The Possible War.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 30, 5 February 1904, Page 4

The Possible War.

WHle tilie attention of the world is being generally diverted to the Furthest East, America asid Germany are quietly proceeding with naval preparations which can have tout one jAH-pcsk." and one result. Russia may have botn playing a tremendous game of 'blufi" with tho little brown man, but neither Germany nor tho L'nitod States are in that humour. Germany knows thoroughly wvll that America will light for the Monrov doctrine, yet is at no trouble to disguise her intention of attempting to break it at the <irst Opportunity, and is accumulating naval preparation. The United States, on her part, is not only spending £30,000,00(1 for the coining year on her navy, a sum which is mainly devoted to building, but is sticking as nothing to got the Panama Canal cut. Tiie effect of the Panama Canal, fortified and held by the Americans, will | )e to a]low their enttre licet to concentrate either on the Atlantic or on the Pacific. while any iniiirical fleet will practically be divided between the two oceans. It is therefore altogether probable that Germany will light before the canal is finished. In fact, it will be imi-eiatiw for her to do »o unless she intends to abandon altogether her South American schemes. And as every year makes the Washington Government stronger afloat, we must connider spiwlv war between Germany and America more probably than delay. The overthrow of the military regime in Germany .wouM assist many reforms, but would hardly clear up the Monroe Doctrine difficulty. For the most liberal Government might find popular opinion entirely with it in asserting German territorial claims in South America-, ami the Washington authorities will certainly resist any such assertion without fear of consequences. The lirst great struggle of the Tuturo may Il>etwien two great Teutonic Powers instead of between two Asiatic Powers, as has been so confidently anticipated.—New ■ Zealand Herald,