The times., 1899-10-23

On any other hypothesis, interference OF
the kind suggested in the Revue Diplo-
matique" would amount to suicidal insan-
ity. The precedent would justify Great
Britain in Intervention between Russia and
its dependent States north of India, or in
an insurrection against the Car in Man
churia. Russia is too wise TO tempt Prov
idence in any such way. France is power
less without her Eastern ally, and will not
be allowed to commit herself or others to
a scheme which would perhaps not work,
or. supposing it did, might react upon her
before very long in Madagascar and Ton
quin.
! 1t may be assumed with confidence that
France. Russia, and Austria VIII not at
tempt any hostile or even obstructive
movement against England, in the absence
4 Of the consent and cooperation of Ger
many, and We are much mistaken if they
I viii secure either. The calm confidence
with which Lord Salisbury has played his
hand for months past is reasonably strong
proof that a contract has b. en- entered into
: between London and Berlin, which guaran-
/ tees a free hand to the British in South
I Africa What consideration has been
given for this benefit is as yet matter OF
! conjecture; but there is little room for
doubt that one has been passed, and is re
I garded as satisfactory by the Kaiser. He
may have been compensated by territory
! in Africa. or in Asia Minor; or he may
have purchased naval support for his Chi
nese colonial adventure. Whatever the
price. he has scored something in the deal
that he wanted and may be viewed as
friendly neutral as far as Great Britain IS
I concerned, in South Africa.
The effect Of such an attitude, on the
part OF the German Empire on the policy
+ and course of the other Continental pow
ers. hardly requires explanation 1t viii
/ be remembered that when Frame Russia,
and Austria conceived the idea OF joint in
tsrvention against the United States in
/ Cuba. Germany would not enter the coali-
ton unless Great Britain was wiling to,
and the plot failed similar impasse
would be encountered in Berlin now, and,
we think. even if an amicable arrange
ment in advance had not been effected W tn
the Salisbury Government. The reason
ought 10 be obvious The Kaiser wants
to build up colonial empire. The greatest
prerequisite to the satisfaction OF that sort
Of ambition is a powerful navy, Which En-
( peror Wilhelm, much to his disgust does
not at present possess. But he il pushing
out and colonizing wherever he can, and
feels he must 90 so in the interests OF his
subjects industry and commerce. That
being in his view a wise economic
ftZ-
he is not liable to make himself and his
expansion q menace, or even disagreeable
10 the sovereign mistress Of the scas.
We in America may congratulate our
selves that the checks and balances imposed
BIZ the political situation in Europe render
interference in our affairs from that quar-
t-r. for the present at least, rather re
mote possibility We cannot fail, how
ever. 10 take notice that things might be
different il England were TO become in
volyed so deeply in situation demanding
serious strugsl- fer The defence and pres
erration of her Empire ,hat she could not
exercise her former veto power over Con-
rinenta, designs against the United States.
Now. however, there DOES not appear 10
be any danger OF that kind. and We are not
likely 10 be troubled by European aggTes-
z;ons. We should. nevertheless. remember
that any NOV zu-ut in the direction Of for
eigD NEEDING with the South African ques-
uon must have a vital interest for ouI
Government and people. If, for example,
we we're to admit the smallest pretence Of
right on the part of France. Russia, and
Austria 10 maddle in the Transyaal, We
should be estcpped from denying
their equal right to interfere in
our troubles in the Philippines And.
if The way we're opened for that. there is
no good reason why the same powers might
not revive their original proposition that
our 'pretersioas" in Cuba ought to be
submitted 10 Europe very slight stretch
of the intervention principle if it were PEI
mirted application 10 the Transyaal and the
Philippines might bring US to the bar OF
the Continental Concert, on the petition OF
a Cuban revolutionary junya, claiming tina,
our occupation of the island was in con
traysutiou Of the rights Of its population
and Of our declarations and promises
In view OF the premises and eonsidera-
lions we have presented. it viii, we think,
appear very clearly TO all intelligent Amer
leans. that we should keep calm but criti-
cal weather eye on Continental Europe. We
are not popular in that part OF the world,
as the official and popular sympathy Of Ger
tain countries with Spain in our war has
taught as. We are disliked just as Eng
land is. and principally for identical rea-
sons. We are great producing, manufac-
turing. and exporting country. AS such we
are competing with the European nations
E act only for the trade Of the world but
! in their own home markets and in many
IF the most important commodities Of Jheii
local production. II a way should ever bs
e found to stop the growth OF the young
2 Western imperial giant, we may be sur,
that il will be Travelled by the same in
auenees that had they dared would have
p met us with a flaming sword at the gate.
a Of Havana of San Juan, and OF Manila
, A Soft Blow at Dick.
We do not imagine that the circular sen
b out by the Postmaster General, warninl
ofjceholders connected with his depart
nent that they need not respond to de
C mands for political assessments, viii worr.