The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-04-13
Germany and the West Indies.

Germany and the West Indies.
1t is a mistake to assume that Germany
can never acquire strategic coigns OF
vantage in threatening proximity to
the Panama Canal, because the Berlin
Government has assured US that it does
not contemplate the permanent occupa-
ton, either now or at any future time,
Of territory belonging to Latin-Ameri-
can republic. For the sake Of argu-
ment, let us admit that this assurance is
sincere, and that it will be considered
binding by tho SUCCESSORS Of Kaiser
WILHELM ii. 1t is, nevertheless, quite
possible that Germany might obtain a
foothold in the West Indies and also
on the South American mainland, in
two ways; first, by war, and, secondly,
by peaceful absorption. 1t will be easy
to show that the former method was
entirely practicable within the memory
Of the present generation, and that the
latter may be successfully employed
whenever Holland, or Denmark, or both.
can be persuaded TO enter the German
Empire on the footing Of Bavaria, Saxony
and Wdrtemberg.
The Colonial party, which has become
80 powerful in Germany, and has in
the Emperor fervent participant in
its aspirations, does not disguise its re-
greet that BISMARCK, in the Treaty Of
Frankfort, did not exact from van
quished France the surrender Of her
possessions in the West and the East
Indies. There Is no doubt that the great
Chancellor missed on that occasion q
splendid opportunity. The French
negotiators would gladly have coded
their country's transoceanic depend
encies in exchange for Alsace-Lorraine;
nay, 1t Is probable that they would have
bartered them for that part Of Lorraine
which vas given UP to Germany, includ-
ing the fortress Of Metz. At that time,
moreover. when Germany had, as yet.
scarcely the germ Of q navy, and had
not developed programme Of colonial
expansion, the United States would
doubtless have surveyed without mis-
giving the transfer Of French Guiana
and Of the French West Indies to the Berlin
Government. We see, therefore, that
Germany might readily have become
our neighbor In the Caribbean but for
BIsMABcK's oversight, or rather, for
his inability to foresee that subsequent
events would inspire his country with a
warming for colonial empire.
That opportunity was lost. And, so
long as Russia remains an ally Of France,
it is not likely to recur. II, therefore,
Germany would acquire foothold in the
New World, she must have recourse to
the process Of peaceful absorption. Nor
is it any secret that for several years the
eyes Of the German Colonial party, and Of
it's vigorous upholder. the Emperor, have
been turned longingly upon Holland and
Denmark, and that no pains have been
spared to conciliate public opinion in
those countries. and to win the good will
Of their respective sovereigns. To per-
suade the King OF Denmark and the
Queen Of Holland to enter the German
Empire, on the footing Of the rulers
Of Bavaria, Saxony and Wurtemberg,
should not be an impracticable task,
for they know that their present os-
tensible independence is at the mercy
of aggression on the part Of a great
Power. Moreover, there are histori-
cal precedents for such political affilia-
tons. As Duke of Holstein, the Danish
sovereign was for centuries the vassal
Of the Holy Roman Empire. So was the
Count Of Holland. The present Danish
and Dutch dynasties are German by
blood, 1t is true that, in return for the
safety and stability which they would
gain by entrance into the German Con-
federation, these dynasties might suffer
some loss Of prestige, but no more than
did the House of Saxony, which had given
Kings to Poland, or than the House Of
Wittelsbach, which had given two En-
perors to Germany. To their subjects
the prospect Of incorporation with the
German Empire would offer strong
material temptations, though It might
be CALLING to their national pride. The
Danea might count upon sharing the re-
maykable prosperity which Holstein and
Schlsswig have enjoyed since they were
annexed to Prussia, and il is certain that
Hollands Industry and trade would I'M
dergo q tremendous extension.
Cenosding that the admission Of Hol-
land. or Of Denmark, or Of both, into the
German Empire b not inoonoeivable.
though IL may b distant, We cannot fail
70 recognise the bearing Of such an event
upon our own national interests. By the
annexation OF Holland the German Con-
federation would acquire an East Indian.
Empire second In importance to that Of
Great Britain alone. and in close prox-
unity to the Philippines. What. how
ever, Is Of far greater moment to US, 1t