Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1895-05-18
GRESHAM IS RIGHT


Judgment of the People.
Secretary Of State Gresham has beer
the subject, almost continuously since
he accepted Office under President
Cleveland, of vindiotive criticism by
his political and personal opponents
and he has followed the example OF
Mr.. Bayard in refraining from making
any defense of his course and in trust.
ing to time and the good sense and jus.
uee of his countrymen for his iustif-
cation. His reliance upon the ultimate
approval of his fellow-citizcns was not
misplaced, and it begins to be justified.
Early n the history of the war be-
tween China and Japan, when it was
reported that the good offices of the
ministers of the United States in
China and Japan were frequently m
ployed by both China and Japan. the
"Jingoes" in and out Of the congress
derived some satisfaction from tho
constant and positive assertion that
the ministers of the United States
were held in general contempt. and
that their efforts were provocative
only of ridicule.
Owing to the per
haps, of 'jingo' senators and politi-
clans, the minister of Nicaragua at
washington has, possibly without in
tending to do SO, helped to impress a
large number Of the readers OF our
newspapers with the belief that a fail
ure to prevent, by force, If necessary,
the collection by Great Britain of an
indemnity from Nicaragua for the in
solent treatment of British representa-
tives in Nicaragua would be a discred-
liable abandonment by the United
States of the Monroe doctrine.
There are some indications. which
may not be convincing to the ''jingoes'
of the Maine and Massachusetts stripe,
that Secretary Gresham will be iusti-
fled by those who have greater reason
than the Lodges and the Frves for
holding him up to public execration.
and that by and by the reasons that
conStrain foreigners in commencing
him will command the approval of his q
own countrymen.
The London Times recently gave Il
space to a letter from Sir Henry g
lloworth, NJ. p, suggesting that it is i,
the interest of England Ito formu- II
ate a common policy with the United L
states in regard to the far east, and 1t
he Pail Mali Gazette, in approving N
he suggestion of Mr.. Howort5 de- C
lares that America has received II
many marks OF respect from Cajrr Eri W
apan," This is n rude denial Of the d-
lingo" complaint, but it contributes Is
o the approval Of the policy pursued
the east by Secretary Gresham and tn
ne administration OF Mr. Cleveland. 81
1t is just as well to be suspicious of ~
opinion Of our construction of uu
lie Monroe doctrine, but Secretary ca.
resham's course in Nicaragua, which pr,
rs been clear and patriotic from the SIN
of his handling Of the mat w,
+, is more i~ntelligently discussed in
lie British papers than it has been by
lie American limoges" who would TIL
lrsue a policy, in the name of the
onroe doctrine, that would invite the y
provocation of foreign powers tee
ward South American states. and we
ould also keep us in hot water in the pc.
to assert a doctrine understood chi
J few men as it has recently been cx- sta
bundled by Mr.. John l.. Russell aud tn,
Hill. tn,
1t is not generally understood, al col
Tough 1t is a fact, that the Americans sh,
Nicaragua who had a grievance In
hich was similar to that Of Consul go
atch, and would have justified a WI
'remptory demand for indemnity and ha
'ology, deprived the United States OF sh,
| grounds fordemand upon Nicaragua an
: accepting such Inequalities at the ha
of the government that they div
'uld not, with justice or decency, in pc
diplomatic controversy in their ha
Y. Times. tic