The record-union., 1896-03-24

one over, Of which is unamerican in
sentiment and chosen from countries
in which the Monroe doctrine has been
the target for scorn and laughter?
Yesterdays dispatches say that the
English press and arbitration promoters
point with satisfaction to the action of
Congress on this subject last year and
prior to that, and the advice of the
President favoring the scheme is his
message late in 1898. 1t is true that
Congress did pass resolutions advis-
ing the President to conclude treaties
with any power with which we have
diplomatic relations, providing that
settlement of any disputes or issues
to arise might be had by the peaceful
means of arbitration. 1t is true, also,
that the Government of England ex
pressed the same wish and communi-
Gated it to the President, who laid the
communication before Congress. In
his message in 1893 the President did
say to Congress that he earnestly
hoped all disputes between the two ma
tions would be settled by arbitration.
But we do not understand that in all
this exchange of expression of desire
there was any suggestion for perma-
nent tribunal of arbitration.
No one opposes arbitrating matters at
issue between the nations that are
genuine issues and involve doubt as to
exactly where justice lies and not in
volving American principle. We have
never opposed arbitration, but have
held that each case should stand upon
its own bottom, because cases will arise
which we cannot afford to arbitrate,
as they will involve sacrifice of prin-
ciples dear to the American heart, and
that we cannot agree shall ever be
passed upon to final judgment by any
other than Americans. Hence it is that
we deem the present scheme one not to
be commended or further advanced.
Instead of crippling our diplomatic
independence we should bend our ener-
gies to the development of diplomatists
and the cultivation of a diplomatic
school. It is the one joint in our armor
of all others which is weak. We are
outwitted uniformly by foreign diplo-
matists, and if the permanent arbitra-
tion tribunal idea prevails, we will de-
velop no diplomatic wit until the expert
ment is abandoned. The present outlook
is that the tide in favor of the new plan
friends of the tangled idea. It will
therefore be our misfortune to learn
by bitter experience what we ought to
receive from wisdom at this moment
If we once enter into the proposed
compact and the alien board is erected,
we will be bound in honor to abide by
its DEGREES. But it will not be long be-
fore a question will arise involving a
vital American principle. Under the
compact it will be referred to the new
tribunal, and then the American people
will be confronted with the hazard at
which they have placed their interests.
1ASy VIII see Indl an issue IN Wnlcn
their position cannot be vacated or COM
promised without the abandonment of
a cherished and right doctrine is at the
mercy of a tribunal foreign to our sys-
tenn. If that body decides to our liking
all will be well, but if it holds against
US, what then?
| We venture the prediction that in
such case, and it is absolutely certain
to arise, we will invite dishonor by
breaking our pledge and refusing to
abide by our contract. That will be the
| logical, the inevitable outcome, just as
soon as the tribunal touches a question
| involving not mere fact, not mere policy.
not simple justice or fishery rights. or
| shipping, or high seas matters, or in
ternational law, etc., but concerning a
matter, or principle, that we hold to be
vital to the integrity of republican in
stitutions, such as the Monroe doctrine.
| for instance.