The Pacific Monthly/Volume 1/Our Point of View
OUR POINT OF VIEW.
Emerson declares the world to be "an assemblage of gates and opportunities," and Disraeli says that "opportunity is more powerful than conquerors or prophets." It is a belief in both of these significant statements that has induced the publication of this magazine, for to observers of the situation it is apparent that the "gate" stands open, and as we enter it we look forward to the future with confidence — confidence born of the realization that there is a wealth of material here that has lain practically untouched, that along our broad rivers and under our towering snow-crowned peaks it lies waiting to be gathered up, preserved and given to the world of literature — confidence born of the belief that inevitably there will be a third great world center and that it will be on this coast — confidence in the need of a magazine here to meet the demands of the times and to voice the literature and art of this great Northwest, and confidence born of the determination to take ad- vantage of the "open gate," to enter this field and meet whatever untoward conditions that may confront us and conquer them.
This century has been a century of remarkable and bewildering changes, but on the political horizon probably none have been more far-reaching in their effects than those we have just witnessed. Spain has lost her last foothold in the Western hemisphere which she discov- ered, we have extended our domain to the Hawaiian islands, and other changes, more momentous than we now dream of, have taken, or are now taking place. The possibilities of this Pacific coast for development in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, shipbuilding and commerce have attracted the attention of the world, which has suddenly realized that a young but sturdy giant has arisen, and must henceforth be taken into consideration in the adjustment of the affairs of the nations. What we wish to especially emphasize, however, is the fact that the unanimous opinion of conservative men is to the effect that the future development of the world and the events of international importance are to take place on the shores of the Pacific. Add to this the fact that our part of the Pacific coast is the nearest outlet for the resources of Alaska, and something of the vast possibilities of this region can be gained. It is a belief in these things, a faith in the glorious future of our Pacific coast and consequently in ourselves that has brought about the publication of The Pacific Monthly. It is no light burden to bear the responsibilities that such a work imposes. We appreciate this, and shall do our best to carry it to the satisfaction of our readers, and though this, our first number, is but a modest attempt at some of the things at which we aim — to establish a magazine that will be a fit representative of the young and virile West, a magazine of literature, art, education and progress, a record of our unique history and traditions — we believe that it will be received with encouragement and commendation.
The consolidation of "Drift," the first issue of which was published in August, and "The Pacific Monthly" enables us to give our readers a larger and better magazine for less money than was possible before. The publishers of "Drift," like those of "The Pacific Monthly," realized that there is a demand and a field for a magazine here, and in answer to this demand each began working out plans, ignorant of the other's intentions. The consolidation has been effected in the full belief that "in union there is strength," and the combination begins its career under the happiest auspices.
One of the most daring prophecies in history was made when William H. Seward, in 1852, said in the course of a speech in the senate:
"Henceforth European commerce, European politics, European thought and European activity, although actually gaining force, and European connections, although actually becoming more intimate, will nevertheless relatively sink in importance; while the Pacific ocean, its shores, its islands and the vast region beyond will become the chief theater of events in the world's great hereafter."
When Mr. Seward made that remarkable prophecy the Pacific coast was practically an unknown land. The railroad and telegraph had not yet pushed west of the Mississippi, and this coast had no regular commerce with the Orient. China had opened only a few ports to the world, and Japan was a place surrounded by mystery. In the light of today, and especially of recent events, Seward's prophecy is most extraordinary. A writer in The Watchman shows how completely it is being fulfilled. He says: "In the ten years ending in 1894, while the ships of the Atlantic and Gulf states decreased 710 in number and 135,000 in tonnage, those of the Pacific coast increased 499 in number and 121,690 in tonnage. Australia is the commercial wonder of the nineteenth century. Japan has advanced to a first rank among nations. The resouces of China are to be opened to Western civilization. Siberia is to become a thoroughfare of the world's commerce, and the czar is to be as strong in the North Pacific as in the Baltic. The interests of America and of Europe, as well as of Asia, are today largely on the shores of the Pacific."
With Seward's remarkable insight into the affairs of the world, if he could stand here at the threshold of the twentieth century, how much more brilliant a future he might predict for us now.
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The importance of a nearer waterway for the United States from ocean to ocean than around Cape Horn has been clearly demonstrated by the Oregon's long race against time from San Francisco to Cuba. It is conceded now by even the most conservative that a canal across the isth- mus would be a great convenience in time of war, but it is also plainly apparent to the ordinary observer that it would be not only a convenience in time of peace
but that it has become a necessity. Com- mercial interests demand its early, its immediate construction. Not to the Pa- cific coast alone will the benefits incident to its completion accrue. The Atlantic seaboard will gain nearly if not quite as much as the Occident, and since the cities of the East are beginning to awaken to a knowledge of this important fact there is reason to hope for speedy action in the case.
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Extracts from the World's interview with Joseph Chamberlain:
"What about the Philippines, Mr. Chamberlain?" was asked.
"Your country is growing," he replied; "you can't resist its development. For a hundred years you have followed Wash- ington's advice. I do not think you can find another instance in history where one man's word has been so followed. It has been treated as an inspired utterance. But conditions have vastly changed. It is not supposable that Washington would have maintained the same attitude if conditions had essentially altered, as they must have altered in a hundred years.
"You see," he went on, smiling, "there were two assumptions, or rather the first was a fact; first your resources, tremendous resources, and secondly your tenacity, for it was believed you were as tenacious as your forefathers.
"All Europe understood the situation. The wars of independence, of the conquest of Mexico, of 1860-65, had made your national characteristics plain. Your inroads into the markets of the world had shown your energy and adaptability. Your exports of breadstuffs, etc., had shown your fertility. Slow to wrath, when once the Cuban situation reached an acute stage the end was only a question of time.
"It was for Spain to quarrel with Destiny. Anglo-Saxon blood would tell; race characteristics must be reckoned with. Determination, tenacity, boldness, brought but one result — ultimate triumph. Left alone, the duel was unequal. All saw that.
"If the inside history of this war could only be written!" said Mr. Chamberlain, then paused, threw back his head, and smiled.