The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-03-03
Germany at Manila

| (F'rom the Paris Temps, translated in the Boston
Transcript
After the Battle OF Manila MAY l. 1899, and the
| blockade had been proclaimed by Admiral Dewey,
four German war vessels. under command of Ad-
miral Won Diedcrich, appeared (June l2 before Ma
Mia When the American admiral asked why a
forse superior to that of the United States had been
sent to this point Won Diederich answered. with
dsqueting reserve: "Sir, am here by order Of
the kaiser"
Admiral Dewey felt 1t his duty to inform Won
Antzer an officer of the German naval staff, that
he was ready to combat If Germany desired war.
Ihis declaration seemed called for by the fact that
one OF the German vessels was already cleared for
action All this was not just the result of such
passing excitement might arise between naval
units in close contact at moment OF mutual dis
trust.
There was more behind it-something of which
the sudden appearance of vessels OF the imperial
navy was merely symptom. Germany was trying
TO create In Europe an active coalition against the
United States France held aloof, Great Britain
less hesiatng than in 1914, frankly informed Bcr-
lin that, in case of complications. the British fleet
would be found side by side with the fleet of the
United States. That was enough to make German
imperialism withdraw it's plotting underground
This statement rests on testimony which cannot
be impugned. The first is that of Joseph Cham
berlain, then British colonial secretary who wrote
July Z 1898, to DR.. Morton Prince the following
letter. cited in Dr. Princes interesting study 1.-THE
Psychology Of the Kaiser" "A fortnight ago (do
| not quote me authority the German emperor
said to friend of mine, If I had a larger fleet
| would have taken Uncle Sam by the scruff Of the
neck and this" adds Joseph Chamberlain rep
rescnts the view of the older monarchics who begin
to desire Monroe Doctrine for Europe. But in
view of the attitude of this country (Great Brittany
they dare not move. You are therefore free to
work out your destiny"
| In an admirable book written in French Mr. W.
Morton Fullerton. after the fullest and clearest
| analysis Of the situation in America, gives us also
proofs Of the silent and tenacious work of sapping
| and mining which German policy is carrying on.
Mr.. Fullerton adds a most valuable contribution
OF his own. In July 1901, his annual cruise in
Norwegian waters William II met near Odde a
| yacht on board which several personages Of
Partisan society. NJ. de Saint Andre, the Count dc
Martimprey and the Count dc Segur AS always
when in company with distinguished Frenchmen.
| the German emperor made himself agreeable.
lie Invited them on board the Hohenzollern and far
from avoiding political affairs, hid from them none
! of his preoccupatons. He said to of his inter-
locutors NJ de Saint Andre that the one vital ques-
ton for the future of Europe and the world was the
! question of America.
This question comes before all others. 1t over
| shadows merely European differences. American
intervention in the affairs Of Europe Is nearer and
more menacing than is generally thought. A Euro
| pean customs union will be imperative 1t is to be
| hoped it may come as is practicable" And
| at another point OF the conversation William II
| added this reflection THE danger Is that there
| is no power on the American continent to balance
| the United States. 1t is regrcttablc that France.
| instead of going into Mexico during the War of the
| Rebellion did not take sides with the Confederacy
| though the struggle between north and south is
past forever perhaps. there is hope of rivalry per-
haps a conflict between the east and the west be
| tween the industrial and the farming states" Thus
| did he betray his secret wish.