The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-14

GERMANH'S PROMINENCE.
During the past week a newspaper
printed cartoon showing that Germany
holds the balance of power in the CONT
nent of Europe. If it had included all
Europe on one side or the other Of its
teeter board. with Germany in the CEN
ter. the cartoon would not be far from
the ruth. More than any other govern
ment in Europe Germany. by its power
and position. has influence in relation to
peace or war in that continent If 1t were
a question of war. Germany could scarce
ly be neutral. and when it should take
sides the opposing interests would seek
peaceful solution of the controversy. Will
liam is often called 1.-The war lord be-
cause he is prepared or war and attends
to the keeping up of a large army with
the best organization in the world. Al
the present time he Is for peace. and his
neutral attitude in regard TO the war In
the Transvaal may hold in check other
governments that might take part And
speaking of the Emperor. it may be said
that his course has been such the past
two or three years that those who give
intelligent attention to the worlds politics
no longer ridicule him for his eccentric
tiles. Aside from his devotion to the alb
surd doctrine that the king IS Gods agent
and can do no wrong, .le is most sagac-
ious statesman In all that affects the in
terests of Germany.
1t is a quite general opinion that IL what
is somewhat vaguely called the Anglo
Saxon influence does not dominate the
world at large Russia will do So Those
who urge an Anglo-Saxon alliance usually
depict as the semi barbarism of Russia.
There does not seem to be any such al
tentative. Russia holds vast domain and
the Car dominates more people in a solid
mass than any other ruler. 1t has vast
armies, but an inadequate navy. Russia is
not prepared for war. If it were prepared
for war and were anxious for it, 1t would
not have called the worlds governments
to consider the Cars proposition in favor
of disarmament. With the mastering of
siderable amount of gold for war pur-
poses, but that amount would not last
long in a war between great nations. Not
long ago Russia's agents were In the
money centers seeking a loan, ostensibly
to complete it's trans-siberian Railway.
The masses of Russia are now taxed to
restitution; consequently, IL 1t should en-
gage in a really serious struggle it would
be compelled to rely upon its credit, which,
in all probability, would fail.
1t has been predicted upon vague re-
ports that Russia would seize the pres
ent predicament of Great Britain to
attack the British Indian frontier. This
Russia cannot do until the completion of
its trans-siberian Railway, which cannot
be completed for two or three years. Then
1t may be too late for Russia to send its
troops abroad. A struggle for the conquest
of India would be a naval war very large
". If Great Britain is suffering disaster
on the land in South Africa it is yet
the mistress OF the seas. 1t is posi-
bility that Russia may conclude that it Is
favorable opportunity for it to punish
Japan for its impertinence in calling 1t TO
halt in it's designs upon the Corean PENN
sula, but, in this, Russia will consider the
chance of Japan and Great Britain being
allies, in which event the navies of the
two nations would strip the Car of his
ports and prestige in the Pacific. AS all
these contingencies are involved. 1t is
probable that Russia will hesitate about
seizing Herat as has been proclaimed.
What Russia might do If it were a wealthy
empire, with unlimited revenue. is one
thing. and what, a borrowing govern
ment In time of peace, it dare do. is
different proposition. With the controll-
ing influence Of Germany in the affairs
of continental Europe. Russia should not
be considered as a menace to the civilized
world as a dominating power.