The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-20
BISMARCK ON THE WAR.

Although Prince Bismarck is no longer an
active factor in the worlds events, his views
regarding public affairs in Europe carry the
weight which attaches to the expressions
of one experienced in continental politics
and statecraft. His views regarding the
United States are not entitled to the same
weight because his knowledge of the gov
eminent, country and people is more aca-
demic than practical. Moreover, being an
imperialist and absolutist, he could not be
expected to have any sympathy with repub-
lican policies or motives. He is reported as
condemning the present war, which, he
says, lis due to systematic American provo
cation, which finally became unbearable."
This shows Bismarck's misa apprehension of
the situation and his bias. He seems to ac-
cept the Spanish idea that the United States
have been coveting Cuba for long time
and pursuing a policy of provocation in
| tended to bring on war so they might seize
1T. Nothing could be further from the
truth. The annexation sentiment in this
country has never been strong enough to
control the policy Of the government, and
| at present is very weak. The policy of the
one of forbearance instead of provocation.
Prince Bismarck must be very poorly read
in history if he does not know that for fifty
years past Spanish rule in Cuba has been
a disgrace to the nineteenth century and
a constant source of trouble and expense
to the United States. AS has been repeated
ly said, no European government would
have endured the ndal and loss &c long
as we have, and no self-respecting nation
could be expected to submit to the prospect
of an indefinite continuance of such situa-
ton. The present war is not for the
nexation of Cuba, but for the ending of
"abhorrent conditions" which had become
intolerable, and for the expulsion from
back yard, as it were, of a vicious and
dangerous neighbor. Prince Bismarck shows
by his expressions that he has no concep-
ton of this phase of the situation. AS for
the result of the war, he says:
1t cannot be wholesome either to America
or Europe. The United States will be forced
to adopt an intermeddling policy, leading to
unavoidable frictions. She thus abandoned
her traditional peace policy, and, IN order
to maintain her position, she must become
military and naval power-an expensive
luxury which her geographic position rem
dered unnecessary.
This simply repeats in another form the
idea that the United States have brought
on the present war for the purpose of terri
torial extension and that it is the begin
ming of a generally aggressive policy. This
is a very superficial and erroneous idea.
The temper and character of the American
people have not suddenly undergone COM
plete change from a peace-loving to a war
loving and aggressive people. If the Euro
pean powers, including Germany, will keep
hands off and let the United States prose-
cute the war to a successful conclusion they
will find this government as little disposed
to adopt an intermeddling policy here
after as it has always been heretofore. At
present the disposition to NEEDLE is on the
other side, and Germany seems to be the
leader in it.