Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-18
A STRATEGIC .BLUNDER.

General Gatacre probably tells the Sc.
cret OF British reyerses in South ART
ca, when he telegraphs that the idea
TO attack Stormberg seemed TO promise
certain success, but that It was after
wards found that the position OF the
Beers was "unscalable." that the dis
lance had been underestimate, and
that the Boer guns were remarkably
well served" In other words he was
50 eager TO win victory that he did
not take time TO learn all about the
number. position and ability Of the en-
envy. II really seems as II all the Brit
lsh commanders had made similar mis-
takes.
The seriousness Of the situation Is to
be judged from the effect Of the series
Of reyerses, now recorded. in foreign
countries. 1t is already visible in the
German press, where II is limited that
"England's difficulty may, In certain
circumstances, be Germany's oppor-
tunlty." And this expression is all the
more significant because appearing in
a paper which is supposed to be the
mouthplece Of the German minister Of
foreign affairs.
Nor can the present South African
trouble be entirely without effect in
the colonies Of Great Britain. The Chi
cago News quotes authority for the
statement that the federation Of the
Australian colonies now approaching
completion Is the first step towards
complete independence for that coun-
try. Canada, too, that journal thinks.
Is fast approaching the point where
she may claim absolute independence.
The war in Natal, unless the power Of
tie empire is speedily demonstrated, is
sure to encourage the aspirations for
independence in the remote Dependent
cies, to say nothing of the danger OF
loss Of prestige in every part Of the
world where the great powers meet In
competition.
II is no reflection on the magnificent
role Great Britain has been playing in
the civilization OF the world, 10 say that
her fate, like that Of other world-Dow-
ers, must ultimately be TO dlslntegrate.
Nations, like individuals, grow old, and
the continuation Of their work Is placed
on the shoulders Of others. Some of
the colonies Of England have before
them future possibly as great as that
II the United States. But It seems It
must be achieved under a republican
form Of government, which is the only
natural form for nations grown to man.
hood and therefore capable Of the
highest and most intelligent activity.
In the very nature Of things, great
changes IN the world are to be expect
ed in the immediate future. II Is all
to the final adjustment as .
result Of which the Kingdoms Of the
earth are to become the kingdoms of
our Lord"
A question OF great moment to our
people is this, What would be the duty
Of the United States, should Great
Britain be involved in complications Of
such magnitude as now appear posi-
BILE? II is conceivable that stand
must be taken on one side or the other,
and that on che decision will depend
the fate Of the world?
In the meantime II is sad 10 reflect
that as the season approaches, in which
the Christian world is in the habit
Of singing anthems to Him, who came
to proclaim peace on earth" some OF
His professional followers are chiefly
occupied In plans for the destruction Of
their fellOwmen. Has Christianity"
accomplished its mission among the ma
lions OF the world?