New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-24
IN AFFRONT TO AMERICA.

| "The SUM- takes q patriotic view OF the
British Minister'S astounding letter. II re-
marks: If this letter is an audacious forgery,
Lord Sackville should denounce it as such with
out an hours delay. If IL Is genuine, Mr..
Bayard should send him his passports before
tomorrow night, "The Sum- is a consistent
| Democratic journal of great power and nflu-
ence; but it is also thoroughly American in its
| instincts II perceives that if this letter is
| genuine the British Minister has not only vio-
lated one Of the established principles Of dplo-
matte practice, but that he has also invited his
| own dismissal from the important post which
be now occupies
The letter in question was reprinted in THE
TRIBUNE from 1.-THE Los Angeles Times"
which vouched for its genuineness, and stated
that the original document was in its pos
session. Even with this guarantee, it seemed
incredible that the British Minister could have
been guilty of so scandaous an indiscretion I;
and we have refrained from commenting upon
his performance until indisputable proof could
be received that the letter was not forgery
In an interview with Lord Saclville on an
other page he frankly acknowledges that the
letter is genuine
The improperly and indecency Of the Brit
ish Minister'S intervention in political can
vass in the United States do not require dem
onstration. He represents his own Govern
ment and has official relations with the country
at large. He ought to have no dealings with
parties or factions. Diplomatic usage is most
eyacting in this respect. The accredited repre-
sentative of foreign court is debarred from
taking part in political struggles and election
controversies. The British Minister has so far
forgotten the unwritten law of diplomacy as to
advise naturalized citizens of English and
Canadian birth to support the President as
candidate for reelection. The correspondent
who ventured to address him on behalf of Eng
lish -American admirers Of the Administration
could not have been left in doubt respecting
Lord Sackvile's sympathies and good wishes.
The letter was an official certificate that the
President is the English Canadian candidate
and worthy Of receiving the suffrages and UNI
broken support Of naturaized citizens Of Eng
fish or Canadian birth.
The country is well aware that the President
is the English candidate The judgment of the
London and Canadian press has been decisive
on this point Sir Charles Upper fully con-
firmed it when, after negotiating the Fisheries
Treaty he informed the Dominion Parliament
that the Democratic and Canadian policies were
one and the same thing. The British Minister
is right in his facts. The President is Eng
lands man. He stands for foreign rather than
American interests. But it is an objectionable
affront to the intelligence and patriotism of the
country that Lord saclsville in the pending
elections should take advantage Of bis official
position to influence naturalized citizens of his
own nationality. Americans want no advice
from representatives Of foreign courts respect
ing their political affairs. They must resent
an official attempt Oh the part of the British
Minister to array citizens of English and Ca
madam birth against the Republican party.