The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-27

the Mediterranean, until the total
amount reached nearly a million dol
lars. When opportunity offered. a small
fleet was sent to demand a cessation of
barbarities and the release Of American
sailors. We set the other powers a good
example and paved the way for Great
Br1tain's decisive action by which the
laying of tribute and the imprisoning of
Christians by the Turks and Algerians
were ended forever.
1t does not often happen that a con-
quered nation is paid for getting whip
ped, but something similar to this oc-
CURED when the United States conquer
ed Mexico, for. though we took from her
territory aggregating more than half a
million square miles, subsequently
found to contain the richest deposits Of
minerals on this continent, yet we paid
her $4,000, 600 for the privilege of retain
Ing what we had won by gallant feats
of arms. And another instance of more
recent occurrence was the payment OF
$40, 900, 600 on account of the Philippines.
The very latest example of a nations
recognition of its liability for the acts
of its citizens was announced on the Sth
of the present month, when our secreta-
ry of state sent the Mexican embas-
sador a draft for $4,000 as full indem-
nifty to the heirs of one Florentino
Suaste. a Mexican citizen who was
lynched in Texas in 1895. 1t was ex-
pressly stated, however, that this repa-
ration was made 'out of humane con-
siderations and without reference to the
question of liability
Passing from our own country to for
eign lands, several notable instances of
vast indemnities being exacted by the
conquering from the conquered peoples
are brought to mind. In 1866, for exam
pie, after Prussia had defeated Austria
in the seven weeks war the fnoder-
n4 Z noo
presented for payment, although anoth-
er sum about equal to this was taken
from the states in arms with Austria
against Prussia.
Less than five years after occurred
the memorable invasion of France by
Prussia, when her territory was over
run in such short order and terms were
dictated from Versailles. The world
was aghast at the enormous proportions
of the indemnity then demanded. for
besides the cessation to Prussia. Of the
provinces of Alsace and Lorraine
France was condemned to pay the sum
of five miIliards of francs or about a
billion dollars. BY the terms of the
payment it was to be extended over a
period of four years, but the French
peasants dipped into their savings. and
through their aid the debt was wiped
out in less than half that time
A case of similar sort, though with
different ending. was that between Rus
STA and Turkey when, after their last
war, the latter was slated for an in
demnity of 800, 600 900 rubles, besides
generous slices of her territory The
territory was an available asset and
was transferred, but a large portion of
the money indemnity was never paid
This reminds one of the more recent
claim of the United States against the
sultan for a cash indemnity on account
of the Armenian massacres a few years
ago, which is now no nearer payment
than ever apparently. and probably as
near as 1t ever viii be despite muttered
threats and futile naval demonstrations
in which Uncle Sam has INDUCED.
Reverting again to our own affairs, we
may mention the celebrated Alabama
claims. which at one time promised to
raise a furry between the United States
and Great Britain. By pressing home
his claim with energy Uncle Sam OBJ
tanned, first, recognition; second, the
sion, and, third. the Geneva tribunal,
which in 1872. rendered Judgment in his
favor. It was found and declared that
Great Britain had failed in her duties
as a neutral, and the United States was
awarded the sum of SIS, 100000 in gold.
which sum was promptly paid at Wash
ington in 1873. though not without some
growing on the part of John Bull.
The tables were turned when by the
fisheries award" that same year tbs