The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-03-11
SENTIMENT IN CONGRESS
Britain's Proposition Raises a
Storm of Protests.
NO ALLIANCE is WANTED
Democrats and Republicans Alike
United in Saying That America
Does Not Want England as An
Ally Under Any Circumstances or
Conditions.

The news published in The Times yes
terday that Great Britain has suggested
to this Government the advisability OF
an offensive and defensive alliance, has
attracted widespread attention at the
Capitol Every member of the Commit
tee on Foreign Relations claimed to
know nothing definite in regard to the
matter
The general impression is that Great
Britain seeks such an alliance in order
to strengthen her foothold in the East
and not out of any great love for
America. In the Senate there exists
a deep-rooted antagonism to Great Brit
ain. a sentiment that was manifested in
n marked degree when the effort was
made during the last Administration 10
negotiate . general treaty of arbitration.
1t is believed that there has been no
diminution of this sentiment and if the
President were to negotiate such
treaty with Great Britain or any other
sort of compact requiring the consent
of the Senate. it is extremely doubtful
if that consent could be secured.
The report that the President intends TO
send a message to Congress advising that
Cuba be recognized as a republic was re-
ceived with considerable enthusiasm. The
general sentiment at the Capitol favors
such action. though it is believed that it
should not be allowed to interfere with a
settlement with Spain over the Maine dis
aster
There were two incidents IN the Senate
yesterday. The Committee on Military
Affairs reported bill to revive the grade
OF lieutenant general of the Army, and it
was placed on the calendar.
The more significant incident, however.
was the introduction by Mr.. Chandler Of
a joint resolution providing for the tenn
porary admission, free of duty, Of naval
supplies procured abroad. The resolution
provides that such guns, ammunition and
other naval supplies IS may be purchased
abroad by the Government FOR the ma
donal defense, prior to January l, 1899,
shall be admitted at any port Of entry
free of duty.
This resolution was prepared at the
Navy Department and sent TO the Capitol
by Secretary Long, accompanied 10y a
letter recommending its passage. Mr..
Long stated that in some cases the duty
assessed under the law would be half the
cost price of the supplies.
The resolution was referred 10 the Com
il-lAtc Oh lIldnCe peHulllS dCliDn D. the
House.
Several members of the House were
asked for their opinions in regard TO the
attempted negotiations of Sir Julian
/ Pauncefote with President Mckinley.
Mr.. Cox of Tennessee said that he be-
4 lieyed he voiced the sentiment of every
! Democrat in the House when he declared
! that this country should not entanele it,
self with an alliance of any description
with foreign power, He said sucn an
act would be in every respect contrary 10
1 the policy that has always been pursued
/ by America
IF this Government he said, should
! enter into an alliance with Great Britain
/ 1t would result in a war between the TWO
nations within five years. The interests
! OF the two countries are so much alike
that jealousies would be created which
would certainly be followed by serious
! complications. This country is ctrong
/ enough to take care of itself. and ii would
| be folly for us to enter into any compact
which would compel America to assist
/ England in her wars with powers that are
i today and always have been friendly 10
! this nation i do not approve an alliance
with any nation, and least of all with
Great Britain"
Other members were interviewed On this
subject. and Republicans and Democrats
were a unit in expressing their disapproY-
al of any alliance whatever with Englan1