The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-21

seems q waste Of time to discuss the means Of
removing existing differences. An alliance
with Fenian convicts is utterly inconsistent
with any scheme for establishing friendly re-
lations between England and the United
States. The systematic Difference which has
been displayed by English ministers to Ame-
rican susceptibility is evidently misinter-
preted. 1t would be better to apply the same
balance or standard to the conduct OF
both GoveTnments' When a strict account
is demanded of the alleged negligence shown
in the matter of the Alabama, il
would be well to inquire whether
the American Government has beer
blameless in permitting two invasions of
Canada by forces organized in its territory
with full knowledge on the part of the Fede-
raj and State authorities. Some sacrifice of
feeling might be made for the sake Of peace
and GOODWILL but il is not worth while to
make concessions which will be followed by
the spiteful civilities rendered by Congress to
ODonovan Rosa. AS long as the President
and the House acknowledge General Butler
for their guide and leader no settlement of
disputes is possible. The arrangement of the
Alabama claims would be Immediately sue
ceeded by demands for a share in the Cana
dian fisheries or in the navigation of the st.
Lawrence. The characteristic lawlessness of
American diplomacy may be explained by the
influence of political leaders of the stamp of
General Butler. His more decent country
men are ashamed Of the power which he ex-
ercises but universal suffrage cares little for
the scruples of respectsbility. At present
General Butler seems to be the most promi-
nent politician in the United States and when
he is most recklessly in the wrong he Is most
implicitly followed by the popular branch of
the Legislature. If Mr.. Beesly at any time
leads House of Commons consisting mainly
OF Odgers and Bradlaughs, he will perhaps
pass resolutions as offensive to foreign
powers as the late vote of the House of Re-
presentatives.
Notwithstanding the menacing language of
the President and the bluster Of his confiden-
tial adviser, the Government of the United
States has no immediate intention of making
war upon England. The only possible enter
prise which could be attempted would be the
invasion of Canada, and probably even Ame-
rican opinion would disapprove of servile
imitation of the proceedings of Gramont and
LIE Boeuf. There is no standing army avail
able for the purpose; and the country is not
prepared, in the entire absence of pretext
for war, to raise great force of volunteers
for profligate act of aggression. If the Pre-
sident really intends to act on the sugges-
tions of General Butler, it would be idle to
attempt to deter him from the scheme by any
effort at Cancellation. If the conflict is forced
upon England, it would not be terminated
without serious injuryto the aggressor. 1t is
well that General Butler and General Grant
have committed the blunder of fastening
quarrel on the Canadians, instead of confin-
ing their provocations to the Imperial Gov
ernment. The conquest of the Dominion
would not be easy; and if General Butler
were to lead contingent to Ireland he might
find it difficult to return.