Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-13
SUNDAY..............MARCH 10, 1898.
THE DUNCOMBE INCIDENT.

THE DUNCOMBE INCIDENT.
The Duncombe parliamentary incident
cannot but be gratifying to the people OF
the United States. 1t went far enough
TO give promise of accomplishing great
good, and stopped short of opening the
way to harm. 1t served TO uncover to the
world the fact that a strong current of
British sympathy flows out to this coun-
try in the present crisis in our relations
with Spain-a current Of sympathy repre-
senting potential inhuence-but, happily.
the matter was not pressed, as might have
been the case, to the point of embarrass-
ing both governments. As the incident
now stands we are justified in interpret
ing it as assuring us of powerful British
moral support. both in respect Of our
present attitude towards Spain touching
the Cuban complication, and what the is
sue may lead TO. That is all we could
ask and all that is to be desired.
This assurance is calculated I'm many
ways TO make for preventing war 1t can
not but be construed by Spain as an ad-
monition that it would be well to accede
TO such terms of adjustment with us as
would insure peace. And if perchance,
Spain should ignore the admonition, IT
would have tremendous effect in the di-
rection of estopping any of the CONT
mental Powers from forming an alliance
with Spain, or affording the latter aid
and comfort.
We have said the Duncombe incident
stopped short of opening the way TO
harm, and that IL might have been press
ed to the point Of embarrassing both gov
ernments. Considering Great Britain's
enormous commercial interests, and how
detrimentally they might be affected by
her becoming a party TO a war on the
high seas, we can hardly think that either
the British Parliament or the British
public would sustain proposition to put
the British navy at our disposal. should
war between this country and Spain be
declared. But granting that we are mis-
taken, we cannot see that we could afford
10 accept the offer.
Acceptance would be a dangerous prece-
dent. 1t would involve a violation OF
Washington's rule of isolation, and a de-
parture from our historic policy I'm re-
spect Of foreign relations. If it should not
prove in itself an entangling alliance. as
contemplated in Washington's rule. if
would probably pave its way TO entan-
Cling alliances in future. II is true Of ma
tions, as of men, that it is the first stem
in receding from principle that counts
1t is also true of nations, as of men. that
debts are expected 10 be paid in kind 10
incur the debt of active support from -
foreign Power would be TO chance the
danger of being placed under obligation
10 disregard the wise injunction Of Wash
ington, as embraced i'm these questions.
why forego the advantages Of so pecu-
liar (our detached TERRITORIAL a situa-
ticn?' "Why quit our own to stand unon
foreign grounds?" "Why, by interweav-
Ing our destiny with that of any part OF
Europe, entangle our peace and prosper
lily in the tolls of European ambition
iivalship, interest, humor or caprice?"
TO incur such debt would be to run the
risk Of committing ourselves TO turning
deaf ear TO the echo by other fathers OF
The republic of Washington's views of
the advantages Of maintaining isolation.
1t would be 10 court the possible advent
or time when we would feel in honor
bound 10 repudiate the safeguarding
teachings OF Mr.. Monroe, which have so
long served us such good stead. and
which are embraced in his declaration that
IN the wars of the European Powers.
In matters relating % themselves. We have
never taken any part, nor does il com
port with our policy TO do So" and that
our policy in regard to Europe, which
was adopted AT an early stage of tina
wars which have so long agitated that
quarter OF the globe, nevertheless -.
mains the same, which is. not 70 inter
tere in the internal concerns Of any Of i.s
Powers" Furthermore 10 enter into o.,
active alliance with Great Britain or o,,.
other foreign Power, would be 10 COMES
to weakness ON our part that does no,
exist.
The Cuban question Is essentially nm |
American question, coming within the
scope OF the Monroe doctrine. and while |
we would gladly welcome the moral sup.
port OF any and all foreign Powers in
bringing about peaceful solution OF n
y war shall eventuate. which Heaven
iorefend' we must depend upon ourselves
And without any disposition 10 lIaa We