The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-01-14

answer of Secretary OIney to the Rus
sian minister when that official in
quired about the effect of the general ar
bitration treaty negotiated between the
United States and Great Britain. 10 was
an answer which brings out in most strik-
ing colorS the far-reaching Importance OF
that treaty. carrying 1t from the field OF
English and American diplomacy into the
broader realm Of International relations;
1t was an answer which shows in itself
how the United States has fortified itself
against possible European opposition to the
Monroe doctrine. and how the great Eng
disappearing peoples of the world are now
virtually in alliance for maintenance OF
that doctrine, TO which the dignity and
the pride and the patriotism of the United
states have been pledged.
From the inception of the general arbi-
tration idea Russia has watched the prog
ress OF the negotiations with eagle eye.
Various inquiries concerning the progress
Of the treaty and its possible effect have
been made by the Russian minister. Final
ly Nj. De Kotzebue. acting under direct or
burg, asked Secretary Olney the direct
question: Does the treaty which the world
knows to be under discussion between your
government and Great Britain amount 10
treaty Of offense and defense. or does ii
in any way commit the two governments
to an alliance?"
This was a perfectly proper question for
the Russian minister 10 ask. under the cir
cumstances. and il would have been equally
proper for Secretary Olney either to evade
il or 10 refuse a direct answer. But Sec
retary Olney did neither. His reply was al
most startling in its frankness. and this
reply, in substance. If not in precise words,
was as follows: Your question. Mr., Min
lister. can he answered both yes and no.
In the ordinary diplomatic acceptance of
the term ii is not treaty of offense and
defense, but il IS an alliance between the
United States and Great Britain in sup
port of the Monroe doctrine"
Secretary Olney further explained to NJ.
n th Pran OF
acknowledged the validity of the Monroe
doctrine, which heretofore she had affected
TO regard merely as the ipse dixit of the
United States and without the force and
effect Of international law. the ratification
of this treaty would make Great Briatin
practically an ally of the United States in
the maintenance and enforcement of that
doctrine.
This announcement was not received by
the Russian minister with marks of well
come. An experienced and astute diplomat
like NJ. De KotZebue could not fail instantly
10 grasp the full significance of this COM
ing effect Of a tacit alliance between the two
great English-speaking nations of the
world. and it's possible influence upon the
future of European diplomacy. He could
appreciate. as every diplomatist in Wash
ingtOn appreciates, that there is almost
more danger of complications and friction
between the United States and Great Bri-
tain than between the United States and
any other first-class power. All such dam
ger, 1t is believed, has been completely re-
moved by the treaty of general arbitration.
If the treaty be ratified by the Senate it
is almost impossible 10 see how war could
ever occur between the United States and
England. or even the menace of it, While
neither Russia as a nation nor NJ. De kotZe-
bue her representative desires war be-
tween Great Britain and America, the re-
moval of all danger OF hostilities between
them is not regarded with pleasure by Rus
sian diplomacy. 1t is too much of an in
reference with the diplomatic game that
Russia Is playing in the far East. Russia
would not object to the strengthening of the
United States; the trouble is that it
strengthens Great Britain.
RUssia's displeasure because England has
gained strength is as nothing compared to
the advantage reaped by the United States,
and Secretary Olneys reply to the Russian
minister is important chiefly from the vast
significance of the treaty which is disclosed
thereby. The Importance of the treaty is
not yet appreciated by the people of the
United States, and IL certainly is not ap-
preciated by the members of the Senate,
who. under the Constitution, are to sit in
Judgment upon il. for already there is Sc
rious opposition to its ratification in the up
per house of Congress.