The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-08-21
SHALL WE HELP ENGLAND?
TEE REAL REASONS FOR AN Anglo
AMERICAN ALLIANCE

CHINA, Markets the Prize for which the
Great Powers Are Now PIayinE-Impor-
lance of Those Markets to the United
states - h Matter One OF Business.
LONDON. Aug. 12.-It II time that Q plain
statement should be made Of the reasons why
many Americans who are still anti-English
ito use the most convenient phrase) In their
Svmpsthies are in favor Of American CO.
operation with Great Britain In the grave in
Nernatiopal crisis which confronts the world.
The sudden disappearance OF animosltles
which two years ago were hot, and the sub
%ntitution Of an apparent cordially which IL
ali hut unanimous. are not to he explained by
merely the benevolent neutrality which the
British Government has manifested toward
the United states during the war. with Spain.
There are other and more potent, II also more
sordid. motives on both sides than platonio
friendship and gratitude.
II may he cynical TO distrust the display Of
brotherly or ~cousinly affection now witnessed
on both sides OF the Atlantic. but 1t Is ON
mon sense. 1t is a hard but practical politi-
cal axiom that all international compacts are
based upon self-interest. Courtship be-
tween nations may sometimes have a sentl-
meuta! basis on the side Of the courted dur
ing tile period Of wooing. The almost
mnutIn IWlNuItS VI IdlC uuhCI tuC thiC
latinG Establishments Of Russia furnished n
sufficiently conspicuous example of the re-
ward to be gained sometimes by fattering a
nations vanity. There never has been and
there never will be any nonsense Of this sort
between the United States and Great Bril-
tain. There have been many and ardent pro-
t~estatinns uf affection for the American peo-
pie made during the past few months by Eng
lishmcn Of all stations in life. These express
sions have been sincere: that i do not dues-
ton. | do deny. however. that there exists
a genuine love Of America as IA nation by
Great Britain rs n nation. Englishmen as q
people are incapable Of real affection fpr any
other country or cuuntrymen than their own,
and It is no disparagement Of them to say SO.
What has happened in Great Britain is
Simply this: Euglishmen have discovered lat
least they never recognized the truth beforel
the immense potentialities Of the United States
for reshaping international destinies. and
with the discovery has come the realization Of
the fact that only by the aid OF American in
fucnce can grave disasters to the prestige and
prosperity of the British Empire be averted.
Moreover. England is willing to pay what she
considers to be a fair price for the necessary
cooperation. That is the basis OF the whole
matter. Sentiment has nothing to do with It,
and the quicker it Is dismissed from consider
alton in connection with the question OF an
Anglo-American understanding the better 1t
will be-for America.
II comes then to a discussion Of proposed
terms Of bargain, and it is important to be per-
fectly frank In dealing with them. l do ~not:pro-
pose to consider these details. but. instead. to
point out certain features OF the situation
which are not understood on this side OF the
ocean and which may not be fully appreciated
Oh yours.
First. as to the latest phase OF the far East
ern crisis, for upon that everything hinges:
The point has practically been reached when
nothing short OF an unqualified threat OF war
from Great Britain or from Great Britain and
the United States combined will suflce to pre-
vent the immediate dismemberment Of the
Chinese Empire. Some believe that snahsa
challenge from Great Britain alone would be
accepted. and that a colossal struggle. involv-
ing all Of Europe. would bring the century to
an end in blood. Very few doubt that II Eng
land and America together interposed a veto.
with war as the alternative. the ambitions Of
Russia and her supporters would be sufficient
ly checked without actually drawing the sword.
In other words, the addition OF an American
protest to the British against the division Of
China would have an influence toward a peace
ful rather than a bellicose solution Of the
question.
1t is well to indicate just here one or two Of
the consequences TO the American people in
ease they refrain from interfering In any way
in the Far East. First, what will be the effect
OF our refusal upon the policy Of Great Brit
ain? The events Of even the past few days
afford important indications upon this point.
1t is becoming more and more evident that
Lord Salisbury's Government will never, sin
n la-hnnha1 ni1RGna the nOliny ~ naaf..anaat 10
Russian aggression in Asia to the extremity OF
war. There is no doubt that three fourths OF
the English people. without regard to party,
are disguised, exasperated, and Inundated
by the weakness. the cowardice If you will. of
the present Government. But, nevertheless.
Lord Salisbury Is apparently determined not
TO assume the responsibility Of war upon this
Issue. There are scores of reasons for his de-
termination. but the incorporating oppo-
sltlon to war for any cause on the part of the
Queen is one Of the strongest OF them. What.
then, will England do. II she fails to secure
support and II the process OF hus-
Ting her out OF China continues. as II Is GER
tain to do? The answer has been foreshad-
owed with tolerable clearness for weeks past.
will accept the policy OF the dismembsr-
ment OF the Chinese Empire and will seize
what she can Of the spolls. This course Of
action was indicated frankly enough by the
Times as long ago as April last. when It said:
Let us define the area from which we mean
ut all risks to exclude the political influence of
other powers and tell them and the nation
that any intrusion within that area means
war waged with the whole force OF the empire.
Then. and not till then. will they cease to Gust
us piecemeal from China"
The obvious question now arises. How will
China DO divided and what will be the effect OF
The partition upon the interests of non-partici-
pating nationsY 1t Is indicated with considerable
already that northern China. includ-
'ng, OF course. Pekin. will go TO Russia France
VIII get southern China; England and Ger
many must satisfy their claims in the central
region. with all the powers using their infu-
snce 10 increase the German and diminish
The English share. And with the territory