The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-05
ENGLAND'S GRAVE PROBLEM.
COSTLY AND PERHAPS DISASTROUS
WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Ex-secretary OF state Foster, After
Careful study OF Military and
Commercial Conditions, Thinks
Situation of Momentous Import.

NEW YORK, May A special to the
Herald from Washington says: That dis
aster threatens Great Britain, as result
of the war In the Transvaal. is the belief
OF John w, Foster, Of Ohio. former secre-
tary of state.
Mr.. Foster has followed the military
operations in South Africa, making close
study of them, and at the same time civ
Ing keen scrutiny to affairs in Europe. To
a reporter. Mr. Foster said:
'It Is much to be feared that England
Is engaged In protracted and. in the end
ar alarmingly costly enterprise, in her
1T is to be anticipated that in the end,
through the weight of numbers and SUI
perior resources. England will win, but
th9t VIII by no means end the struggle
Al the present rate progress is not only
slew, but every days delay must increase
the difficulties of the situation from
military point of view and the same may
be said with respect to solution by
diplomacy
ut has been the history OF all such
struggles. and England has been no excep-
ton, that the disturbance of commercial
relations and either questions. more or less
involved. very soon make nations FESTIVE.
There might be no desire to Interfere, or
general principles, but the influence OF the
financial Industrial and commercial inter-
ests often compel governments to act
from economical considerations.
mo one can tell what Is going on at
this very moment, among the maritime and
there might be surprise, They surely
cannot be looking on, simply as Indifferent
spectators. CT a possibly difficult interna-
1.-THE transportation of the largest army
England has ever had, in a single theater
OF wnrlike operations, more than half
earth Ii. In itself. an expensive undertake
ing and very difficult one. But this is
the least clement of consideration. The
supply and maintenance of such a large
o., H. f.rly q my
from home. In region difficult Of access
and with most Inadequate neers Of trans
portation, Is a problem to occupy mature
military minds.
Then there is the element OF waste
and destruction incident to an army in
the field and in action. This necessitates
constant replenishment, all of which. by
an increasing ratio. adds to cost AS A
military enterprise the end is evidently not
In sight.
But. even II the fighting were ended,
there would be a discontinued people to
keep In subie,tion which would require an
expensive military establishment
THE experience OF the war, thus far,
has very efectually established the pres
tige of the Beers as fighters. They may
he able to continue. IF they do, for a few
moEths other developments are not i'm
probable. England net perhaps exhaust
ed, but embarrassed by protracted de-
mands upon her fighting material in men.
supplies and munitions OF war. her army
thousands OF miles away. might find II diff
ficult 10 head off foreign Interference By
substantial methods.
'"rhey might not be In the nature of
overt acts Of military aggression or liplo-
matte inquiry. but such a lining up cf
forces az would be difficult to engage.
THE navy OF England. 1t IL true, is free
to act, but what would become OF British
commerce and. commerce crippled what
would become of British manufactures.
which signify industry and means OF lN-
irE9 The time for diplomatic settlement
In the first stages having passed. II IL diff
hcult TO see how II can come In now, with
out great loss of prestige The British gov
eminent Is naturally sensitive, Some de-
cisive action might open n way. but that
way In not now In sight.
THE United States would be the most
natuial Intermediary. The leading euro
pean nations have their spheres In Africa
For that reason any suggestions from that
quarter would be out OF the question in
fact. have been warned against.
This war, In such a remote quarter OF
the globe. IL a more momentous AFFAIR
than the casual observer supposes. Y may
result In some very grave upheaveis IN the
worlds conditions, as we now have them"