EUROPE AND THE WAR.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10061, 13 June 1898, Page 4

EUROPE AND THE WAR.

Spain is obviously another of the " dying Powers " alluded to by Lord Sausbcky as in process of being cut up. The probable result of the war is that she will be stripped of her most important colonies. America

has pledged herself not to enter into any permanent occupation of Cuba, and most likely an attempt will be made to set it up as an independent State. There yet remains, however, the difficult problem of the, Philippines to be settled. According to this morning's telegrams Germany has expressed a desire for a conference on this subject, and a belief is gaining ground that European intervention in the war is probable. It was suggested some time ago that the Philippines should be handed over to England, and it was hinted that the Americans were ready to adopt this course. We gave at the time our reasons for thinking it unlikely that England would undertake the responsibility, and that, on the whole, it was undesirable for her to do so. The "Spectator," we observe, also takes the line that the envy we already excite is far too great and that we have quite as much territory as we can comfortably manage. It sees serious objection, however, to any other European Power getting hold of the Islands. Their possession might disturb the balance of power in the Far East. " England, it is said, " must not have them because she " already has too much ; Germany " because her designs upon China " would thereby be facilitated; Russia " because she would be too near " Australia; and France because she " may choose in the next war to act "as Bussia's obedient ally. Japan, as " a pagan Power, is out of the " question when two and a half " mllions of Christians have to "be disposed of; and it is very " doubtful whether Holland would " undertake the laborious task of re- " ducing the Philippines to order. Our contemporary's view is that the Americans ought to keep the Philippines. It thinks that they can effectively garrison the Islands with a negro army, and that " the constitutional "difficulty is all rubbish," as Congress can make laws for territories or declare the Islands to be held like Bosnia as lands "in the temporary military occupation of the United States." ■ One thing is quite certain in regard to the projected conference, should it take place. If the Continental Powers attempt to apply undue pressure to the American Government, England will at once spring to the side of the United States, and the Anglo-Saxon confederation will become a living fact.