The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-07-08

The tone Of some Of the German-Ameri-
can newspapers on the acquisition by Ger
many Of the Pacific islands from Spain 10
not at all justified by the facts Many OF
them have credited the American people
with. views on the subject which have
found no expression here. 1t ID assumed
that there ID . strong feeling against Ger
many in this country. but that is not %.
On the contrary. the news that Germany
had bought certain possessions was re-
ceived with the best of feeling. and the hope
was entertaineC that the Jealousy mani
tested by Germany when Dewey took pos
session Of Manila would be aflayed by what
she would probably regard as an offset IN
advantage and prestige
A Washington correspondent OF several
Ger.nan-American papers Is responsible for
most Of the misrepresentstions. He said
IN . recent letter. which was widely circu-
lated. that the expansionists were sorry
that the rest of SPANS possessions were
not taken from her while she was helpless;
and that already there Is talk OF fortify-
irg Guam. Honolulu and other important
places on the theory that our next war VII
be with Germany, and that 1t is not far on.
No such suggestion has been made by any
influential authorities. and the German
papers have shown much qualification ut
the good viii displayed by the American
presa
The III viii between the two countries
during the war with Spain originated with
Germany herself. There is no doubt that
Germany was both surprised and chagrined
at the unexpected display Of strength and
military skill. especially in naval warfare,
manifested by the United States Germany
was one Of the European powers which
had conceived the Idea that We were bonn
bast.c people. and that we greatly over
rated our influence in the worlds affaira
We did not at nrst rstaliate. and we
made very much allowance for the fact
that the commerce OF the Philippines was
to great extent in the hands Of German
merchants. and that II was very natural
for Germany to desire to protect those In
terests. The presence Of German war ves-
sells In Manila harhor met with no objec-
tion, and It was not until . suspicion arose
that Germany was secretly aiding the IN
surgents and attempting to thwsrt Dewey's
plans that any anger was shown on our
part.
II cannot be denied that German officers
and German officials took sides with the
forces arrayed against the United States.
and we may fairly claim that any other
power. such as England. Russia or Japan,
would have made much more fuss over the
unfriendly acts which. but for Dewey's tact
and patience, might have resulted very
seriously even with US.
We have no desire for war either with
Germany or any other power.
We are far more disposed to adopt the
view of the P.ttsburg volksb.att. which
regards the purchase Of the islands as an
other reason for the United States to be
on good terms with Germany. The Gin
cinnatti voiksblatt follows in the same
strain. and says that the only result Of
this admirable diplomatic stroke will prob
ably be a better understanding between
the United States and Germany and that
Is devoutly to be wished for"
Germany has interests nearer home
which should make her very careful not
to antagonize the United States. This
country wishes to extend its commerce, and
in order to DO that must have peace. Ger
many is so situated that any embodiment
she might have with this country would
be taken advantage OF by her nearer neigh
bors to check what they regard as her ar
rogance in European affairs. There Is no
doubt that II was good policy on her part
TO acquire the islands from Span, but
this country did not want them and does
not care what power dominates them so
long as government is established there
which shall relieve the people OF the OPP
pressions they suffered under Spain. and
they are not used TO harass US In the pur-
suit OF our own business.
II Ia a niea thinr n pf,fa that she