The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1899.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 398, 14 February 1899, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1899.

It is announced in another column that President McKinley has signed the peace treaty between the great Republic and Spain. As America is granted all she asked from Spain, she has every reason to be satisfied in that respect with the result of the war, and her diplomacy. Those, however, who are responsible for the war and the treaty are beginning to recognise that the acquisition of territory, if only temporarily, involves, in the case of America, responsibilities which considerably discount the glory of victory and the satisfaction which attaches to the possession of that which has been coveted.

The Stars and Stripes have been hoisted in Cuba and the island is to be occupied by American troops for an indefinite period, and the American Government is responsible so long as the occupation lasts, for the main» tenance of order and the protection of the lives, property and commerce of the inhabitants. There is a very mixed population in Cuba with very advanced ideas of independence, a large section of whom are opposed to any form of Government which places restrictions on their own sweet will, and many of them have been engaged for years in rebellion against tho rule of Spain, an occupation which is not calculated to instil the precepts of political economy into their minds. They have been governed, so far as they have been governed at all, by force, and it will take them some years to learn what true freedom means. It is tuition in this direction that America has undertaken to impart, and no country has any reason to feel jealous that the task has not fallen to its lot. It is much to be feared that bullets and bayonets will bo Galled into requisition to bring these heterogeneous scholars into subjection. The task before the Americans in the Philippines is still more discouraging. They have had to fight for their first footing in the country, aud there is every reason to anticipate that a numerous and exhausting series of fights will be required before a satisfactory form of government will, be established. The Americans will have hardly any other means for a long tun 3 to come of carrying ou

the Government except by forco, and this must prove a great strain upon their resources great as they are. The Spaniards had at their backs the Catholic clergy, but their organisation has been broken up by the rebellion and the advent of the Americans upon the scene.

The difficulties which have met America in her first venture in Imperialism are likely to damp the ardour of the party that has forced tho step upon the country, and will place a strong argument in the hands of those who are opposed to the principle, and amongst these are many men who have made their mark and held high positions in public life. A reaction of feeling will most likely arise; it is characteristic of democracies to look for material advantage, and that quickly, from any sacrifice they may make. The glamour of victory, be it on the battle field or the political arena, soon vanishes. A cablegram from Reuters' Washington correspondent in another column indicates that the Imperial sentiment is growing weaker in the Senate. He states that Senator Henry's resolution disclaiming the intention to permanently annex the Philippines, and promising the establishment of a form of Government as a preparation for antomony will be carried. In the case of both Cuba and the Philippines this is likely to prove a very long process. America has stepped outside the shores of the Continent, and, as a consequence, has assumed responsibilities which honour will compel her to fulfil. She has taken a step forward, and retrocession is impossible.