The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-13
He Says Americans Have Their Good
Points. but as for POIitics-!

Alfred Austin England's new poet laure-
ate, has had his little say about the nature
and habits of Americans. 1t In a
cent letter TO the London Daily News, and
here il is
1 have spent near:y five months of the
present year in the United States, and had
many opportunities OF seeing and acknowl-
edging the kindly feeling entertained by
almost every class of Americans toward
their English cousins-a feeling manifested
in every possible way whenever an English
man visits their country. But also noticed
with regret, a prevalent and increasing
tendency on the part of cultivated, busy.
Christian men to echew politics and leave
public affairs, both nationa. and municipal
in the hands of professionals" men
make business of electioneering and whose
words and actions are prompted mainly by
the desire TO benefit the party to which they
belong.
A business man or a literary man prompt
~ excuses himself for folding his arms
and letting things glide by saying. (a) 81
cannot touch pitch without being defiled,"
and (b) Nothing can be done in American
public life except by cooperation with one
of the great parties, and neither Republic
ans nor Democrats command my respect or
confidence" and so II happens that great
country is represented. and its views sent
out to the word, by men whose supreme
object is to win and enjoy office and power
This fact should make Englishmen take
the present ebulition on the Venezuelan
question 'cum grano Sails" and they should
also bear in mind that q presidential cleo
ton is imminent-that both parties are
that among Irishmen and American jingoes
no cry is so popular as snarl at the Brit
ish lion, and that even statesmen may be
tempted to speak and act with an eye TO
the coming contest
1 VIII not touch on the merits of the
question in dispute-that is best left with
the responsible Ministers of the Crown
and whatever may be our opinion of Lord
Salisbury's home policy, we can trust him
with the honor OF England in foreign af-
fairs, BUT desire TO express my strong
conviction that apart from Willingness to
make little political capitaD there is no
wish or intention on the part Of Americans
to be other than friendly with England,
and that II our statesmen and our press
maintain firm and quiet attitude and re-
frain from remarks of an irritating nature
the little breeze that has arisen will quick
~ suhsice.
Again and again ! was told by thought
full, influential men in the states that the
true policy OF both branches OF the Anglo
Saxon race was closer union, that blood
was thicker than water" and that In view
OF the state OF armed Europe and the
complications that may arise, IL would be
a suicidal policy TO allow arrangement
70 arise between two nations who have
language, literature. history, religion. in
situations and future interests in common.
am sure the influence OF the Daily News
and I hope OF all other papers, will be ex-
erted TO prevent any outbreak of bellicose
language in this country that might fan
into a flame a spark OF difference which,
with wisdom and forbearance, will soon die
out