The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-03-20

could be of much assistance to the
other in case of war with Russia, the
power menaced by the alliance? While
it is true that the coalition may cause
Russia some momentary inconve-
nience, nothing can stop the onward
march of the Muscovite in the far east.
War seems to be the inevitable out
come of the alliance, and Russia is pre-
pared for the emergency; Furthermore
France, the best fighting nation in Eu-
rope, is ready and more than willing to
join forces with the Muscovite against
the new alliance. England's great
navy is at her disposal, but her best
land forces are chasing shadow in
South Africa, and to Withdraw from
the Beers even part of those troops
would mean to lose everything gained
by years of desperate struggling.
The British empire, scattered as it is
over the world, offers many vulnerable
points of attack. France, the ally of
Russia, wonld give much to despoil
England of Egypt and it would not be
saying too much to assert that India
would revolt against British rule were
the opportunity favorable. England
has often pointed with pride to India
as an example of benevolent COLOMBIA
ton, but the truth is that England
rules India by force and that force is
unreliable "a debauched native soldiery.
Oppression and famine have long made
the natives of India desperate and they
only await favorable chance to throw
off the British yoke that gals them at
times near to desperation. Can Eug-
land afford to lose one of the richest
jewels in her crown by championing
the quarrels of petty Japan with the
mighty ruler of the north?
In the event of war with Russia and
France, England could not maintain
the integrity of her empire without
losing the home country. TO attempt
to protect her colonies would be disas-
trous to the British empire at home. as
France could invade England and
make the long expected conquest of
the British Isles a vivid reality. ire
land would certainly assist any army
of invasion and secure for the invaders
a landing point of vantage from which
to begin operations. The Emerald Isle
is as lost today to the British empire
as if it were not under the suzerainty
of the crown of Edward VII.;- GEN.
tury of 'misrule has made of the Irish
people nation of rebels.
Still further, were the importation of
food stuffs prevented, England would
soon have a starving populace crying
out for any sort Of peace that would
give them bread. The British Isles do
not produce sufficient of the common
needs of life to satisfy home consump-
tion. Even England's great navy
could not clear the sea of hostile yes
sells and protect her widely scattered
colonies. Her very greatness renders
her easily attacked by a first-class
power.
Russia. having France to menace
England at home, could, with the aid
of the trans-Siberian railroad, pour
troops into Manchuria and take pos
session of any Chinese port upon the
Pacific. China would welcome the
Muscovite as one greets an old friend
after a long absence. Japan has
chosen an ally of doubtful strength
and the recent alliance can only work
evil for the Japanese, for they will
have to bear the brunt of battle in case
of war. John Bulls proneness to get the
better of bargain is too well known
to leave any doubt on the question.
What part would the United States
take in the event of war between
the new allies and Russia? Our only
possible position would be one OF
strict neutrality to all parties con-
cerned in the struggle.
PENDENNIs.
-