The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-05
ENGLAND is in DANGER
OPINION OF JOHN w. FOSTER ON THE
AFRICAN WAR
Powers May BE Driven, from Econom'
innate Cost of the Struggle.

NEW YORK, May A special to the
Herald from Washington says: That dis
aster threatens Great Britain as a result of
the war in the Transvaal is the belief of
John w. Foster, of Indiana, former secre-
tary of state Mr. Foster has followed the
military operations in South Africa. max
ing close study of them, and at the same
time giving keen scrutiny TO affairs in Eu-
rope. To a reporter Mr.. Foster said:
'It is much to be feared that England Is
engaged in a protracted and. in the end.
an alarmingly costly enterprise in her
armed contention with the Beers. 1t is to
be anticipated that in the end. through the
weight of numbers and superior resources.
England will win but that will by no
means end the struggle. AT the present
rate progress Is not only slow, but every
days delay must increase the difficulties
of the situation from a military point of
view. and the same may be said with re-
spect to a solution by diplomacy.
1T has been the history of all such strug-
giles and England has been no exception,
that the disturbance of commercial Tela-
tions and other questions, more or less IN
volved, very soon make nations FESTIVE.
There might be no desire to interfere on
general principles, but the influence OF the
financial industrial and commercial inter-
ests often compel government to act from
economic considerations. No one can tell
what is going on at this moment among
the maritime and military powers of Eu-
rope. At any time there might be sur
prise. They surely can't be looking on IN
different to the hostilities.
1.-The transportation of the largest army
England has ever had in a single theater
of warlike operations, more than half the
distance between the poles of the earth. Is.
in itself. an expensive undertaking and a
very difficult one, but this is the least ele-
ment of consideration. The supply and
maintenance Of such a large force in the
field over six thousand miles away from
home, in region difficult of access ana
with most inadequate means or transporta-
ton, is a problem to occupy mature mill
tary 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 the cost. AS a
military enterprise the end is evidently not
in sight
But even IL the fighting were ended.
there would be a discontinued people to
keep in subsection, which would require an
expensive military establishment. The ex-
perience of the war thus far has very eff
fectually established the prestige of the
Beers as fighters. They may be able to con-
tinue If they do for few months, other
DEVELOPMENTS are not improbable. England.
not perhaps exhausted. but embarrassed
by protracted demands on her lighting ma
terial in men, supplies and munitions of
.
might find il difficult to head off foreign
interference by substantial methods. They
might not be in the nature of overt acts of
military aggression or diplomatic inquiry.
but such lining up of forces as would be
difficult to engage.
THE navy of England. IL is true, is free
to act, but what would become OF British
commerce, and, commerce crippled what
would become of British manufacturers.
which signify industry and means of liv-
ing? The time for diplomatic settlement in
the first stages having passed IL is diff
cult to see how il can come in now with
out great loss OF prestige The British gov
eminent is naturally sensitive. Some de-
cisfye action might open a way. but that
way is not now In sight. The United States
would be a most natural intermediary.
The leading European 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.
ssrhis war, I'm such a remote quarter of
the globe is a more momentous affair than
the casual observer supposes II may re-
suit IN some grave upheavals In the world $
condition"