The Mena star., 1898-06-08
TUT 2E or CHINA.
The Pc-iticri Situation in Europe and the 5cast--America's hd-
 yantaSes.


 There are two ways of influencing people or a country, commercially. One Is by methods of mutual intercourse; the other is by the dominion of terri tory. Influence is exerted to much greater degree where commercial rela- tions are supported by the absolute pc litical and military control Of one conn try over another. Commercial, military or political conquests are, however, rarely attempted where the countries or people 10 be controlled are either impoverished or physically strong. The temptation to avarice and ambition is far greater where the people destined to subiugation are both rich and pow erless. The condition of China to-day may serve as proof of this statement. This vast empire, endowed with greater natural resources than India or Africa and possessing greater population than either-yet physically weak and financially banl1rupt-was conquered and placed under enormous indemnity by a nation one-twelfth it's size, in brief war, which involved loss to the victor of but GA killed.
 Here is tempting field for the ambi- tious, both in political and a commer- cia1 sense. And this field will be thoroughly explored with one of the two results: 1. A combination of the great powers of Europe, resulting in division of the Chinese empire-the strongest seizing the lions share; or t2) a disagreement-muc to be de sired-among the powers as to this di- vision, in which case the celestial ldng- dom would be allowed to work out its own salvation. In the latter case, the empire, stimulated to greater efforts. may eventually reach a high standard of civilization and development.
 So far as the effects of the situation upon the people of Europe are con- cerned. it may be said that the more the governments can extend their do minion and control the greater will be their commercial facilities: and these facilities again will result in a greater revenue and an increased demand upon the home markets for goods of every de- scription. But to maintain such in- fuence and power, the statecraft, pa triotisn, strength and resources of the nation roust at times be taxed 10 their utmost limit. Great Britain has spent about S59a 100000 upon her present navy; and she is stin increasing her service in order to maintain her su- premacy. The present emperor of Ger many has for years appealed to his gov ernment to add to the naval armament; and recent reports show that $2O0 000- 000 has been granted for this purpose. The little kingdom of Japan, which, from comparatively insignificant position among the nations, has recent ly risen to great prominence, has pro- vided for additions to her navy, which, when completed, will place it third among the navies of the world.
 We are fortunate in being isolated from other countries. We are blessed with q virgin soil and great natural re- sources At the same time, however, there are questions off vast vast iiinpor ttaiice which will require the attention of our ablest statesmen, in order that the pros perity and enterprise of the country may be preserved. and the comfort and welfare of it's millions of toilers guard. ed. For this reason, it will be necessary to brild up our commerce wherever 1t has declined so tha. we may success fully compete in the markets of the world Gen. Nelson A. Miles, in Forum.