Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-12-26
WILL THERE BE WAR!
By c. T. Robinson.


 the possibilities but may be regarded as almost an absolute certainty. The result of her war with Russia awak- ened not only Japan herself, but the lpntire civilized world to the fact that the little insuIar empire was not only in the prowess her army and navy but also ill modern diplomacy and state- craft, strictly up to date, ana in the future must be reckontd and in the future must be rechoned with as a world power who is amply able to take care of herself, and whose voice will demand a hearing in the worlds international affairs The Manchurian campaign was planned months ahead, and was carried out to a successful conclusion, and with mathematical accuracy which chal- lenged the admiration of the worlds most skillfu military scientists. The far-reaching foresight of the Mikado s statesmen was disclosed when it be- came known that Japan had, before declaring war upon Russia bound Germany, Great Britain and this country by such treaties as would not only prevent these governments from interference with her plans, but would also protect herfrom absorption by Russia should that county prove too strong for=her. Now that Japan has Russia off her hands, and has a firm foothold in Manchuria and Korea, she is, no doubt, looking for other countries to exploit, and is Joking with coVetous eyes upon the Philip pines, and possibly the IiWaian ls- lands. The t'ilipinos are. kindred people. and are not very far from Japan. There is no doubt that the ambition of the Millado is, ultimately to dominate the entire east, including China and the Philippines. With her 10,00O.0o0 people crowded upon her little island she must find an out let in order to secure a healthy eN- mansion. She is near to the Philip- pines, and we are 1000 miles away. In defending those islands against the NIkado's forces, We would be at even a greater disadvantage than was Russia, which country had at least one line of railroad to trans port troops and supplies. while We would have to rely entirely upon the slow and tedious method of water
 1n. that she would have the Philippines and cannot acquire them by purchase, she will quietly throw 100000 or 200,- GOO troops into the islands, occupy Manila, and then defy this govern ment to drive the Japs out Japan will have the support of China, and we would also probably forfeit to Japan practically at her own door, have ill that country war With Japan practically at he r own door, would be long and expensive one. We would be cut off from our eastern markets. and the effect would be dis astrOus to our business interests and with the ultimate result in doubt. President Roosevelt is possibly pre- pairing for such an eventuality, when he recommends to congress further increase of the navy, and enlistlnG large number of additional marines. We could no doubt, sell the islands to Japan for a good round sum, and at the same time retain coaling and re- pair stations, and have granted to us liberal trade concessions. Our colon ial experiment may involve us in "a sea of troubles" A republic ceases to be republic in everything but the name-when it goes into the colonial business This government has now, as colonies besides the Philippines, also the southern states, by right of conquest. Mr. Root sounded the key note of autocracy when he advo- cated in recent speech, taking all rights from the states, and centrallz- ing all power in the general govern ] ment at Washington, and the presi- 2 dent voices the same idea when he 
 asks for an increased navy, and that more power be given the executive. We are gradually but surely drifting away from the moorings which have afforded us safe anchorage since the foundation of the government. The Il northern states repudiated the basic principle of republic when they, by brute force, robbed the southern states of the blood bought right of self gov ernment, robbed them also of their property and reduced them 10 the condition of conquered provinces. That was the first step in acquiring colonial possessions. and was also the : first blow to Republican institutions. { The island possessions were taken over by the same process. Republics