The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1898-04-02
A NEEDED POLICY.

The Chicago Record does we'll to
call attention to the fact that it II
high time that this nation take some
decisive step to protect American
trade and American citizens. While
this naticn never seeks war and does
not strive to acquire new territory, IL
has been evident for number OF
years that something was needed to
inspire greater respect for tint
American flag and American citizens
while abroad Little nations, OF what
might be called the terrier dog variety,
have become convinced that the gov
erument of the United States will not
move its mighty machinery to protect
one or two Americans who happen TO
get into trouble on foreign soil. and
that this government will submit to
great deal of.annoyance, rather than
stand up for its rights and the rights
of it's citizens who are temporary
solourners under a for eign flag. For
this reason Americans aboard are often
subjected to insult and injury, and the
United States subjected to ridicule.
One reason for this is that the Amerl-
can naval officers are given no dis
cretlon in matters of this kind.
Another sample of the American
policy of delay, and too often OF
American incompeteucy. may be found
sin the now well-known case OF the
Virginius. While statesman at WASH
in gton were discussing what should be
done and trying to agree upon way
to do it. American citizens were being
murdered by Spaniards at Santiago de
Cuba. Fifty-seven were murdered,
and doubtless the 130 more would have
been murdered had not the commander
of British ship dropped anchor in
the harbor and the assumed authority
to speak for both Great britain and
the United States. The Englishman
merely announced that he was in
formed that there were British SUBJ
jects among the prisoners, and de.
manded that no more be killed until
the American and British authorities
were present to see that justice was
done.
In the light of the outcome of the
virginius affair it is little wonder that
the Spaniards believe that Americans
cannot fight. and that Americans are
"dollar c. asers" who will submit to
any kind of an insult.
The policy of bullyragging smaller
nations will never be tolerar ed by the
people of the United States. But
something must be done to stop the
growing tendency of emaller nations
to mistreat American subjects II Is
high time to put stop to the policy |
which forces Americans doing busi- |
ness abroad to engage British sub
joct in partnership in order that the
British flag may be foated above them.
It is sad commentary that Americans
who are engaged in the merchant ves-
sci trade have taken British partners
in order to secure the protection of the
Union Jack.
of recent occurrence in
oriental waters show TO US that COM
manders of American merchantmen
are unable to command the respect
which has been freely accorded to the
British colors. This is as the record
clearly shows, because Great Britain
has been quick to protect her subjects
md demands an indemnity while the
United States governmedt has been
7ery slow or utterly ignored the whole
natter. The crying need OF this
country now is stiff backbone and a
oreign policy that will command res
,ect for the flag and the rights OF
he American citizens who are tenn
'orary sojourners under a foreign flag.
When the danger is imminent and the
peans of communication slow, the
of American war ships ,
bould be allowed some discretion in {
oreign ports. Let US have policy '
hat will protect Americans in the
ischarge of their honest duties where {
yer they may be, at home or abroad.
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