Our readers should note with extreme attention all news from
the Philippines. The German Government professes a friendly neutrality in the war, but the Emperor is gradually accumulating force in the harbour of Manilla, which he would not do unless he had some definite plan in his mind. The American idea is that he has an understanding with Agninaldo, and that when that leader has proclaimed a Republic, the Emperor will recognise him, aid him, and obtain in return a coaling-station. It is doubtful if Aguinaldo has any such plan in his head, though it mast be remembered that the insurgents are " Hispaniolised " dark men, and that such persons never take kindly to " North-Americans; " but it is not doubtful that the Americans will resist such an arrangement. They are not inclined to '• take stock" in dark Republics, they are sensitive to European affronts, and they have an acute dislike to the present German Emperor, whom they consider the very embodiment of militarism and Monarchy. Unless both German and American Admirals are unusually self-controlled there may be serious trouble out there.
