The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-08-15
THE AMERICAN SPIRIT.


of American officials for hardness in as
sorting the rights OF American citizens
abroad. IL is gratifying TO note the
promptitude OF Minister DENLY. He
waited for no instructions. but promptly
used every means within his reach 10
protect American interests in China.
Recognizing the necessity for all civilized
nations making common cause against
barbarism, he did not wait to inquire
too precisely into the extent of the out
RACES upon Christian missions, but pro-
tested against the manifestation OF hos
tility TO all missionary teachers alike. ir-
respective of nationality.
Possessing a similar American spirit is
Consul Ball. of sydney. He is a. Demo
crat. but none the less a patriot, and
warmly rushes to a defense of his coun-
try. Premier Reid. in the course of an
article on the United States. remarked
that there was nothing more disenchant-
ing than the study of republican institu-
lions as they appear I'm real life In this
country. He has probably been misled
by partisan criticisms OF the administra-
ton, but the American newspapers are
not more severe than is the anti-minis-
terial press of England. Canada or Aus
tralla.
There are defects In our system, and
there will be dissatisfaction SO long as
the American people are lax in their dis
elimination OF candidates irrespective of
party affiliations; but in the main it is
absurd TO say that the American system
OF government is inferior TO monarchy,
even TO the constitutional monarchy of
Great Britain.
In all material conditions we are far
ahead of the old European countries. If
population be a test of national greatness,
the American consul reminds the Austria
liam premier that during seventy-five con-
seeutive years the population of the
United States has doubled I'm every
twenty-five, while monarchical Europe
has failed to double during the last 1000
years. lie reminds the Australian states
man that the United States has passed in
a hundred years from the condition of the
poorest of all Engilsh-speaking countries
to that OF the richest of all countries. lie
calls to his mind, also, that wealth in the
United States is more equally divided than
in any other country.
II interest In public affairs be test of
national greatness. Consul Ball reminds
Premier Reid that very nearly half of all
the newspapers published in the world are
published in the United States. and that
the circulation OF the American moiety is
incomparably greater than that of the
European. Asian. African and Australian
moieties combined.
III consumption of manufactured prod
uets be accepted as a standard of ma
| tional prosperity. the consul reminds the
premier that upon the authority OF AIul-
hall. an English statistician, the value of
goods manufactured in the United States
| is greater than that OF those made i'm
England In proportion as fourteen is
greater than nine; and that ii is in ex-
cess of the value Of the manufactured
output of any four other countries, and
| that Il is equal To half the value of all
European manufactures.
| Tho premier is reminded by the consul
| that half the railway mileage OF the world
| lies IN the United States. and that United
| States roads carry freight at about one
| eighth Of the rate charged In Australia.
| These facts are the best answer to dep
| reoation OF American institutions and the
| assertion OF them. so nointcdly and en-
/ phaucally by an American representative
| abroad is a better method eff checking
/ animadversion and asserting ourselves
| than by cheap displays OF uncalled-for
/ jinEoism.
When there is a call Tor display OF de-
! termination such as Minister DENLY saw
| in the Chinese maSsacrcs. Il IS wise and
| patriotic TO make It. but this people is
/ much more concerned by location. char
/ scter and opportunity in achieving con-
/ quest by commerce and inspiring respect
/ by indomitsbie attention 20 our own bust
: ness