The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-03-13
NO ALLIANCE WITH ENGLAND.
The Controlling Reason Against Such
Course.
(From the New York Herald.


(From the New York Herald.)
Washington. March 1.-THE United
States cannot afford TO enter into
an alliance with any European
power without reversing the history Of
the past hundred and twenty-five years
and disregarding its most sacred tradi-
tions."
This remark was made TO me today by
one of the ablest international lawyers in
the United States Senate and also one OF
the closest students of modern history. I
am not permitted to use his name. be-
cause of the position he occupies in deal
ing with our foreign relations. The state
ment was called forth by an inquiry
growing out of the reported negotiations
between Great Britain and the United
States looking to a friendly alliance be-
tween those two nations in the event of a
war with Spain and the complications in
the East, involving nearly all the great
nations of Europe.
While l believe that England enter
tains a most friendly regard for the
United States. and would be glad TO form
an ironeIad alliance with the United
States" he continued. IL cannot realize
that this country could enter into such
an alliance in view OF the fixed policy Of
this Government in dealing with our for
eign neighbOrs- 1 fully appreciate the
gravity of the situation in the East. and
/ can also understand what a great benz
fit England would derive from an alliance
with us. She can well afford to as
sure us of her friendly sympathy in COM
nection with the pending Spanish compli-
Ia vx-5sh =
a mere speck on the horizon as compared
with the dark and ominous war clouds
which at the present moment seem to be
hanging over Europe.
Under certain conditions it might be 20
the advantage of the United States to
form such an alliance with Great Britain
but | do not believe we have reached a
point where we are likely 10 ignore the
Monroe doctrine and Overturn our for
eign policy, which has existed since the
foundation of our Government"
in view OF the complications existing
in the East which threaten to involve
England, Germany. France. Russia. Italy,
China and Japan said Senator Chandler
Il can readily understand how beneficial
to all concerned would be a friendly alli-
ance between the United States and
England and Japan. am not
advised that such an alliance is
contemplated, although I have heard
it suggested by those who are sup
posed 10 be we'll versed in international
affairs l have also seen il intimated
that such an alliance might be possible
under certain conditions.
In the event of a war between Spain
and the United States 1 have every rea-
son to believe that England would side
with US. In fact. 1 am convinced that
England would find It to her advantage
10 form an alliance with the United
States in preference to any other nation
on earth.
lit has been suggested that in view Of
the friendly assurances which the queen
of England has given our President
through Sir Julian Pauncefote. the Brit
ish ambassador. now would be an oppor-
tune moment 10 renew the proposition
for the establishment of an international
agreement looking 10 the re-establish-
ment of bimetallisn. While / would be
delighted to see an International agree
ment in favor of silver contaminated I
have very grave doubts whether this
country could afford TO take advantage
financial question with a possible war
measure III We were disposed to be mer-
cenary. We might induce England TO give
more serious consideration to bimetaIisra
than she has heretofore displayed. but /
hardly think the United States would
make the suggestion as part of any
agreement the two countries might see
fit 10 enter into in connection with the
Eastern question or our present difficulty
with SPAIN