Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1869-10-14
The st. Thomas Treaty.

"
and nnodern.-y. y. Tribune.
The st. Thomas Treaty.
On the 18th Of October the extend
ed time allowed by Mr.. Seward and
the Danish Minister for the ratifica-
ton of the st. Thomas Treaty ex-
pires, and unless it beagain extended
by Secretary Fish the whole negotia-
ton fails. But it cannot end in this
way without deep and lasting dis
grace to the United States. 1t was
negotiation undertaken at the urgent
entreaty Of the Secretary Of State, APP
proved by the President. 1t was
conducted upon the part Of Denmark
with the utmost honor and friendli-
ness, and a strict regard for the wish
es OF the people most nearly interest
cd. The treaty was ratified by the
agents Of both Governments, and
Senators were informally consulted
before the definite vote was taken
upon the island. 1t was then SUBJ
mitted to the Senate, and 1t has Dei
Their been confirmed nor rejected; it
has been contemptuously neglected.
Such conduct Is discreditable to the
Senate, and it is notifying to tho
nation. Itauthorizes every Govern
ment i'm the world to decline to treat
with any authorized representative
of the United States, until it learns
whether 1t can regard his authority
AS evidence of his accord with the
treaty-naking power 1t justifies
England in saying to Mr.. Motley,
and Spain to General SickIes, 1--WE
are very glad to sec you, butyouwill
understand that we cannot possibly
tell whether you represent the wish
es and sentiments OF your Govern
ment.n thlaFr ie#f salF ai0H
It's very true that the Constitu-
ton requires the consent of the SEN
ate to a treaty, and that the Secretary
Of State has no authority to bind the
country to do what he may think
ought to be done--tO buy parts Of
continents, islands, and other real
estate at what may be considered
enormous prices. But the facts must
be considered. The offer to buy was
made by the Secretary and President
Of party which controlled the Sem
ate. 1t was peculiarly fair to sup
pose, therefore, that the Government
was a unit. This probability became
virtual certainty when the same Sec
retary's similar action In regard to
Alaska was most promptly supported
by the Senate, and when personal
inquiry of Senators disclosed no hos
tility to the st. Thomas project. It
was only natural under such circum-
stances that Denmark should take
measures to sever her connection with
the island; and that she should feel
hurt and insulted by the disdainful
omission even TO consider the treaty
enough to reject it. ! Indeed, the
omission can hardly be called dis.
tlainful. 1t seems rather an unhand.
some evasion Of the question:, be-
cause Of a consciousness that no sat
isfactory and honorable reason could
heurged for rejection.i There is no
doubt that q ltirst-rate power would
not allow = treaty negotiated under
such circumstances to bo left without
consideration. II would demand ex-
PLANTATION in 4 tone that we know
Denmark cannot use, and which 1t
Is therefore still less pardonable In us
to pfovoka.il aa9 97Hlaiea7j
iIt is plain, that the Secretary Of
State and the Senate should save tho
country. from the i'll fame of such
conduct, and q friendly power from
80 gross = humiliation. q Let the Soc
rotary extend the term for the ratia-
cation Of tho treaty. Then let the
Senate fairly and frankly consider it.
II itrejects 1t lot it state the reason,
and not content itself with sic rolo sic
JUDO; and then toavoid so unpleasant
d complication hereafter, and to make
AtynegDtiatlOns possible with self.
respecting Governments, let II strict
~ define the limits Of executive ac-
ton In the initiation Of treaties. But
we sincerely hope that alwise' regard
for the position Of q fiendly little
p6werHud for the fair fame of the
United States will, In this instance
and under the peculiar circumstan-
ces, induce the Senate to ratify it.--
Harpc,'s Wechiy.brs ~ .sgl a.a see.