The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-10
A PACIFIC COAST POWER.

In view of certain opinions entertained by
Prof. E. Benjamin Andrews. notably a
belief in free silver coinage, it might have
been expected that he would join the Atkin-
son-Bryan clique and express disposition
to let this country go to the bowwows if
only Aguinaldo could be saved But Benja-
min has learned some things since he came
West. Whether or not he has discovered
the fallacy Of the free-silver idea is not
known, but he is convinced, at least, that
the boundaries of this country extend con-
siderably beyond New England, and that
other interests than those Immediately
affecting that little boz ough are to be con-
sidered. In short contribution to the New
York Independent Professor Andrews calls
attention to the position of the United
States as Pacific ocean power, as in fact,
at present, the Pacific ocean power, since
it has far longer Pacific coast line than
any other nation, line longer than that of
all other considerable nations together. No
one proposes, he says. to retire from the
Pacific, nor is it possible to do SO if we
would. us it not, then" he asks. "a very
serious problem whether in the present
crisis we shall act so as to strengthen our
Pacific front or so as to weaken it?" The
belief that we shall never be in danger of
attack upon our western coast is, he thinks,
one Of the master Authorizations of our time.
He considers it certain that there will be
war in which our safety will at least he
threatened. Every foremost nation on the
EARTH he declares twill soon be repre-
sented by possessions in or on the Pacific.
our coast, to escape insult and loss, we must
be able to hold our own. Not TO speak of
far away islands and continents, large parts
Of our hemisphere will soon be in demand by
governments which will be hostile to us.
The feeble governments and low civiliza-
tions of Central America will not be per-
:nitted 10 continue forever. If We do rot in
some manner or. lother manage to rouse
those slumbefing peoples to life. Great
Britain, France, Germany, or Russia will do
1t. Wish it. vote for it, pray for 1t as you
will, isolation is no longer possible for the
American Republic. You must voluntarily
and in your own way enter the con.e-t Of
the worlds powers. or you will be dragged
in"
The wars of the future are likely to be
naval wars. and success in a.. naval war de-
Ponds in a great measure upon owning
points here and there in the ocean as bases
for supplies and repairs. Therefore, apart
from the results of the Spanish war, it is
necessary for US to have such vantage
ground. and having unexpectedly come into
possession of the Philippines it becomes a
national duty to retain them and to secure
full control 1t is also our duty to the Fill
pinos, who are otherwise sure to come un-
der the control of Russia, with ideas and
civilization hostile to ours.
Although Professor Andrews occupies but
little space his remarks are we'll worth con-
sdering by the provincial element in and
about Boston whose horizon is bounded by
the Statehouse Goldfish on one side and a
Springfield newspaper on The Vther. Since
the scare last year over the report that
Cervera's feet was coming TO Boston this
element has regarded the war IS a crime.
1t will have to learn sooner or later tt at its
opinions and interests are CT little conse-
quence as opposed to the welfare Of the
country as q whole.