The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-07-16

Of our Senate for a decision Of their pre-
tensions We see nothing in the Constitu-
ton to forbid the exercise Of such powers
by our Federal Government"
An Of which is most suggestive and
interesting In View Of the present conflict
OF opinion that exists on this very sub
ject
The second question discussed By Mr..
Trcscot IS that Of cuba. lie contends
that "the Gulf Of Mexico is under the
protection Of the United States and Eng
land. that no other flag can be tolerated
on IT'S waters and that II Cuba remains a
colony 81 must be a colony Of Spain. In
case cuba should free herself from Spain,
DC argues that England is entitled 10
share in our tounsels concerning that
island Her territorial possessions near
cuba and her commercial interests entitle
her 90 voice I'm the matter
II IS especially in connection with the
Asiatic trade. however that the reviewer
discusses AIR Trescors opinions. and
it IS most interesting to observe how the
surmiscs Of fifty years ago have been
carried out to-day. TIE American
trader from Panama or California TO
China finds his path beset by the wide
sprea archipelago OF the Philippines, pos
sessions Of Spain. who also advances pre-
tensions 90 some OF the islands Of Bor-
nco. If not 20 that vast territory Itself
cuba and Porto Rico today contain
territory equal To- that OF England with
Wales ana the Philippines equal France
i'm extent. 81, indeed. they do not exceed
#. Spain is thus the pre-emnent power
fin point OF territorial possessions and
advantage I'm their situations, ON the pc
curarly American route TO Asia. Reasons
of state can influence the conduct of re-
publics as Well as that of kings, and
IL the balance of power between the
maritime and colonial States requires that
Spain Dec despoiled Of her undue proportion
of the territory bordering on the Ameri-
can route 90 Asia, it is certainly the duty
as well as the right of the United States
10 shape IT'S action, diplomatic or forci-
Die SO as To- bring about such readjust-
ment as may protect its rights and equal
ty. The general balance of power ON
the route can Doe adjusted by adjusting
the particular balance there between
Spain and ourselves. England could
have right TO consultation only i'm case
the United States. in q spirit Of con-
quest. should attempt TO gain an undue
preponderunce. Whether a fair share Of
the United States ia the territory COM
handing the route TO Asia would require
the cession 90 them of q portion OF the
PHILIPPINES or the annexation Of the Sand
WITCH Islands SIS question which we
merely state without discussing lest our
readers should stand aehast at such
porentous projects
What would have been the omazement
of the writer of this article could he have
seen this year Of grace 1899 with the Anne
rican flag flying over Cuba and Porto
Rico. over the Sandwich Islands and the
philippine. with no attempt by any far
eign power TO disturb the ascendency SO
gained by America on the disunctively
American route for the Asiatic trade, and
ono entangling alliances"
But there is one thing that this article
from which We have quoted brings into
strong relief. namely. that the tendencies
of our growth were seen, and their causes
understood fifty years ago. Whether the
other prophecies OF Mr. Trescot win be
equally fulfilled as i'm regard to the Mica
ragua Canal the Asiatic trade, and an
Anglo-Amwican Alliance against an the
world remain Co Doe seen. Certainly they
seem not far off,