The San Francisco call., 1898-04-23
SHOULD JOIN
 WITH ENGLAND EX Minister Phelps Thinks Such a Move
 Might Be Wise. Uncle Sam Needs the Aid Of Britain to Hold His Own
 on the Ocean.
Far East Question Cannot Be Overlooked.
Copyright. 1898, by George Grantham Bain,

NEW HAVEN, April 22.-Edward J. Phelps, ex-Minister to England, Is an authority on international law and in ternational relations. While our repre- sentative at the court of St. James it was his privilege to enjoy a wealth of opportunity along the lines of studying the real attitude of the Englshman toward the American people. Keenly alive to the facts MT. Phelps has since his return to this country made a study of comparisons and it is doubtful If any man is better fitted to speak of the actual attitude of each nation toward the other than he.
 When he was asked to say exactly what, in his opinion, the facts were re- garding our situation at home and abroad-the facts that would form the basis of dispassionate consideration of the wisdom of an alliance-he said:
 The wisdom of an alliance between the the terms proposed. Anything that will strengthen the brotherly feeling between the people of the two nations should be fostered. There is an element in our own country which would oppose any al- liance. but in England nothing of the sort exists. I know that we are regarded by Englishmen with fraternal kindness.
 For defensive reasons we need no as- sistance from any one. We can take care of ourselves under any circumstances which seem possible. The Chinese ques- tion has, however. assumed an import ance that under all circumstances makes 1t necessary for us to look seriously upon the suggestion of an alliance with Eng land. l am not prepared to say that we should or should not form an alliance so far as individual questions are concerned The only point of view from which we can now consider the matter is on the basis of the broad principle itself. on the broad ground of general advisability.
 What do you consider the leading req sons in favor of an alliance?
 It seems to me there are several req sons. the first important being one which l fancy may not meet altogether with the approval of the masses-the benefit Eng land would be to us under such crcum- stances. She is a far older nation and therefore more experienced. possessing the calm wisdom that comes with age and the power to judge dispassionately. We should be to her like the young part ner to the old one, and. as in the case of such a partnership, the younger always gains through the ripe knowledge of his elder. The calm, firm, wise policy of England results in the settlement of diffi- sages of our diplomacy accomplish little or nothing.
 Another reason which might weigh in favor of an alliance is the presence of our
 
 from sea to sea-Canada. But for the presence of Canada nothing would con- front us at home which would make 1t possible that we might have serious diffl- culty with England. But no man can foresee what will happen. There are difficulties between nations under such circumstances just as there are between landowners or in business life. Therefore l say that just so long as Canada exists, so long is there a possibility of difficulty which an alliance would be very apt to remove.
 Again. there is the moral strength that we should enjoy through an alliance with England. l mean the moral strength re sulting from the effect of such an alli- ance upon other nations. It is not to be supposed for a moment that any power would attack the United States and Eng land if those two nations presented a solid front For that reason an alliance might be advantageous.
 Then there is another reason that we should by no means forget in considering this question of alliance. This is that 1t would still further cement the fraternal feeling which now exists. The people of Great Britain are favorably disposed to- ward the people of the United States.