The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1903-11-17

far prevented any rupture with Russia
and at the same time it has secured
for America and the world substantial
concessions in China. But Mr. Hay
will not always be secretary of state,
nor will Russia, once she feels pre-
pared for the struggle yield as readi-
ly as she has to outside pressure.
According to the Hansbrough idea.
if war arose between the United States
and Russia, the first thing Russia would
do would be to invade Alaska. She
could not land forces on the coast in
any of the states, but in Alaska, with
its immense stretches of coast line.
which it will require several genera
lions to fOrtify properly, and with the
lack of resistance which comes from
small popula ton, would be the first
with Russia, Alaska would be a STRAIT
thinks that nothing could prevent Rus
STA from landing 100000 armed men in
Alaskan territory. The only thing
the United States could do would be
TO send an army to meet them. The
great battles for the preservation of
Chinese national integrity and for the
triumph of the Anglo Saxon race,
would thus be fought on Alaskan soil.
The American government for several
years has, through navy and army Of
ficers, assisted by the geological sur
vey, been making close study Of Alas
ka its climate, soil, rivers, harbors.
agricultural possibilities, and other
things which it would be necessary to
know in the event it was necessary to
send an army there. 1t is true that
all this information is geing gathered
for the benefit of residents in the ter
ritOry, and as means of encouraging
more rapid settlement, but it is also
true that this information is also be-
ing deposited with the navy depart
ment and with the general staff of the
| army. There is no question that war
with Russia Alaska would be a STRAIT
egic point
Why Britain Gave Up Boundary.
Approaching that the future prob
ably has in store some such catastrO-
phe it is not to be wondered at that
Great Britain was willing to settle the
Alaskan boundary dispute on our own
terms, thus binding the two countries
more closely together. 1t is said here
that the United States knew long in
advance of the meeting of the bound
airy commission that Its decisions
would favor our contention. Not
that Lord Alverstone was bribed, or
that he made any sacrifice of opinion,
when he voted with the American
commissioners. He is one of the most
eminent men on the British bench, and
has a reputation for honesty and abil-
ity that is world wide. But before
he was appointed there was a quiet
search for some eminent English ju-
riSt who, after voluntary investiga ton
had made up his mind that the Ameri-
can contention was we'll founded Such
| a man was Lord AlverstOne, and he
was selected to represent Great Brit
ain, because that country was willing
to settle the boundary dispute the
American way.
If there should be a war between
Russia and the United tSates, Great
Britain would be our logical ally; in
deed, she would be our only one, for
| the other great powers of Europe, for
various reasons, would not interfere.
Germany is too close to Russia, and
France is her ally, and at best these
powers would be neutral; while south
| ern Europe has never cared for our
friendship Single-handed in such a
contest, our power would be taxed to
the utmost, but with British help we
forthcoming the more readily because
the interests of the two countries in
the far east are identical.