Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-09-28
EUROPEAN FEELING TOWARD .. S.

The present attitude of Europe toward
1.-The United States is discussed by Pro-
I.fcssor David Kinley in the October
Forum. He explains how economic
Icauses have produced q certain feeling
Of anagonism toward us, especially in
lfGermany. He hopes that when this pref
udice has been overcome America, En-
gland and Germany will unite in form-
| ing triple alliance OF the forces of
peace and progress. He says in part:
The rapid growth OF the population OF
Europe makes our competition all the
more severely felt. The increasing num-
bers can not all find employment in ag-
r!culture, and the need for developing
manufactures is all the greater on that
account. nut, uu hus peenpo tnteu.otftTo..4-
competition retards this development.
Checked in this direction, some of the
countries Of Europe turn their eyes
toward colonization as q means OF relief
for their surplus population. But they
complain that here. too, we cut across
their path. Our national policy forbids
them to acquire territory on the Ameri-
can continent, the only place where
there is any left that is worth having.
We do not object, of course, to the set
tiemento OF Europeans In South America,
or to the growth of European trade
there. From the point OF view of the
people of Europe, however. flis fact is
not an answer to their complaint. Ordi-
nary emigration Is an economic and mill
itary drain, and they do not wish to con-
tinue to educate citizens only to lose
them In the prime OF life to other coun-s
tries. AS long az we were willing to re-
heve herr OF her detectives and incapa-
bles, Europe felt less reason for COM
planning; but now that we refuse to take
any but those who are physically and
industrlally fit. she feels that emigration
Is a loss without corresponding gain. In
countries where every man must do mil
itary service. and where national exist
ence depends upon the size and efficien-
cy OF the army. such q loss OF citizens Is
4 matter OF some concern.
To prevent 1t, and at the same time to
find markets for their products, the gov
ernments OF Europe want colonization
under the home flag. They want new
territory in which their subjects shall
retain their allegiance, while making the
new land politically and economically
part OF the home country. Politically,
the German must remain German; the
Austrian. an Austrian. The new land
shall be simply an extension Of the home
territory. to absorb the surplus popula-
ton and supply the old country with the
necessary new markets and an indie.
pendent source OF food-stuffs. The colo
nists would still be available as soldiers.
and the Industrial and military drain of
emigration would be prevented. This is
the dream OF Europe in the matter of
emigration. To be sure, this view of the
nature and purpose OF colonies is nedi-
eval: for they are looked upon merely
as places to be exploited for the benefit
OF the mother country, and to be gov
erned from the home capital. But the
view accords with the continental tdeA
OF the relations Of government of the
people. For 1T Is still true that on the
continent Of Europe the people exist for
the sake of the governments, more than
the governments for the sake of the peo-
pie. There is, of course, good deal of
government FOR" the people; but there
is much more "of" the people: and very
little that is really by" them.
The desire of the nations OF the conti-
nent for colonies has been strengthened
by the recent experience'of England. AT
the beginning of the South African. war
Icohtinental opinion of the military
strength and resources of England was
very low. TWAS generally thought that
her colonies would hold aloof IL she be-
came involved in war. The magnificent
exhibition OF loyalty on the part of the
colonies not only surprised Europe and
gave her such an Increased respect for
|Epgland's strength as to put "a damper
on the desire to interfere ihathe war. but
ii also stimulated the desire of several
countries for similar source of
strength. Our own expansion has also
acted as "a stimulant. Moreover. some
thing must be allowed for national pride
and ambition. We are not the only peo-
Iple who want to "see our flag on every
sea-" and the spirit Of nationality is
very strong in Europe just now. The
strength Of a great empire intlames the
popular Imagination, and kindles pride