The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-03-27


plan is adopted or even receives serious
consideration, it's imperative and I'M
avoidable necessity must be made clear
beyond even the possibility Of question.
Let us see what it would mean: First,
occupation of new strategic points, and,
second, their ~fortification. The United
States has to-day in those waters naval
stations or potential stations at Key
West, Bahia Honda, Guantanamo, Maya
guez, San Juan and Culebra. This plan
would necessitate the addition OF sta
tons at Kingston, Mole st. Nicholas,
SANTANA and at some island or main
| land point on the coast of South America.
That would make ten strategic points
requiring equipment as fortified and
protected bases. For their proper estab-
lishment the sum of $50, 900, 900 would
be a very modest appropriation. Their
maintenance on a footing that would
make them reasonably effective in the
event of attack by a European Power
or an aggregation of Powers would
probably call for $50 900 900 a year.
The magnitude of such a military and
naval policy might for a time seem at
tractive, but that policy is about as
likely to be followed by the United
States as is the religion of BUDDHA to
become the national faith. 1t may be
admitted that a time may come when
some or even all of these points will
fall under American control, buttthey
will be counted as commercial and not
as naval or military assets.
Upon its political and economic sides
Mr.. LIvINGsToNE's argument carries
greater probabilities. He says:
The truth OF the matter is that, despite all
tendencies to the contrary. the West Indies are
slowly but irresIstlbly drifting toward the United
States. and will inevitably be drawn into organic
connection with that country. Tho process IL In
line with natural law and economic necessity" 4
There are many people in this country
who are looking forward to just such
an event, but they look with fear and
trembling rather than with pleasure or
satisfaction. The United States rather
than Europe or England is the natural
market for the products of these coun-
tries. Nearly 70 per cent. of the exports
Of Jamaica to American ports. II
barred from the American market it is
probable that every British possession
in West Indian waters would become
a place of desolation. Recognizing this,
Mr.. LIVINGSTONE remarks: ,
1t is in view of such facts that very many West
Indians believe that the only possible hope for the
Islands lies in their cession TO the United States,
and In their securing, like Porto Rico. a free entry
for their produce into its natural market"
Mr.. LIVINGSTONE declares that 1T
is clear that the United States is being
drawn into a policy which will necessi-
tate further territorial acquisition in
the Caribbean" Whatever comes as a
result of the operation of forces which
are beyond control will have to be ac-
copied and the additional burden borne
as best it an. As matters now stand,
England is probably little concerned
about the fate Of these islands. They
are Of small use.to her in any way, and
most of them are an expense and a
trouble. Canada has occasional spasms
OF discussing their acquisition, but the
idea is little popular in the Dominion
and less so in the islands.
If any or all of them ever do come
to the United States they will come un-
sought and be estimated at their COM
mercial and not at their strategic value.