New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-15
The British Government

,.,.s in war time. The British Government
.... too intelligent and wary TO allow this
o,asion OF neutrality law at Por; Said. II 1t
had neglected to prohibit the practice 1t would
Rave impaired the value OF its own chain OF
Certified coaling stations 1t has consulted It's
own interests as a naval Power. while It has
adopted a course OF action favorable to America.
II is almost sup,rhuous to add that the en-
,,ovment Of Port Said refuge where n
belligerent feet could remain indefinitely and
ob,ajn supplies Of coal and provisions from
rolIjers and tenders from home ports would
have been a dangerous precedent for the regu-
lation OF an lnteroceanic canal In war time.
The privilege Of transshipment at Port said
and Suez would render the terminal points OF
the canal bases OF naval operations during Il
,arioJ OF hostilites This would be contrary to
British policy. II England were at war with
Russia or France she would want TO nave the
canal open 70 warships under all hags, but
would insist upon having fleets shut out or the
entrance ports and denied coaling privileges
either from shore from GOLFERS. She has the
fleets for blocking the entrances. and wants free
passage for them through the canal at all times,
and she does not want 10 have belligerents
harbored and coaled al either end. Her own
canal policy has been enforced in dealing with
Admira! Camara's squadron.
All these illustrations which l have been
citing emphasize the fact that while England
suring the last four months has been acting
Indirectly in the interest or America she has
been promoting the ends OF sclf-interest. In
thwarting the Continental concert respecting
Cuba. and in enforcing neutrality law in Hong
Kong the British West Indies and Port Said
she has increased her own prestige and her
resources for future naval warfare. Every
step that she has taken has been helpful 10 the
American side in the war with 81 ain. but 1t
has also been IN the direction Of British inter
ests There has been neither faVOritism nor
craftsmanship. has there been any departure
from the rigorous requirements Of neutral Oh
ligations but by singular coincidence, which
IS worthy Of deep reflection. every eNpedient
designed TO be helpful 10 America has been In
line with enlightened sef-interest. There can
be no more striking proof OF the mutual ad-
vantage Of a common policy
The American people have discovered during
the last half wear that their real friends In an
emergency are in England. and that with the
good Offices OF the British Government assured
10 them they can be Indifferent to Continental
opinion This Is not matter Of sentiment. but
~ practical experience. The moral force OF
England has been exerted powerfully in their
favor English friendship has been most help
mi 70 them Or the other hand the English
sacrifice Of principle policy in promoting
good feeling with America. The have been
useful to America in n foreign crisis and they
have strengthened their own position as mari
time Power When two nations find out for
themselves that when they are just generous
and helpful 10 each other they have common
share in the benefits Of association and friend
shin O practical basis for mutual service is es-
tnblished Sentiment may have inspired, put
elf-interest has justified. all the recent exhi-
ti,ions az good feeling between England ana
America and because this is so their friendship
IS rot likely 10 prove transitory, but perma-
nent. ~ r