The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-06-07
Let Nature Take Her Course and
Don't NEEDLE With Well Enough
Say Conservatives.
BETTER TACIT HARMONY
With All the Practical Advantages of Formal
Alliance, Than Hard and Fast Agreement
to Quarrel Over, Say They.

New York. June s-Since reference Is
made to the undercurrent OF English
opinion rather than TO the foam and
I sparkle OF press discussion on the sur
face, It Is necessary to speak OF the con-
servatism OF public thought which dep
recates an immediate alliance between
/ England and the United States as nl-ad-
vised and calculated TO do more harm
/ than good. Many OF the truest friends OF
America In England take this view. They
| contend that the two countries. under an
/ improved state of good feeling, already
/ have all the practical advantages of an
alliance without many OF the inconveni-
ences and drawbacks. They assert that
England by her enforcement of neutrality
Obligations and cOaling regulations and
by her refusal to unite with the European
powers in any scheme OF Intervention in
the Cuban affair. has promoted interna-
tional amity and placed America under
obliga lions TO her. They are confident
that Americans VIII remember England's
friendship and kind offices and that when
ever a suitable opportunity arises they
will return the favor. on the principle that
one good turn deserves another. They
consider mutual good will more import
ant than the formal engagements OF an
alliance. with the inevitable discussion
of compromising advantages and fun
equivalents, which is likely 10 produce
| irritation and friction.
These are not the opinions Of obstruc-
tionists. but of practical and cautious
men, who consider that artificial attempts
to bring about an alliance before public
opinion in either country is fully con-
WINGED OF the utility OF concerted action
on definite lines will only serve to retard
and hamper a movement rich an promise
for the future of the Anglo-saxon race.
They believe that the trend OF events and
the stream of race tendencies are pointing
in the direction Of an alliance between
the two countries, but ap3rshend that
premature action on either side may
prove detrimental TO AL common inter
ests.
Let well enough alone,' they say IN
and spontaneous growth. We already
have a state OF international amity which
inspires each country with a sincere de-
sire to help the other whenever an emer-
gency arises, and that is a great gain for
civilization. Let US not be in any undue
haste TO entangle ourselves with definite
pledges and engagements. which may en-
barrass us and interrupt the course OF
good feeling"
Another argument which is also urged
by conservative EnElfshman. is based
upon the fact that there can be no secret
alliance between England and Amerlcs.
as there is between p Jssia and France.
II IS no denied that the prestige OF
France has been greatly increased in Eu- /
rope by virtue Of its confidential relations
with Russia; but II IS asserted with conf /
dence that II the precise terms Of part
nership were revealed there would be dis I
content on on sid or the other. and the !
alliance would cease 70 have any prac- /
teal value. There can be no secret en- 1
gagements. it is urged. between England .
and America. Each nation will have 70
be taken into the confidence Of the gov
eminent and the whole world Will know
te extent Of the liabilities and obligations
which are assumed on either side. An
open alliance OF that nature viii be difre--
ent from the ordinary secrets OF dlpIorn-
acy. which remain inscrutable mysteries
until The time comes for Joint action. An
Anglo-American alliance will be exposed
{ othe full glare If publicity and partisan
For this reason many English
men believe that events should be al
lowed 20 take thelr course and m alliance
he deferred until fr,ro-a +f,.f,- ,.,--..--.
Il Is not because they uHdeFrats :he I'm
portance Of American co-opera ton wIth
England J. Sc because they value Amer
lean friendship 20 highly that they DO noe
want 20 take the risk q having E, cloud
I'd with misunderstanding over definite
enga gements.