The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-21
NO PRESENT FEAR OF GREAT
WAR;

A surprisingly large number of
writers and critics of world activities
are now indulging themselves and the
public in speculation concerning the
danger threatening England as an out
growth Of the South African war, in
the possible coalition of European
States against her, and the culmina-
ton of such alliance in interference in
the war, or in assault upon English
interests and power at points far dis
tant from Africa
We havesnot been of those who have
dlscerned any such threat as to cause
the English much alarm. It is true
that the Russian advance toward the
North India border has been resumed,
but 1t does not follow that an inva-
sion of India is the object in view.
indeed, there is every reason to be-
neve that Russia is to be satisfied with
the occupation of Herat in the end, and
the maintenance of some outpost DOW
er in that direction. Russia's chief
ambitions now lie Pacifcward, are far
more commercial than warlike, and
therein concern US as much as they
do England
Cnquestionably France believes that
Russia is so much behind her that
II she should provoke trouble with
England the Gar would remain her
ally. But the Car does not propose
that France shall take any such step.
1t Is very far from his interest to be
engaged In a European struggle now,
or In the early future If he was dis
posed to provoke a war he would find
no better excuse than the South At
rican trouble offers. He could very
Well Interfere "to save the Beers" at
least suggest the acceptance of his
good offices. But there is nothing
known or suspected warranting belief
tnat he entertains any such idea.
France alone will never dare to take
step in that direction.
The sympathies of the Germans are
certainly with the Beers, but they are
quite discreetly keeping expression Of
them under a bit and rein. That they
would not be unpleased with European
assault upon England. Interference be-
tween her and the Republics of South
africa, or defeat Of the English there.
Is probable. But the Government of
Germany is far too wise to provoke or
desire trouble with the British En-
pire or to court it's anger. The I'M
perial Government understands per-
1ectly we'll that it could hope for no
sincere or permanent alliance with
Russia, and it has neither the hone
nor the wish to be involved in any
compact to which France is so much
a; party as to make her an ally.
In short. the European situation at
this time would seem to be such that
1t Is the highest self-interest of all
parties to keep hands off, and pre-
serve the peace. There is really MOTH
Ing to go to war about upon the Con-
tinent- What may develop in the
china seas no man may venture to
forecast. We do not believe that there
is present cause for alarm in that
quarter. Our removal out of the Phil
lppines. however, would be the signal
Tor an instant blaze that would set the
war torches burning along the entire
Chlnese coast. and would send the
Japanese to arms with a rush. Tt
would be a scramble as to who should
De nrst at the looting, and in the
crowding there would be plenty Of
1uei for fire. Then, indeed, the whole
question of supremacy in the East
would open upon the plane of war.
But as matters now stand we are un-
able to see the threat of conflict even
In the East. America Yields. in fact
a Tar greater influence in the Orient to-
DAY than our people are conscious OF
Ihere Is likely to be no serious dis
turbance in that quarter for some time
without the great Powers taking MS
into account