The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-09-21
JAPAN's CORDIAL WELCOME.
Friendly Sentiments About Amer
ica's Presence in the Philippines
Expressed by an Influential Jap
anese Organ of Opinion.

anese Organ of Opinion.
From the Toxic Far East.
1t is with the express object of rescu
ing the neighboring island Of Cuba
from misrule and anarchy that the
United States has gone to war with
Spain, and we do not venture to ques-
tion the sincerity of the Americans as
to the motive they have declared. But.
once entered upon. war cannot be local
lied; it is progressive not only in op-
Grafton, but also in consequences. The
fighting power of Spain has proved
even more feeble than was generally
supposed, and the war seems to be al
ready drawing near a close. OF course,
Cuba will be freed from Spanish rule,
and, at all events, virtually put under
American protection, if not incorporat-
ed into the Union. This will be di-
rect result of the war-what the Amer
leans have avowedly aimed at accom-
plishing from the outset. One need not
be surprised, however IL more import
ant and far-reaching consequences
shall follow in other directions.
Merely as regards the operation of
the war, the first and perhaps the most
important of the engagements has
taken place rather Unexpectedly in a
quarter furthest from both of the con-
tending countries as we'll as from the
object which constituted the cause of
the contest. Neutrality proclamations
deprived the American squadron in far
eastern waters of safe and reliable an
chorage. Admiral Dewey was thus OBJ
liged to get hold of fort If for no other
purpose than to secure a shelter for his
fleet. The American occupation of
CaVite was measure, we believe pri-
marily dictated by the necessities of
naval strategy and required for defen-
sive as much as for offensive pr~po-
ses. The United States government
may not have contemplated the acuui-
sition of the Philippines up to the NOM
ent Of opening hostilities with Spain
Yet, the Stars and Stripes once flying
in the bay of Manila, a new issue Is
likely to arise in internati nal politics
OTHER FACTORS.
According to the usage of modern
warfare. it is true, military or naval
occupation as a phase of the operation
of war does not necessarily mean the
permanent acquisition Of territory. In
the present case, however, there are
factors tending ~ give rise to serious
complications owing to the peculiar
position of the Philippine Islands
Usually there are only two alternatives
in the final disposition of a territory
which has been occupied in the time
of war-either to return it to the legit-
innate possessOr or to retain II by OBJ
tanning a definite cessiOn. But, if the
Americans were to evacuate the Philip
pines, there is no security that the is
lands would be smoothly turned over
TO Spain. In the first place, there are
rebels who would take every opportun-
ity to throw off the spanish yoke.
Those recalcitrant natives have been
the cause of constant trouble to the
Spariards and made the Spanish rule
in the Philippines anything but an
easy task Now that the prestige Of
Spain has piteously declined because
Of her ignOminious defeat ar American
hands, the rebels are already on the
warpath, and seem TO be ranging over a
considerable potion of the archipelago
Ever left to themselves, the Philippine
Islands would have been second
Cuba at no distant date. Hence, in re-
tring from the occupied territory, the
United states would be delivering it,
not 10 Spanish rule. hut to anarchy and
commotiun. Next. there are other pow
ers looking toward Inheritance of the
Spanish possession. one of them, at
any rate. has already bestirred itself
in order not to let slip any opportunity
that may be furnished by the present
war.
III evacuating the Philippines. there
fore. tne United states may be prenar-
ing the way for European power or
powers TO acquire another foothold i'm
the Ear East. In the face of these con-
sidSrations, the Americans may we'll
hesitate 10 relinquish the territory
whi?h has fallen into their hands by
the chance of war. Besides. seeing
that the United States commerce with
far Eastern countries is fast growing
in Importance. II is reasonable that she