THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1907. AMERICA IN THE PACIFIC.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8412, 30 April 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1907. AMERICA IN THE PACIFIC.

According to the Washington correspondent of a London newspaper a strong feeling is growing up among the more thoughtful politicians in the United States in favour of the neutralisation of. the Philippine Islands. Looking to the future it is recognised that in the event of war between America and a strong European Power, or with Japan or China, the necessity of defending the archipelago as an American possession might seriously cripple the naval resources of the States, and expose their Atlantic and Pacific coasts to attaclc. Moreover, having regard to the envious interest felt by other Powers in the ultimate disposition of the Philippines, it is considered that they must always be liable to become a bone of international contention so long as they remain under the American flag. While America continues at peace with the rest of the world Europe, it is said, may have no desire to see any change of ownership, but with every threat of war involving the United States would come uncertainty throughout Europe with reference to the fate of the Philippines, which might easily produce serious complications and strife. It is contended, therefore, that America's wisest course would be to make the islands neutral ground among all

the Powers, and so remove a cause of anxiety not only from America itself, but from the leading nations of Europe. To render the plan practicable no military base, it is pointed out, could be utilised in the islands by any nation, not even the United States; and since, under the neu- i tralisation arrangement, the Philippines could not be seized by any j Power, the American Government> would be under no necessity of de- ' fending thtrn. How far such a proposal is likely to commend itself to the American people it is impossible to say, since it has not been seriously discussed as a scheme within the range of immediate adoption. There , is, of course, a considerable section of public opinion in the States which has always looked upon the oversea expansion of America with misgivings and disfavour. Those who hold this opinion believe that America's truest policy lies in a steadfast adherence to the Monroe doctrine, thus avoiding all outside entanglements and dangers, and conserving the interests and energies of the people for the work of internal progress-" and development. They emphasise the fact—a fact which makes America unique among the great nations —that America is not suffering from the pressure of a surplus population, which is the principal cause of driving European countries to seek oversea colonies, and that is power of absorbing immigration, which is flowing into the coun--1 try at the rate of a million souls a year, though not illimitable, is as yet far from being exhausted. And in particular do they regard the posses- [ sion of the Philippines as a burdensome heritage, imposing new and onerous responsibilities upon America, involved in the government of nearly eight millions of natives of diverse tribes and tongues, without any strong or adequate compensating advantages. But there is no reason for supposing thr.t these views are spreading among the American people, or that they are likely to j effect any change in the foreign | policy of the United States.