The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-06-24
A GLOOMY ENGLISH VIEW.

- aSOOMt RsN1Ltsn VIE ".
The Pail Mall Gazette recently pub
iished al editorial In which IL declared
tina. no one but the most optimistic
American can see anything satisfactory
or hopeful IN either the business or po-
iitscal outlook T. has not been constd-
efed worth the cost TO telegraph the ed
toriai In full. ard that Judgment Is no
doubt correct. although IL would be In
teresting to know on what premises these
conclusions are based.
The general sono OF the article IS sug-
gcstive OF those occasional ponderous
essays In seeond-rate polemicsl maga-
zines, which 'Aboriously argue that Great
Britain Is tottering and will soon fall
into tecrepitudlnai heap at the feet OF
the United States. They are to be found.
too, IN weekly newspapers OF bilious
temperament. even In England. The GER
tain downfall Of the empire was portend-
cd when the corn laws were repealed.
and disaster was foretold when the SUI
6rsgc WAS sxtended.
In the absence OF the argument II Is
like cropping IN the dark for the signs
which Indicate political and business
gloom for Us. but we can determine the
value Of the vein OF reasoning hy an as
say OF one sample that has been sent to
AS from across the ocean. The Pail Mall
Gazette eriticises President Mckinley.
who. II says. instead of playing the part
nF he fGffs ustfn no
ioie OF a party man"
This is very far from being the truth.
President Mckinley has not been a party
man except in the sense or surrounding
himself with men In harmony with the
national policy he was distinctly elected
TO pursue. II Mr.. Gladstone were called
10 assume the responsibilities OF prime
minister. would the Gazette consider him
merely party man because instead OF
retaining the present heads of depart
ments he replaced them from the ranks
OF the Liberal party? We have more ap-
pointive Offices not filled for life than
Great Britain has. but the principle is
the same. Except in places where the
party principles OF an incumbent are Of
some consequence. very few changes
have been made, fewer indeed than
under any previous president.
President Mckinley has not responded
very promptly 10 party demands. but has
followed an exceptionally dignihed and
conservative course. He has done won
ders in few months 10 restore pIacldity
and stability to national politics. He has
had to seassure the ruffied business in
terests after nearly four years of unrest.
he has brought measure of confidence
30 the industrial life OF the nation. and
this would be very marked If IL were not
for the inevitable suspense attending
passage of the tariff bill. for whose lag
stag be is in no way 10 blame.
President MckinIeys efforts for inter
national pi-mstaiism. 1t says. ARE fu-
tile. II be Is not aware % this he shows
q depth Of ignorance to which presidents
% the United States seldom descend"
Sew Americans arc aware that Mr.. Me
i<inley - making any efforts toward in
iernational bl-metallism. Indeed, the only
criticism passed upon him even by those
who opposed his election 81 because he is
not doing that very thing for which the
Gazette condemns him. II Is true that.
In compliance with the party platform he
pledged himself To support. and in defer
enee 10 public opinion. he has appointed
commission for the purpose OF insuir-
ting into the best method % reforming the
currency IN cooperation with other coun-
tries. hut that would seem to be a wise
and statesmanliSc act even IL 1T shall re-
suit Only 1T demonstrating that the pres
cnt method is. under all the eircunl-
stances. the best to be followed
The business and political outlook for
the United states was never better No
temporary encouragement can daant the
courage or check The enterprise OK the
American people. We have gene through
IL period OF liquidation such IS England
suffered from after the Barring failure
and such as Australia experienced utter
is phenomenal activity tn public works
.sliclcd in the world. The business Of the
country is on more substantial founda-
ton than 70 ever was. and the peopio
have been warned BY the lesson they
learned 70 make better nSe Of the oppor-
tus:tie< now reorenins under the return
20 rAys Of bright prosperity.