The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-21
The Absurdity Of IL.

IF the question of the annexation OF
the Philippine islands is left to be
settled on it's merits. il is a certain
~ that the judgment of our country's
intelligent citizenship will be over
whelming against the acquisition. 1t
happens. at this moment of exalted
sentiment, that the spirit for conquest
is let to run on unchecked. but that is
merely a passing experience. Before
long we shall cease walking on the
clouds-sturdy American sense will as
sert itself.
However. IT is within the power Of
Germany's emperor TO divert this oun-
try: 1t is possible for him to draw us
into foreign complications which. but
for his conniving, wou not arise. He
has but to say, in advance Of our own
announcement Of policy, that we shall
not have the Phif1ppines-and then well
take them. sure. In behalf OF the am
peror at Berlin word is industriously
given out that ne II not faithfully re-
fected in the numerous expressions Of
unfriendliness that reach this country
from Germany.
1t is to be hoped hat these assur-
ances are well founded. Two items,
however, are to be taken into account
by those who hear this plea on behalf
Of the Kaiser at Berlin. The first item
is tbs Emperor William never permits
the press OF Germany to say anything
that is out OF harmony with his no
tons on any question of state. He
makes things too hot for the editors
who run counter 10 his opinions-he
sends them to Jail and levies on their
printing establishments. The second
fact to be kept in mind Is that the Ger
man captains at Manila have been act
ing for all the world as If they wanted
trouble. These captains needn't hunt
for It: they can get all of that sort Of
thing they want; Dewey will accom-
modate them. He has met them prompt
iy and half way on every advance they
have made thus far; they have turned
tail and run away every time. They
would stop their tactics short on a
whisper from Berlin.
Since these Germans started out with
their ~pretensions this country has been
looking up the question Of Kaiser Will
liam's title to have anything to say
about the Philippines. The facts have
been ascertained-they make the half
sane braggart In Berlin worse than
ridiculous. Take account Of the real
conditions. In the Philippines the staple
---a.zN- 80 AAA., - aud nnnFn
The hemp is sent mainly to the United
States. The sugar is marketed in Great
Britain. in the United states n in
small percentage i'm Spain, but no part
of II goes TO Germany. The copra Is
taken by France and Spain n Great
Britain. but not at all by Germany.
| Almost without exception. the shippers
are Englishmen: the Spanish traders
enjoy certain advantages. Germany
sends nothing to the islands; next 10
nothing is sent to Germany-nothing di-
rcctly.
No lines OF merchant ships ply be-
tween Germany n the islands: no car
goes pass direct between the two coun-
tries; what few German traders there
are deal with other countries than Ger
many. In fact, there are, all told,
only four German houses at Manila
engaged in import trade. Under the
present arrangement. these houses have
for their protection" a warship and
one-half each in Manila bay-Germany
Is now holding there the Kaiserin
Aug,sta the Deutchland III. the Irene and
three others. England's interests al
Manila are very large; England isn't
worrying; what's the matter, anyhow
with this crowned babbler at Berlin?