The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-11-26
THE CHARGE OF JlNGOlSM.
From the Washington Star.

From the Washington Star.
The people of the United states have
been receiving within the past few years
some very sharp lectures on the sub
Ject of jngoism They are berated upon
the charge of possessing, and encourage
ing the growth Of what in the vernacular
is called "a scrappy disposition" In some
quarters they are characterized as swag-
gercrs and blusterers, quick to take Of
fense and loud and bluff in proclaiming
their purposes. They have likewise re-
ceiVed some solemn warnings, to the ef-
feet that If they do not mend their man
ners in dealing with foreign countries
they will get themselves into serious
trouble-may in fact, get themselves
soundly licked before they know their
danger. These lectures and warnings are
of no great moment but as our mode OF
dealing with foreign affairs Is under dis
cussion, comparison with the modes OF
other countries in meeting such questions
Is fairly to be invited. And 1t so hap
pens that at the present time there are
three live instances that suit the pur-
pose admirably.
Turkey as all the world knows, al
though triumphant over Greece, is un-
der the control of the leading powers of
Europe Encouraged a little by her re-
cent successes, she had decided on put
ting her navy on an improved footing.
But Russia promptly objected. Turkey
owes her part of the old war indemnity,
| and was informed by Russia that immc-
date payment of the money would be
insisted upon IL anything further was
| heard about Strengthening the Turkish
navy. Russia does not need the money.
| 1t has been owing lor twenty years. But
| Russia by this threat brings the prompt
reply from Turkey that the naval pro-
| iect has been postponed. Austria comes
| forward at the same time, and taking
| advantage of the same situation, calls
| Turkey to book for some ofcnses COM
mitted by Turkish officials against Aus
| trian officials. Turkey probably in the
| wrong, but, right or wrong, in no con-
dition to parley, makes an humble bow,
and Austria smoothes her wrinkled front.
| Several German missionaries are killed
| in province in China, and several Ger
| man officials are maltreated. and German
marines are promptly landed and the
| German flag run up at a very important
| port in China. The Chinese complain OF
this action as being both hasty and un-
| just. They claim not to have had time
| even to investigate the charges. But the
| German forces are still in possession OF
the Chinese city. 1t is not to the pur.
pose to critiCise Russia, or Austria, oi
Germany for these things, but only tC
point out how other countries deal will
| questions affecting their own dignity ol
| interests abroad. They act with prompt
ness and even with severity. They stanc
! upon no idle ceremony. How long woulC
| Russia, in our situation and with oul
obligations, have dalled with the Ncne
zuelan matter, as we did? How Ions
would Germany tolerate such abuses a
her door and at such expense to her in
terests as we are tolerating in the case o
Cuba?
Instead of being staggering and ag
gressivc offensive to others and indif
feTent to the rights of others the United
States is patient to the point of error AM
lacking at times in the duty she owes t.
herself as one of the ruling influences il