The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-08
WEDNESDAY. JUNE s. 1893.
is THERE TO BE A COALITION
AGAINST US?


war with Spain was a certainty there
have been continued outgyings OF one
sort or another foreshadowing an inter-
ference I'm IT by some Of the powers OF
Europ6 in SPANS behalf. our own opin-
ION has always been that there was much
more in these symptoms than people gen
orally we're disposed to. think. We have
never supposed that Austria or Rusain or
Germany desired TO involve themselves
I'm war with us from disinterested
affection for Spain. BY no m 2als. But
they are all more or less desrotsms,
Germany. Of course, much less tF9n the
others. and they all hear the knocks or
democracy at their doors which are te-
coming louder and louder each year.
They know that unless something IS done
20 arrest the march OF democracy and
free institutions. their thrones 3Tc IN
danger. and they would have been glad
TO take advantage Of their alleged ln'er-
est in Spain to assail this country and
cripple II not destroy. this great school
house OF democratic thought and demo-
cratic institutions. We have not the
slightest doubt that the United States
would have had the whole pack OF them
on their hands II England had not taken
the ground which she did take. But Eng
land is as much Of a democracy as we
are. She knows that an assault upon
Americas democracy by the European
despotisms is also an assault upon her
democracy and she gave Europe distinct
notice that If 1t attempted TO play any
such game as that she too must be reck-
oned with and that has kept the Europ-
can despotisms quiet so far.
But a Russian newspaper which Is very
close TO the Russian administration has,
within the past few days, when discuss
ing SPANS expected appeal TO the pow
ers. made an announcement that 1t would
be foolish in our rulers to disregard. The
Novosu Of st. Petersburg contained an
article upon the Spanish-American war
in its issue of Sunday last in which the
following passage occurred. II said:
1T is fun time to end a senseless and
criminal war. SPANS appeal Is u sort of
capitulation, but, on the other hand.
America must voluntarily submit her pre-
tensions to a tribunal of the powers.
America cannot avoid doing this, as
her position. with two long and exposed
coast lines. Is not such as could withstand
the combined fleets Of two or three Euro
pean powers Let Europe raise her
mighty voice and restore that peace 10
which mankind looks for the only peace
full expansion and for the triumph OF
civilization"
Coming from the quarter that it does
this cannot be considered otherwise than
as a threat IT is feeler, and it means
shat the European despotisms are test
ing the case TO see how suggestion Of
interference by them is going TO be re-
ceiyed.
1t is absurd 10 suppose that The poo
pie OF the United States are going 10 be
coerced into any line Of conduct what
ever by European coalition Of despots.
So far we think that the great body Of
the people. while determined to see this
Spanish war carried TO a successful is
sue. takes but a languid interest in It.
and view It very much as they do the
Indian outbreaks on the plains. They
know there can be but one result to IT,,
and they are patiently waiting for that
result TO come without even a pa-.'iag
feeling OF resentment for the Spanidrds
except for their cruelty to the CcDans
But II there is to be any serious tax
upon the line OF this Russian papers ar
ticle, then the world is going to sec Amer
ica rouse herself and begin TO put OUT
some OF that giant power which is all
dormant now.
II will no doubt be a most serious
thing II We are TO face a coalition of
continental Europe. But the country is
not going 20 pause moment even II such
"A thing is threatened.
But II We must meet IT, we mus; meet
Il az effectively as possible. I'ns'and
stands ready 10 make common calso with
US in that event. and. Whatever our rast
traditions. We must accept her all and
be prepared 10 contract TO give her L,n-
erous support it she Is attacked In re-
turn.
We warn our rulers. thereto e. that
this Russian papers threat is not TO
be passed by lightly. Attention IS 10 be
kept fxed upon the possibility OF Eu-
gopean coalition against us sad tie
prompssst measures must be taken for
eountering IL at tia first sign that 1t is