New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-05
INDEPENDENT ~ FACT.

How many nations on earth are Independent
Is Japan, which was forced by Russia to give
up conquered territory? Is China. which mas
been forced by Germany and France to sur
render territorial rights? Is Turkey. which had
her victorious forces arrested by the dictation
OF European Powers? Is Austria or Italy,
which have beer persuaded that dependence
| upon an alliance was necessary TO their wei
fare? Is Germany. Russia or France. of which
not ono darcs to move without asking the wishes
Of the others? Truly. the independent nations
are not many. The cntangling alliances against
which Washington warned his cOuntrymcn are
indeed painful limitations Of action for many
European Powers. made necessary in their be
lief by constant exposure Of their territory and
the homes and workshops of their people to
invasion by powerful armies having only an
imaginary boundary to cross. No such sup
posed necessity has led the United States ever
to restrict its freedom Of action. nor does there
exist any Power which could hope for success
in an invasion OF this country. The ability Of
the Republic to place and maintain 3,00000O
soldiers in line for defence or for retributOry
attack makes this Nation more Independent on
land than any other.
This is not empty phrase Even Great
Britain is aware that war which the two
English-speaking nations are far from desiring
might alter the map Of this continent. France
and Germany have possessions on this side of
the ocean and in distant seas. Even Russia,
so long called impregnabe. could be shut ont
from future access to Pacific waters by n con-
trovcrsy with the United States. Her power is
great, but that fraction Of it which could he
moved thousands of miles by one line Of road
across Siberia il not great. Threatening none
OF these Powers. anxious 10 preserve ancient
friendship with them all, the Republic has
peculiar independence because II cannot he sue
cessfuy assailed. except so far as assault by
sea can inhict injury to its ports. But behind
its coast lines the vast area never touched by
hostile foot, crowded with thriving industries
and peaceful homes. all secure against attack
and capable of commanding the wealth OF the
world. would still remain after any invasion.
Independence requires food ircn and coal
The coal supplies which no foreign Power can
touch are incXhausfbc. The iron supplies al
ready producing moro than those NJ any other
nation. are not lmprobably smaller than those
still undeveopcd The food supplies have fed
nearly eighty millions Of people more literally
than those OF any other great nation are fed
and yet have spared for the needs of other
countries 421 600 bushels Of wheat and corn
during the last year. and made this country
creditor Of tho world 10 tho extent OF over
SjO0,o0o.0O0 on merchandise and specie account
How long other nations would continue able TO
obtain supplies Of food. II engaged In contest
with the worlds greatest food producer. and
with the ocean swept by It's commerce destroy
Frs this Nation sincerely desires never TO learn
NY practical trial
But Independents" on land. Independence in
industries In resources for war and In food for
peace render this Nation peculiarly independent
OF foreign dIctation from every quarter The
men VINO have taken port Of the Iadrones
and have landed NJ Manila Will not be with
drawn. il may he said with certainty. Mt the de-
mand or desire Of any Power on earth except
Ing the free and independent people OF the
United States. Pursuing no aggressive schemes.
seeking no new responsibilities. acting ever
within their rights rs peaceful member OF the
family of nations, they are also strong enough
10 take from any aggressor something and 10
keep whatever they may hold II wise and right
10 keep