The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-07
LONDON PRESS COMMENT.
Expressions Very Similar to Some of
the Democratic Utterances.

LONDON, Dee. THE Daily Telegraph,
commenting editorially on President Nc
Kinley's message this morning says: ut
used to be Americas proud boast that she
had no foreign policy. Judging from Presi-
dent McKinley's message, the new world is
no more free from the burdens of diplo-
matte negotiations than the old. In a docu-
ment of portentious length, mostly intended
for Spanish consumption, President McKin-
ley has devised a specious pretext for gain
ing time. 1t contains passages that will GER
tainly wound Spain's national SUSCEPTIBLE
ties The whole tone, though meant to be
conciiiatory, savors too much of the magis-
trate availing himself of the first offenders
act to be very acceptable at Madrid. Spain
may not be so thick-skinned as we ere to
these delicate usages of Americas diplo-
matte courtesy. Moreover, there are serious
dangers of revolution in Spain, and the in
discreet adjectives President Mckinley APP
plies to General Weylers policy will not
lessen the latter's popularity. Much depends
upon the attitude of Congress. If, as our cor
respondent thinks, the jingoes acquiesce in
the decision of the executive and give the
Spaniards chance, all may yet be WELL hut
recent experience does not make us over
The Daily Mail says it is very sgtisfac-
tory that President Mckinley comes out 20
strong against the jingoeS."
The Daily Chronicle describes the mes
sage as weak and colorless, compared with
the vigorous handling of public questions
to which Mr.. Cleveland accustomed u.s." 1t
says: THE explanation of this is simple. Mr..
Cleveland was in front of Congress; Mr.. Nc
Kinley is behind it. The Presidents COM
ments on the currency issue are positively
child-like in their simplicity. 1t is safe to
prophesy that his treatment of the Cuban
question will be received with storm. The
annexation of Cuba would be a deplorable
mistake; but the reasons for refraining
from that course are not the milk and water
ones Mr.. Mckinley advances"
The Morning Post, after paying tribute
70 the PRESIDENTS fine sense of duty, in the
face of domestic trouble, in sending the mes
sage at the appointed hour, says: "Tne mes
sage adumbrates a scheme of Legislative eff
fort less short-sighted and less calculated
to set class against class than the misguided
question the President Is vague and diffuse
but studiously correct. Cuban matters,
however, are unimportant, as compared
With the grave issues of domestic affairs
The big battle of the session will be fought
on the ground of home politics and
President McKiniey's Treatment Of the a cTs
rency question.
The Times says: Its tone of patronizing
eoierance VIII make the message not wholly
agreeable to Spain. Probably the President
calculates that if he can satisfy the jingoes
for a time with eloquent denunciations and
warnings, he will find it easier to pursue a
moderate policy. Regarding his currency
proposals 1T seems too probable that Mr.
mckinley still clings to. the notion that
as he follows that will-o'-the wisp he can
hardly be expected to attempt any thor
oughgoing reform of the currency"
The Standard says: THE best that can
be said of the message is that it is abso-
lutely unexciting. As distinguished poll.
tician the President labored under grave
difnculties, and it is no reproach to his skill
that he has failed to surmount them If
Mr.. Mckinley represents anything so far
1t is the new tariff. which is confessedly a
palpable failure. The whole currency plan
hangs upon the condition of an excheuuer
surplus, but when will that happy day ar
rive? Foreign affairs are treated temper
ately. With regard to Cuba the President
has taken care to keep within the limits of
international comfy and good feeling. With
reference to his declaration that should
America be compelled to intervene it will
only be because the necessity for such ac-
ton will be so clear as to command the
support and approval of the civilized
world. The Standard exclaims, THE Span
ish Ministry can sleep in peace!
The Daily News says that the message is
characterized by desire to displease no.
body. Referring to Secretary Cages cur
rency plan, the editorial asserts that Mr.
Cleveland's similar plan never found favor
with Congress. AS to the Cuban question
the Daily News thinks 1.-THE message rings
true and promises fair trial of Spain S new
plans, more than which the President could
not be expected to do"