National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-07-07
Mr.. Blalne,s Foreign Policy.

James Morris Morgan, an officer in the
confederate navy during the war and
subsequently an officer in the Egyptian
army, has come to the defense of the
foreign policy indicated by Mr. Blaine
during the brief period that he held the
office of secretary of state. Mr.. Morgan's
pamphlet is one Of the most suggestive
and interesting documents that Is likely
to be issued during the campaign. The
author, being entirely familiar with tho
English method Of managing the suez
canal and the affairs of Egypt generally,
gives substantial reasons why the same
policy should not be applied to the Pan
anna canal and to the Central American
states.
With the opening of the suez canal.
England and France took virtual pos
session Of Egypt. When the Panama
canal is completed the English and French
will sock to make such allia noes with the
contiguous states as viii give them con-
troll of the great water way between the
oceans and of tho 10 cal governments
which exercise jurisdiction over the ter
ritory through which 1t passes. This will
be but the entering wedge for vast
scheme of conquest and commercial ag-
grandizement. British ships Of war will
be the governing force at Aspinwall
and Panama as they now are at Alexan-
dria.
Against tho establishment Of Euro
pean protectorate In Central America we
can interposo but ono barrier-the Monroe
| doctrine. Mr.. Blaine Is the recognized
champion of this rule Of continental law
laid down in the early days of the re-
public. When secretary of state he gave
notice to England that the United States
would not tolerate any Interpretation of
the Clayton Bulwer treaty which would
lay restrictions upon the free intercourse
between the Atlantic and Pacific states
by way Of the Panama canal. 1t is not
likely that ships will pass through the
canal within iho next decade. but Mr..
Blaiua thought II best to settle all ques-
tions relating To the control OF tho canal
in advance, 20 that there would be no
trouble when this highway for the COM
merce Of the world has actually been
opened.
Mr.. Morgan gives a most interesting
sketch Of the civilization Of Mexico, as
compared with that Of Egypt, and IL is
wonderful how closely the two countries
resemble each other in manners, customs,
aud social aud political conditions. A
tourist, falling asleep at Alexandria and
| l. a. La,
know that he was in a new land. "The
minarets and domes the street dogs and
water carriers, the adobe huts Of the poor,
and the stone houses Of tho rich" which
would greet his eyes at Vera Cruz would
be tho precise counterpart of what he had
seon NJ Alexandria. The resemblance
Is ira ed through all grades of society aud
forms Of industry down to the motley,
ragged, aud dirty crowd Of meudcants
who salute the stranger with palms ex-
tended" and muttor blessings or curses
according as their appeals are needed or
denied.
Tho author shows that In adjusting our
relations with Mexico there is a wide
Geld for aggressive diplomacy. During
the next four years there will be a con-
siderable migration from the United
States 10 Mexico. and the homo govern
ment will be required 10 500 that their
rights Of Americans residing abroad are
respected. With Mr., Blaine in the presi'
dental chair every American that goes to
Mexico or elsewhere will feel that he il
still undor the protection Of ihs hag of his
eountry.