“A Convocation of Political Worms. . .”
Alluding to the astonishing perseverance which Spain has often shown in the face of defeat and death, it is said that the Spaniards seem to be oblivious of their fate. The new Europe will enlighten them. As for the English, Germans, Japanese, and ourselves, what are we all doing here? We are keeping watch over their destiny. Our presence reconfirms the fact that those whom we are about to abandon are incapable of defending themselves. What naivité in believing that the powerful nations are keeping their ships anchored around the bay in order to make sure that the interests of Europe are respected! No one sees beyond that. Policies instigated are just a matter of expediency. The powerful nations are waiting for the predictable result of the struggle. Their jealousies and conflicts have merely made victory easier for the United States. With Spain’s irreparable defeat, all these ships anchored here will eventually set sail, leaving the vanquished at the mercy of the victor. A great number of Americans who have just arrived are waiting for that moment. Once again, Germany has demonstrated its miserable and selfish policy dictated by personal interests by which is beyond their control. The reality is there is no alliance. The spirit of the French isolates him from the enemies who surround him. Our ships will leave while the English, who have just arrived, will remain anchored beside the Yankees.
Since Europe, torn apart by conflicting interests, can no longer control events, she then should at least try to enjoy whatever benefits are available. Under the pretext of taking the Spanish cause in hand, she should convene a political meeting and, like Hamlet, feast on the carcass and enrich herself in knowledge. Polonius would be more interested in the Philippines, and after taking advantage of both the victor and the vanquished, would deal with the United States as Japan did last year before the Americans became so powerful.