an readily understand that while on a campaign
post-offices cannot be reached and postage stamps are not easy to get.
The officers or men have simply to write on the letters, "Soldier's
letter," "Sailor's letter," "Marine's letter," and they will be carried
by post to their destination and postage collected there without extra
charge. Under ordinary circumstances letters will not be carried unless
partly prepaid; and if foreign postage is not fully prepaid a penalty in
the shape of extra postage is added to the regular rate, and collected
upon delivery.

* * * * *

European powers are watching with great interest our movements in the
East. Admiral Dewey's victory, it is considered, has put an end to
Spanish sovereignty in the East. European governments evidently expect
the United States to keep the Philippines, and it is difficult to see
any other solution, as it will certainly not be advisable to return the
islands to Spain, nor would this be consistent with the "war for
humanity's sake." Spain's cruelties in the Philippines have been even
more excessive than in Cuba, and we certainly should not again place the
islands in the hands of that cruel taskmaster, Spain. It has been
suggested that we cede them to some European power; the question is, Can
we do this? These powers are so jealous of each other that they will not
stand quietly by and see any one of their number favored by a gift of
such importance; on the other hand, the presence of an American colony
in Eastern Asia will be a thorn in the side of the great powers; we
have, therefore, to choose which horn of the dilemma we shall accept.
The final settlement of the matter will, no doubt, cause many new
complications and material changes in the traditional policy of our
Government.

* * * * *

The mysterious sailing of the steamship _Adria_ from Key West, a week
ago, has attracted a good deal of comment; it is said that she had on
board many miles of submarine cable, together with the necessary
appliances for grappling, splicing, and laying, and telegraphic
instruments for use on shore. It is believed that the purpose is to cut
the cable off shore, splice a piece to it, and carry it to some
unfrequented spot and there establish a cable station; this would enable
our authorities to communicate quickly with Washington--when the
invasion of Cuba takes place, or to keep the insurgents advised as to
our