whose existence is so frequently deplored, may be providentially
intended as a barrier to that great movement, if it come.
Certainly, while China remains as she is, nothing more disastrous
for the future of the world can be imagined than that general
disarmament of Europe which is the Utopian dream of some
philanthropists.

China, however, may burst her barriers eastward as well as
westward, toward the Pacific as well as toward the European
Continent. In such a movement it would be impossible to exaggerate
the momentous issues dependent upon a firm hold of the Sandwich
Islands by a great, civilized, maritime power. By its nearness to
the scene, and by the determined animosity to the Chinese movement
which close contact seems to inspire, our own country, with its
Pacific coast, is naturally indicated as the proper guardian for
this most important position. To hold it, however, whether in the
supposed case or in war with a European state, implies a great
extension of our naval power. Are we ready to undertake this?

A.T. MAHAN, _Captain, United States Navy_.

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 1893.]

The suddenness--so far, at least, as the general public is
concerned--with which the long-existing troubles in Hawaii have come to
a head, and the character of the advances reported to be addressed to
the United States by the revolutionary government, formally recognized
as _de facto_ by our representative on the spot, add another to the
many significant instances furnished by history, that, as men in the
midst of life are in death, so nations in the midst of peace find