Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-08-22
AN AMERICAN POLICY.
PresideYI HarrIson's Commensurate Faith
in His Native Land.


swOre faithfully to execute the laws
of the United States, he was dressed
from head to foot in clothing of
purely American production and
manufacture. His hat, his overcoat,
his waistcoat, trousers. linen, necktie,
underwear. hose and shoes-every
stitch on his body and every button
and thread in his outfit, even she
umbrella which Sergeant-at-A-m ms
Canaday held over him for protection
aud made in the United States. Like
wise Vice-President Morton when he
took the oath of Office in the Senate
Chamber, and Mrs. Harrison and Mrs.
Morton, with members of their
FAMILIES, when they graced the in
augural ball with their presence, wore
suits of strictly American pattern,
texture and workmanship.
Trifing and momentary comment
was made upon the fact at the time,
but there was principle under the
outward incident, beautiful and far
reaching conception of patriotism and
loyalty behind it ali. that grows daily
more significant and suggestive as the
policy of the present administration is
unfolded more fully to the public.
1t is but little more than five months
since the Administration was ushered
into official power, and yet already it
has signalized itself. among other
worthy and notable ways. following
the traditions of Republicanism, by its
quality of intense though dignifed and
distinguished Americanism. That
which was so sadly lacking in this re-
spect under the Cleveland rule is pres
ent under the Harrison regime to re-
markable degree. The President and
his entire Cabinet seem to have en-
tertained and coupled together, from
the outset. a deep realization of the
greatness and Importance of the Amer
lean Nation among the powers of the
earth, with profound faith in the
natural superiority of the American
people If allowed to develop their in
herent genius under favorable condi-
tons
The logical results of such ideas as
these. when put into practical execu-
ton, are rapidly becoming manifest.
They are to be seen cropping out even
now in decided change in the foreign
policy of the Government, so far as it
has yet had opportunity to assert
itself; in the reorganization of the
State Department; in the character of
all the foreign and the more impor-
tant domestic appointments thus far
made, and in the spirit which has
marked the general control Of our Ma
tional affairs at home and abroad.
1--WE have a just right to expect"
declared President Harrison in his in
augural address, that our European
policy will be the American policy of
foreign courts And again: Our
citizens. domiciled for the purposes of
trade in all countries and in many
islands of the sea- demand and will
have our adequate care in their per-
sonal and commercial rights" And
still again, in reference to the Panama
canal complication: 1T is so mani
festly incompatible with those precau-
items for our peace and safety which
all the great powers habitually OBJ
serve and enforce in matters affecting
them that a shorter waterway between
our Eastern and Western seaboard.
should be dominated by any European
Government, that we may confidently
expect that such hope will not be en-
tertained by any friendly power"
Noble and temperate words were
those, for the fulfllment of which
there is every promise. American
citizens can well feel proud of the
triumph of American diplomacy
gained in the treaty recently agreed
upon by the Samoan convention at
Berlin, for. by the exercise of a little
dignity. tirmness and decision. the
State Department. under Mr.. Blaine,
succeeded in winning back from Ger
many the valuable commercial rights
that had been allowed languidly to
slip through Secretary Bayard's ten
der, gloved fingers.
So, too, Secretary Blaine's prompt
action in the case Of the three Brook
Ign ladies who were subjected to in
dignities by the French police au-
thorities, at the instigation of a
French dress-maker, commends itself
in an equally refreshing way to every
patriot, and has about it the true ring
and genuine stamp of sterling metal.
The conference of representatives of
American nations for the extension
of American commerce will soon be
held. and other diplomatic victories
are bound to follow as time rolls on;
and the public will not be long in
that, in order to maintain
American rights abroad, it is not
needful for the State Department to
buster and bully weak nations
and exercise truculent pusillanimity
towards the strong. but that. without
being pugnacious or self-assertive
great things can be gained by en-
forcing reserved and moderate de-
mands with the steady touch born of
proper self-respect and clear appre-
citation of the equities of affairs.
stationery and soft-mannered
language in official correspondence
are not now recognized in the State
as constituting the neces-
sary and only prerequisites to
with foreign governments