The Washington herald., 1907-04-07
Munich Paper Exposes the
Crafty Hand of England.
AGITATION FOR DISARMAMENT
Master stroke of Diplomacy CoBtem-
plated at The HsEue-Peace Not SO
Much the Object, Germany Thinks,
as EnsIishEaen Would Have Us Be-
Iieve-situation In Far East.
rom the New York Stats zsitung.

Of the naval review by the First LORD Ad-
raIral Tweedmouth, an article in the last
number of the Munich bi-weekly MARI
merits reading. This is likewise con-
cerned with the English policy Of dis
armament. and in the discussion brings
to light the following points Of view:
Up to this time the belief has been
cleverly spread abroad that the disarma-
ment question at The Hague Conference
which England ostensibly favored, set
ting an example by some reductions IN
her fleet and army was chiefly directed
toward restricting the increase Of Ger
manys feet, TO the advantage Of England
and the joy Of France.
If Germany resisted. then it would be
evident to the world that Germany was
the real mischief-maker in this interna-
tional peace dance. Therefore, England
attempted to cause America 10 introduce
the disarmament question at Th Hague
Conference because Germany could not be
distrustful Of President Roosevelt and
the American people as Of England since
England was allied with France. At the
same time the initiating machines on both
sides of the great pond start in 10 fatter
the pride Of the Americans by saying
that. despite the war against spain. they
were the greatest peace nation on earth;
thai at their hands the oppressed races
might be relieved OF their ornaments.
II English diplomacy and the English
press succeed. by corresponding sditing
Of public opinion IN America. in instigat-
ing the Americans TO assist in taking the
initiative for disarmament at The Hague,
then English politics vii nave achieved a
work OF genius. a worthy companion piece
10 The Introduction of Japan into the
circle OF political world powers.
Who is not forced 10 smile at the
thought that Germany is the most dan
gerous rival of England IN tie world?
Just to hit upon Germany. because in
proportion TO Eer 6o.0O0.0o0 inhabitants she
is making progress IN trade and industry
The assertion may tickle our vanity but
upon some cold-blooded reflection we DO
not need TO believe it seriously after all,
even at the height OF enthusiasm over a
Dernberg colonial election.
Hemmed In between powers ike Russia
and France-not 10 mention Austria-Hun-
gary-our most important consideration
nay, our vital question. is 10 keep our
land forces the first in the world. We
are not rich enough now, nor within
measurable space Of time. 20 build a
fleet which. even with another marine
power Of second rank, would suffice for
the overthrow Of England. In addition to
this, We have no money, no harbors. no
able and experienced crews. one need
only look once on the map at the few
modest harbors Of Germany and say
where q navy Of such a scope could be
safely accommodated. even If Linden
meantime were built out to form a second
naval port IN the North Sea.
In Europe, England would have only
France to fear seriously, if the latter
should develop sp0ndingly in sea
power. In the rest of the world. espe-
cially since Russia may be considered for
long time as being hors de combat
America alone comes into consideration
as the strongest and greatest rival Of the
British world power America. which. AT
the same time. possesses the charm for
ali English-speakng humanity OF the
same language and Of politically free in
situations; and here, indeed Germany
AllllthL III Altt uHSAAaEA tDlttffEArr
which even exercises a power Of attrac-
! ton on Canada and Australia that gives
England small pleasure; America, which,
as an industrial country, equipped with
all raw products. looms up much more
nightly than Germany, and carries its
competition VIGOROUSLY into the English
markets; America, which IS not a coun-
try. but a continent, in the full power of
SUCH which has at command an album
dance of magnificent natural harb0rs:
which can build and equip a fleet the
equal OF the English fleet as is none other
in the world; a fleet which has its har-
bors IN the Atlantic and Pacific. and,
doubled in It's efficacy by the future Pan
anna Canal, can be the superior Of the
/ English sea power without any further
ally.
II one can hold this picture calmly be-
4 fore ones eyes. and then further consider
the thought that English diplomacy might
/ be able to make the Americans the
/ spokesman for maritime disarmament at
/ The Hague conference, then one must
/ feel something Ike admiration for the
/ craftiness Of English politics, and can
! scarcely be indignant at the artifice Of
treating Germany as the terrible bugabou
/ which causes the English world-power :
nightmare. But this artifce chiefly
unites France and England and relieves
/ the latter of her European neighboTs ia
making of a restless rival in the Med
/ iterranean and elsewhere a loyal friend
/ At the time of the burial Of the old
Emperor William, the then heir to the
English throne in Berlin with his kins-
men, Duke Ernst OF Gotha, had a con-
/ veTsation regarding the new condition of
affairs. which eliminated in the Prince
OF Wales expressing himself about as fol-
/ lows: That he understood the feelings
and wishes Of the French in regard to
Alsace and Lorraine. and likewise that
France for that reason could always be
arTGyed against Germany
According TO this principle. the prince.
later King Edward. directed his policy.
Not that he had discovered something
brand-new in this. Even in the days of
old Queen Victoria English cabinets. es-
pecially Liberal cabinets. were fond of
wavering between France and Germany.
However King Edward put an end 10
this waverIng, for the time being, in ia
yor of France, and won even English
/ Conservatives. who were formerly more
inclined toward Germany. to the opinion
that IL was best not 20 fight with the
most troublesome opponent, but 10 make
a compact. For, in truth, it Is not Ger
many but France that Is naturally the
most dangerous European power for Eng
! land. No other has so many colonial
possessions that adjoin English posses
20
H. But no other IS even approximately
so situated as to threaten the English