Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 1898. Arabia.

Manawatu Herald, 22 October 1898, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 1898. Arabia.

The Emperor of Germany ia getting very close to Arabia now. as he wil be visiting the acenes in tho Holy Land which is but an adjoining territory to this little explored country. We said, but lately, that we believed the Germans had been given a free hand to exploit the country, with, we should however imagine, the reservation of certain rights Great Britain holds on certaiD of the coaHlal territories. It is impossible for Britain to absorb the whole of the Mahompdan nation?, and though India has been extended into Barmah on the East and to Baluchistan 00 the West, we havt

got about as far as we are likely to until the subdivision of China takes place. Our territories on the west are bounded by Persia, and aa that country appears to be fairly managed, and not inclined to be troublesome, the Shah may hope to keep his country intact. Between Persia and Egypt lies the peninsula of Arabia and its inhabitants have not been taught to respect property or life, and for some years British ships and men have been employed in suppressing piracy and slave dealing. On the north, Arabia has the nominal territories of the Sultan of Turkey, Armenia where Christians and Infidels are always at war, and to the east and north of Persia lies the immenee country of Russia. Great Britain is very rapidly absorbing Egypt, and the foolish view of the Khedive will considerably hasten the end, and the largest portion of Africa is under British rule. The enormous extent of country lately annexed in Africa needs a map of the world to be inspected, to be appreciated, and it cannot therefore be wondered at that for non molestation with her aims in that country, Britain should offer a powerful country like Germany some valuable consideration. Not that Arabia is Britain's to dispose of, but it will be highly valuable to Germany to know that she will not be interfered with by the greatest maritime Power. Even viewing the position from this one point, both countries have done well for themselves.

There is, to our mind, another view of the matter which the occupation of Arabia would re-act to the advantage of Britain. Firstly, it would open a large field for the trade oi Germany, and would, for a time, be a source of expense to her, and would likewise be a capital out. let for her pushing countryman. Secondly, there would be a deal of jealously on the part of France at Germany taking any controlling part 0 the country she likes to consider "he has a stake in, and therefore it would throw the German power on the side of Britain, and would thus oe the cause ot restraining French interference in Africa. Thirdly, that Germany would be brought into close connection with the unruly portion of Turkey-in-Asia, and would hus cause her to endorse any action deoided on by the Powers. These reasons we hold to be good hut there are many ottiers which can also be thought of. Thus Germany would ba a strong restraining influence on the Russian advance to the southern Beas, for which unloubtedly she would make when Turkey has to be apportioned out. Germany would not want to see that Power cruising about her shores and the excellent northern boundary at present held in India would be sufficient;, for Persia could feel her position safe from Russia with such European neighbours as Britain and Germany. If any of these conjectures are correct the visit of the German Emperor to the Holy Land may be of very much consequence to the world at large, and is therefore bound to bo watched with much interest.