hardly be
opposed by any other Power. No other has
a shadow of right TO interfere If the United
States says TO Spain that the great cost of war
cannot be met by her excepting by this cesslon
Of territory, which, no longer of any value to
SPAIN could be made valuable by American
enterprise and capital Assent by Spain would
perfect a title which other nation could
question with decency
Then 1t may be said without immodesty that
no other nation desires at present to engage in
war with the United States. II others believe
they have greater power, they are well aware
that It could be exerted at distance of sew
eral thousand miles only at great cost and dis
advantage. There Is no European possession
IN the West Indies or Central or South Amer
lea which would not be at the mercy of the
United States in case OF war. nor would the
commerce Of any European nation flourish II
exposed TO American attack. The inevitable
loss would be enough TO make any nation
pause. apart from the direct cost OF war, which
would be enormous. Nor is 1t difficult to see
that while the United States has a consider
able Army and powerful feet close to Asiatic
shores no European nation could. without self
betraying preparation, make ready to resist at
tack in that quarter. while all Of them have
Asatic interests which they regard as vastly
important
These are considerations which apply to some
other European Powers as well as 10 Germany.
but there are especial reasons for expecting
peace with that nation. Ii has with this coun-
try a profitable trade. which could not be
INTERRUPTED without disaster 10 German indus
tries 1t has in the United States. including
children OF German parents. somewhat over
100000 persons who are with rare excep-
lions intensely loyal Americans while de-
votedly attached to their fatherland and it is
impossible to calculate what their influence
with their families and friends in the old coun
try might be in case Of any contest Involving
papable injustice TO this country 1t need not
ne said that unless there is palpable injustice
10 this country there can he no strife with Ger
many If there were, German rulers would
feel the effect of it in their home affairs, and
the division Of political forces In the German
Empire is such that distinct Influence for or
against !he Government Is not likely TO be dis
regarded.
Americans are In the habit Of considering
foreign monarchs as irresponsible and absolute
rulers. Possibly some Of them like to be
considered Ii pleases them 10 speak OF ma
lions. treasures. armies or navIes as my
nation my treasury my army or my
navy" But at bottom they have less power
10 direct events than the President Of the
United States. He is the chosen leader Of the
people. and they follow wherever he leads be-
sibity for their business and not his own
and they have a right to feel that he cares
for their affairs infinitely more than for any
persopal interest he can have at stake. No
European monarch holds any such position.
Not one IS ruler because the millions have
trusted and selected him: not one IL supposed
IN care more for the welfare Of the millions
than for the dynasty or family he represents.
Not one can make peace war without con-
sidering anXiously the temper Of the people,
his army and his legislature. Not one dares to
make n war which his people would be likely
to resent and repudiatc as unworthy OF their
sacrifice. Behind every crown. In this latter
end Of the century. there Is a dangerous public
opinion which cannot he safely disregarded
No monarch will make war with the United
States without first asking whether bis own