The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-06-08
TALKING ABOUT THE
PROSPECTS OF ALLIANCE
Among Some Of the Most Con-
sentative Englfshmen.

Discussion Taking = Practical Form
Among Some Of the Most Con-
sentative Englishmen.
NEW YORK. June A London letter
10 a New York newspaper, discussing the
proposed Anglo-Amsrican alliance, says:
Any proposition for an effective alliance
between the two countries relates 10 an
exchange OF territories. 10 be effected for
mutual advantage. Enghshmen VINO have
accurate knowledge OF their West indian
possessions are in despair of their future.
The sugar Islands are doomed, iAey as
sert. as dependencies OF a country whose
free trade policy does not permit tartn
determinations In Great Britain's faSor.
The United States. on the other hand.
with its tariff system and with It's great
market for sugar. may be able to develop
their resources and restore their prosper
lily. Why should not Jamaica ana other
islands, ask these candid Englishrnen. be
added to the American union, after cuba
has been redeemed from misery and rutny
VIII II not be possible 10 arrange basis
OF exchange by which islands like the
Philippines can be transferred 10 England.
with her superior facilities for governing
them in connection with other remote
states OF the empire, and some OF the West
Indian possessions be handed over 10 the
United States. with tariff system and
a market precisely adapted TO their econ
omic reGuirementsP
These are illustrations OF the practical
spirit in which the projected alliance be-
tween the two countries Is tentatively dis
The idea OF placing the United States un-
der bonds to double the peace establish
ment OF Its standing army and to enlarge
the scope of its naval activities may he
as chimerical as the notion that an ex-
change OF territories can be Effected on
these principles 1t il not necessary from
an American point OF view TO discuss either
proposition seriously: but the fact that
rejecting men OF weight and influence care
TO make practical applications of the prin-
ciples or Angio-Saxon community or ac-
10 IF eal Sfu ni fra1
The leaven of International good feeling
Is working. A year ago England was con-
iuring with the high-sounding phrase.
Splendid isolation American opinion
and Mr.. Chamberlains has suggested an
alternative policy. based upon the COM
mon interests OF the Engish-sp speaking
world. IL may he premature: it may be
a vaeary OF optimism; but Ii has made
deep impression upon the English people.
and with their practical Instincts they are
discussing IL in calculating spirit from
the point OF view OF enlightened self-in-
terest.
Since reference is made to the under
current OF English opinion rather than 10
the foam and sparkle of press discussion
on the surface. il u necessary 10 speak
OF the conservatism OF public thought
which proclaims an immediate alliance be-
tween England and America as iE-adyis-
ed and calculated to do more harm than
good. Many OF the truest friends OF Amer
ica In England take this view. They con-
tend that the two countries. under an i'm
proved state of good feeling, already have
all the practical advantages of an ALL
ance without any OF the Inconvenience
and drawbacks. They assert that England,
by her enforcement OF neutrality obsiga-
lions and coaling regulations. and by her
refusal to unite with the European powers
In any scheme OF intervention in the Gu
ban affair, has promoted International
anaity and placed America under obiiga-
lions TO her. They are, confident that
friendship and kind offices and that when
ever suitable opportunity arises they
viii return the favor on the principle
that one good turn deserves another They
consider mutual good viii more important
than the formal engagements OF an ali-
ance. with the inevitable result OF COM
pensative advantages and full equivalents,
which Is likely TO produce irritation and
friction. These are not the opinions OF
obstructionists. but of practical and eau
tious men who consider that artificial at
tempts TO bring about an alliance. before
public opinion in either country, will only
serve TO retard and hamper q movement
rich in promise for the future OF the An
trend OF events and the stream OF race ten
denotes are pointing in the direction OF an
alliance between the two countries but APP
prehend that premature action on either
side may prove detrimental to common In
terests.
Let well enough alone" they say in
effect.
Events are marching rapidly. Tendon
cies are operating surely, II silently.
An alliance should not come from any
"a
and spontaneous growth. We already have
a state % international amity which in
spires each country with sincere desire
10 help the other whenever an emergency
arises. and that IL a great gain for civil
tzation. lie. Va not be in any undue haste
10 entause ourselves with any definite
pledges and engagements whlch may en-
barrsss US and intercept the course OF good
feeling.
Another argument which is also urged
by conservative Engiishrnen is besed
Ths. F2f~s bar bar RAJ tsk
alliance between England aisr America as
there IS between Russia and France. J.,
Is not denied that the prestige OF France
has been greatly increased In Europe by
virtue OF its confidential relations with
Russia but IL is asserted with confidence
that u the precise terms OF partnership
were revealed. there would be discomfort
On one side or the other. and the alliance
would cease 70 have any practical value
There can be no secret engagements. Il is
urged between England and America
Each nation viii have TO be taken into
the confidence Of the government and the
whole world viii knox the extent OF the
liabilities and Obigs lions which are ar
snused on either side. An open alliance
OF shat nature viii be different from ne
ordinary secrets OF diplomacy. which rr-
main iascrut4bie mysteries unt1g the tine
comes for joint action.
An Angio~American alliance vii he ex-
posed 10 the full glare Of publicity and
partisan criticism.
For thiS reason many vary Fnri.shrne-
believe that events should h~ allowed 20
take their course. and Ar alliance be de-
Ssrred until 1t ~ imp@rat.veiy required nv
common interests II - Ens because they
urfserrate the importance OF American CO.
operation with England. II IL because
they value American friend ship So hsghiv
that they do not want 10 take thA risk
% having II rlo8deS with -YsissI19erst and
sYsgH Of definite engagements.
FIRST summer evening band concert.
Madison park. tonight a: 2.
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rATR0HTZE TIE rew ice COMPANY.