Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-23
The Charge of JingoiSIn.

The people of the United States have
been receiving within the past few years
seine very sharp lectures on the subject
of jingcism. They aye berated upon the
charge of possessing. and encouraging the
growth of. wHat in the vernacular is called
"a scrappy disposition In some quarters
they are characterized as swaggerers and
blusterers. quick to take Offense and loud
and bluif i'll proclaiming their purposes.
They have likewise received some solemn
warnings. 10 the effect that if they do
not mend their manners 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 ard warnings are of no
great moment, but mode of dealing
with foreign affairs is under discussion. "a
comparison with the modes of other coun-
tries III meeting such questions is fairly
to be invited And 1t so happens that at
the present time there are three live in
stances that suit the purpose admirably.
Turkey, all the world knows, although
triumphant over Greece, is under the
control of the leading powers of Europe.
Encouraged a little by her recent sue
cesses. she mad decided on putting her navy
on improved footing. But Russia
promptly objected. Turkey owes her part
of the old war indemnity. and was in
formed by Russia that immediate payment
CT the money would be insisted upon if
anything further was heard about strength
ening the Turkish navy. Russia does not
Iced the Money. 1t has been owing for
twenty years. But Russia by this threat
brings the prompt reply from Turkey that
the naval project has been postponed.
Austria comes forward al the same time,
and, taking advantage of the same situa-
ton. calls Turkey to book for some Of
lenses committed by Turkish officials
against Austrian officials. Turkey, proba-
bly, in the wrong. but. right or wrong in
no condition to parley. makes humble
bow, and Austria smoothes her wrinkled
front.
Several German missionaries are killed in
a province in China, and several German
officials are maltreated. and German ma
Zines are promptly landed and the German
flag run up at a. very important port in
China. The Chinese complain of this ac-
ton as being both hasty and unjust. They
claim lot TO have had time even to investi-
gate the charges. But the German forces
are still in possession of the Chinese city.
1t is not to the purpose to criticise Rus
SID UT Austiid' UT uerldhy Ior 'heSe
things. but only to point out how other
countries deal with questions affecting
their own dignity or interests abroad. They
act with p~omptness and even with severi-
ty- They stand upon no idle ceremony.
Low long would Russia, in situation
and with our obligations, have dallied
with the Venezuelan matter. as we did
How long would Germany tolerate such
abuses at her door and at such expense to
her interests as We are tolerating in the
case of Cuba?
Instead of being staggering and aggres-
sive, offeLsive to others and Indifferent to
the rights of others, the United States is
patient to the point of error and lacking
at times in the duty she owes to herself
one of the ruling Influences in the world
for good government.