The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-22
GEN. LEW WALLACE.
He Criticizes the Weakness of the American
Navy-His Literary Work.

|. Gen. Lew Wallace, who recently returned
from business visit to Constantinople, the real
purpose of which has been a matter of some con-
lecture, was in Indianapolis yesterday. While
here he was asked by a Journal reporter what
were the causes leading him to think that there
would be a European war next summer which
no was represented as having predicted in an in
terview shortly after his arrival in New York.
IT said," replied General Wallace, that there
might be war at any time as extensive prepare
tions are being made for it, and any of the Eu-
ropean countries are likely to be drawn into the
current at any moment. Iqualifed the assertion,
however, by stating that thought that these
very preparations would prevent war. Prepare
ton is the best protection against attack. In the
disputes which are arising between foreign coun-
tries if the rights of the United States should be
encroached upon-and such thing
IL likely to occur any day-we would
be wholly unprepared to defend ourselves. The
most Insignificant nation of Europe, with it's
superior war equipments could send fleet along
out fear. We could do nothing but stand by and
see them burn. This kind of talk would hardly
do for 4th of July Grafton, and 1t would doubt
less be rather indscreet for a man with political
aspirations to say such things, but have nothing
to ask from the public, and / feel free to speak
the plain truth 1t is to our disgrace
that such a condition of affairs exists,
causing the diplomatic officials Of the most in
significant nations of Europe to manifest the ut
most contempt for u.s.
Have you in mind any speciatABvidences of
such manifestations of contemptl"
Eyes; you will find evidence of it in the mes
sage which the President of the United States
sent to Congress few days ago, in which the
ofa 20 ,In %ho&
fused to receive the diplomatic repre-
sentatives of our government Another evil
dence is, that America is entirely ignored
in the consideration Of national rights by for
eign diplomates. They know our weakness. In
the diplomatic circles of foreign countries the
government of the United States is held in
contempt. 1t is the people, not the rulers, who
respect and admire America This Fourth
July declaration, that 'the American flag floats
In the breeze of every port in the world" is not
that I was at observation-disclosures of the
most important commercial ports of all
Europe, where the flags of almost every nation
in the world may be seen every day. saw the
American flag but twice, once on the steamer
'Quinnebaug and once on James Gordon Ben
nett's yacht, 'Namouna-' America is a superb
country, with superlative inventive genius; bHe
with all its greatness, it is practically defense
less against the Entertainments and insults Of
foreign powers. And it will so continue, I sup
pose, regardless of any warning"
General Wallace, in answer to further in
Quiries. stated that it his intention to remain
at home and devote his attention to literary
work.
Have you anything new to present to the
public?"
mo"
''Is it true that you are engaged in preparing
a new edition of Ben Hurp"
mo. I noticed the statement that a new
edition was being prepared by the publishers
but did not understand it. A new edition is
issued nearly every week.