Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-02
WAR IS NOT OUT OF QUESTION
CONTINUED from First Page.)

circles that Germany particularly is ex-
ceedingly anxious to found new colonies for
its surplus population. Practically South
Africa is barred to her, Asia affords few at
t~ractive fields to people of Teutonic blood
and the Pacific islands which the emperor
acquired from Spain subsequent to the
Spanish-American war afford but little re-
lief. South America. therefore, appears
to be the only attractive field and II a
foothold could once be obtained on the con-
tinent of America there is no doubt that
great difficulty would follow any attempt
to drive away the German flag. Shortly
after the close OF the Eranco-Prussia war
In 1871 Bismarck chagrlned from the ease
with which France paid its indemnity to
Germany and thereby bringing about the
withdrawal of German troops from French
soil, decided to still further humiliate and
punish the French people. He planned a
great scheme for the further dismember-
ment Of French territory and decided to
add to the province Of Alsace and Lorraine
a large strip to the westward of the Rhine.
Theirs, then the premier OF France, learn
ing of Bismarck's plan, decided to send as
the representative of the French republic
at the court OF the car of Russia a SOL
der instead of a statesman. This soldier
plainly explained to Alexander just what
the French people believed that bismarck
proposed to do and Alexander promptly
responded to the request for aid. that the
moment the initial step should be taken
by Bismarck he would mass a quarter OF
a million Russian troops on the Russo
German frontier. No particular pains were
taken to prevent the knowledge OF this pro-
posed movement on the car Of all the
Russias from becoming known in Berlin,
and the result was that Bismarck's plan
was abandoned and since that time FrNnce
and Germany have dwelt in apparent peace.
Monroe Doctrine stands.
The United States does not propose to
permit Germany. Great Britain. Italy or
any other foreign power to violate the
principles laid down by President Monroe.
So far, while there have been instances
Of too much aggressiYeness on the part
Of Germany, particularly. it is not con-
sidered that any overt act has been COM
mitted which requires that this country
should intervene. but the fact that prepar-
ations are being made and that the subject
receives daily consideration is very we'll
known. It is true that the American navy
on the Atlantic seaboard today is not SUN
ciently powerful to cope with the combina-
ton Of European navies, but neither rs it
bCAlCNcus nOWCNcIt that any one power
would care to contest the policy Of the
United States to the extent of openly vio-
lating the Monroe doctrine. While little
publicity is given to the situation by the
authorities OF the Navy department. 1t is
we'll understood that officers Of tie navy
are on the alert and that everyone Of those
within reaching distance Of the Atlantic
seaboard is ready at any moment to respond
to a call for active duty, and that the ut
most efforts are being made TO maintain
the vessels Of the navy in the highest
state of efficiency.
Secretary Roots declaration that we must
have war sometime is not regarded az
indicating that the adm uistration con-
templates any immediate outbreak, but
simply that the time will come. unless
the South American people entirely change
their methods (which is not likely when
this country must be prepared to enforce
its contention that no European power
shall secure an additional foOthold upon the
territory Of the American continent.
New Militia Laws.
Il seems almost incredible that a Law
passed in 1892 should have remained In
force upon the statute books Of the United
States for ITO years without any attempt
on the part Of congress to amend OF mod
ny inc same IN thal time, ana yet lnat II
absolutely what is known as the militia Law
has done. No matter how long the Law
passed in 1892 has been obsolete and mop
~erative, the congress Of the United States
has never taken upon itself to amend OF
modify the existing statute until the pres.
ent congress, when on January q President
Roosevelt signed the new militia bill, which
re-creates the national guard. Every pres,
ident from Washington to Roosevelt hai
recognized the i~nadequaey and ineficienc!
Of legislation on the subject OF the militia
and they have repeatedly recommended III,
repeal OF the old law and the substitution
OF something practicable. Almost without
exception they have recognized that tn
main support and defence Of the country II
time OF trouble must rest upon its volun
teer force and they have repeatedly ealle'
the attention OF congress 70 the n~ecessit,
OF making proper provision for organizing
! arming and disciplining the militia. Whel
} one considers that a Law was In force Of
/, the statute books, until President Roosevelt
signed the new militia bill. providing tina
Every citizen shall. after notice n his en-
roilment, be constantly provided with a goo
muskct or hrelock. OF a bore sufficient 10
balls OF the eighteenth part Of a pound.
t sunieient bayonet and belt. two spare flint
and a knapsaeks = pouch With a box sherei