New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-08
Is GTNERS SEE rs.


would instantly seize upon the Inconsistency
Of AIr. ClcyeIand's present position with re-
gard 10 The fisheries controversy as the text
for 2 vigorous ethical argument at the expense
Of the Cnited states. They have done this
ably, unanimously. and in some instances Bit
tcrly. They do not forget. to be sure, that
! Nr. Cleveland is. i'm an especial sense, their pet
American statesman. They are not inscnsible
to their obligations 10 him as the champion Of
English commercial interests. They frankly
ayow their doubt Of the sincerity Of his recent
fcrocous declarations, which, with character
istic politcncss, they ascribc to political and
not patriotic mot Is. But they are quick to
appreciate the inconsistent character Of his
policy and the opportunity it affords them Of
pressing a just complaint against retaliation as
the successor Of diplomacy. II was not Eng
land. they say nor Canada. which rejected the
treaty. The American President proposed it..
lie appointed Commissioners to frame it. lie
inspired and guided their course. lie eX-
pressed. and still expresses, complete approval
Of their work. And yet, having failed to get
his own treaty confirmed and perfected. he
wheels about. and, as The London Times
expresses 1t. shouts as loudly for retaliation
"a, he formerly did for compromise"
American criticisms cf Mr. Cleveland are
directed arair~i ,hc individual and the party
be represents hut foreign complaints Of his
Lad faith are necessarily reflections upon the
Nation. When be. as the Chief Executive of
our Government. presents to a country with
which we have an issue in dispute policy Of
concession i'm settlement Of the controversy and
his proposals are agreed to, he may, Of course.
Heed in excuse for failure to carry out his
policy that il did not meet with the anproha
lion e . branch Of the Government having CO.
ordinate jurisdiction, but such plea becomes
utterly nueatory when made Is an excuse f.:
the abandonment Of that policy for one which
is lis exact reverse and invites the charge Of
had faith as well against the Nation as against
the President. Nor does il 20 to the advantage
e our National character 10 explain that Mir.
Clcycland is il nood Of votes and must suit
his professions as a statesman to his cXigenccs
rs a candidate
From beginning to end and at every stage
Of this Canadian controversy, there has been
lamcniabc want Of principle in the GoYern-
ments position. The question was one Of out
raqcous conduct on the part Of an English
dependency not of treaty misintcrprotation
on tie part of the English Foreign Office.
There was no dispute over the meaning Of
cloudy words. 1t concerned only the behavior
Of British colony and its acts of wanton
violence upon the persons and property Of
American fishermen. NIr. Cleveland under
stood The question, for his Secretary of State
expressed il with admirable clearncss. Had
they thc,cupon assumed Il firm and resou,c
position. which the Republican Senate so stout
Is urged upon them; had they then with be-
coming dignity formulated the National de-
maad together with an expression of The NJ
tentative Of non-in oroourse to which is de-
rial would force U.s. W. should not now be
G.. .''ne ID the eyes Of thc world the humilialing
f-ure oi people whose Executive cringcs and
lawns and blusa'S by turns. On the con-
t.arr. Uc saould have preserved our reputation
for consistent and harmonious foreign policy.
We should have taken The only sensible aud
,oifle>pcc.ng course loft us. since every other
had been tired before in the long effort to-
preserve kindly relations with Canada, and
instead Of listening to English tamts and
snccls, We should be receiving tie apologies Of
her colony and The awards due those Of orr
cit ems whose property has been arro santy
moie,tcd