The San Francisco call., 1898-03-31
THAT BRITISH ALLIANCE.

/ \ MT. Davtt and other Irish members of the British Parliament discussing a British al liance with the United States in tone of deep seated hostility to the Government of whose law making body they are members. Their advice to this country against actual implied alliance is some what gratuitous since there is evidence that the United States is seeking either or alliance with any European power.
 The policy of this nation since 1920 has aimed at a combination at first commercial and finally mar tal, with the nations of Central and South America As rule alliances have projected along the line of common race, language or institutions. Eng land has been at the head of two European alliances Spaniard, Russian Austrian, Dutch, German and Italian have joined under her leadership, and in the great combinations against Louis XIV and Bona parte neither common sympathies of race nor insti- tutons have cut any figure at all.
 Russian autocracy eager to seek the help of England and land, as if that country were also an absolute instead of parliamentary govern nlent. Zones and hemispheres have interests in common. It is possible that the slowly crysta1lizing community of interests among the nations of the Western Hemisphere will end finally in the presenta- ton of united front from the Dominion line to the Straits of Magellan all questions wherein the in terests of the New World and the Old may clash.
 England would have remote sympathy and cer- tdln III SuCn union Oy FiTtuc or her Canadian domain, but, from partnership in such alliance she would gain than she would give, her entry could not be by her own will. There is no desire among Americans for the misfortune and downfall of Great Britain. As a colonzing nation she has carried civilization by fleet and sword and the other European nations cannot claim quality of mercy in external policy superior to hers.
 This country is desirous of avoiding European complications. We have nothing to gain by them. Ii we were put in straits by alliances would be negotiated with Western neighbors If they wise they will respond The bar to such response would be fear of our becoming so strong that we might enter upon policy of absorption which would destroy their autonomy, and 1t would be the policy of Europe to incte that fear and play upon their jealousy. As long as we are able to inspire conf dence in sense of justice and in our determina- ton to respect our own constitution we may count upon the friendship of our American neighbors.
 While 1t Is business to strengthen Eng land, it is also duty to give encouragement to her enemies The issues of peace and are be- tween her and them, and concern individuals only nation not at all.
 The position of Davitt and the Irish members of Parliament is taken in revenge for seven centuries of history, in which England has absorbed the omy of Ireland the plea that possession of that island is necessary to her destiny and her defense Wherever in the world it is necessary for any pur- pose to impeach England the Irish indictment of her policy is read. It is warning to the United States to avoid that form of arrogance which assumes that strong nations may of right usurp the sovereignty of the weak in order to their defense.
 Our proposition to annex Hawaii is getting dan gerously to that policy which is the great stain on Engands escutcheon and in all times of trouble her weakness and her worry