New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-14
THE FAILURE OF ARBITRATION.
A LAMENT FROM ONE WHO is DISAPPOINTED A
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THE OF ARBITRATION.
LAMENT FROM ONE WHO is DISAPPOINTED AT
THE ACTION OF THE SENATE.
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir Allow me to state why many loyal Ameri-
cans feel keen disappointment over the treatment
the Arbitration Treaty received by the United
States Senate II is hardly complimentary to the
boards Of trade educational bodies, the press and
the great religious associations which have sup
ported this instrument 10 imply. you do in your
editorial, that they are controlled by dreams Of
miiennia peace. There are many of us who have
long ceased 10 dream impossible dreams. We sup
ported the treaty because 1t gave good promise Of
doing away with needless between and
the nation with which, in the nature Of things.
come most in contact; and needless we believe
10 be crime and dire catastrophe. 1t was an
eminent Republican and still more eminent Ameri-
can who, half century ago. wrote:
Ez fer war, call it murder
There you hev II. plain an fat.
TIE rugged truthfuness OF the words remains
changed. OF course, we know that when
forced upon nation is not murder and know
also that there worse things than such war.
Even then, however. believe such worse things
few.
We believe. and our belief is sustained by the
judgment Of the intelligent classes Of the country
to an unparalleled degree. including greatest
constitutional lawyer and Presidents belonging to
both the great political parties, that such O
tribunal that which the treaty would have es-
tablished would. In most cases OF difference have
given both nations an opportunity TO cool of In
the interval Of six months more during which
II was doing its work: and between peoples of
honest intentions 10 cool of Is generally to refrain
from war.
Our disappointment therefore, is, FIRST on the
score Of humanity From that point Of view the
difference between us and our opponents Is this;
Which is the more impo.tant-that hundred thou
sand American homes should go undesolated. or
that certain would-be leaders should have vent
for a passion for combat which they have inher-
lied from our brute ancestors?
Second. are greatly disappointed on grounds
OF patriotism. Among those who consider that
patriotism consists In robbng ones neighbors for
the bcneft OF his own family this remark will ex.
largely leist. In seeking the best things for
ones country prominent among which things are
character, dignity and honor 1t hurts us that the
either harboring dishonorabc intentions or dis
trusting her own capacity TO present her cause ade-
qua:ey before an impartial tribunal. Does the
Editor OF The Tribune know which OF these horns
We are really iinpaled upon? IL II be only that
rulers fear that the best American ability when
pittcd against British talent In the forum. would
come on second best how Illuminating TO every
American TO have TO admit IL!
We have indeed, been harboring a dream, though
not an impossible ore. We have dreamed that
on medieval jealousies and quarrcls, America
might show the world O higher development OF
civilization. or at the very least be In the van OF
all that makes for the bettsrmsnt OF mankind. u