The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-06-08
TALKING ABOUT THE
PROSPECTS OF ALLIANCE
Discussion Taking . Practical Form
Among Some of the Most Con-
seryatiye Euxlfahmen.

Discussion Taking . Practical Form
Among Some of the Most Con-
servative Engliahmen.
NEW YORK, June A London letter
10 New York newspaper. discussing the
proposed Anglo American alliance, says:
Any proposition for an effective alliance
between the two countries relates 10 an
exchange OF territories. TO be effected Tor
mutual advantage. Englisafnen WHO nave
accurate knowledge OF their West lndian
possessions are in despair or their future.
The sugar islands are doomed. they as
sert. as dependencies or country whose
free trade policy does not permit tariff
Determinations in Great Britain's favor.
The United States, on the other hand.
with Its tariff system ana with ITS great
market for sugar. may be able 10 develop
their resources and restore their prosper
ity. Why should not Jamaica and other
islands, ask these candid Engllshmen, be
added 10 the American union. after Cuha
has been redeemed from misery and ruin?
Will IL not be possible 10 arrange basis
OF exchange by which islands like the
Philippines can be transferred TO England.
with her superior facilities Tor governing
them in connection with other remote
states OF the empire, and some of the West
Indian possessions be handed over to the
United States. with tarin system ard
a market precisely adapted TO their econ
omic requirements?
These are illustrations OF the practical
spirit in which the projected alliance be-
cussed by the thoughtful men in England.
The idea of placing the United States I'M
der bonds TO double the peace establish
ment Of hts standing army and TO enlarge
the scope of its naval activities may be
as chimerical as the notion that an ex-
change OF territories can be effected on
these principles, 1t Is not necessary from
an American point OF view 10 discuss either
proposition seriously; but the fact that
rejecting men OF weight and influence care
to make practical applications OF the prin-
ciples OF Anglo-Saxon community OF &C.
ton Is Of real significance.
The leaven OF international good feeling
is working. A year ago England was con-
!nring with The p pnras
and Mr.. Chamheriains has suggested an
alternative policy. based upon the COM
mon interests OF the English-speaking
a vagary of OPTIMISM but II has made a
deep impression upon the English people.
and with their practical Instincts they are
discussing IT in calculating spirit from
the point of view OF enlightened seif-in-
tsrest.
Since reference is made 10 the under
current Of English opinion rather. than TO
the foam and sparkle of press discussion
on the surface. 1t is necessary to speak
Of the conservatism or public thought
which proclaims an immediate alliance be-
tween England and America as ii.-advis-
ed and calculated to do more harm than
good. Many OF the truest friends OF Amer
ica In England take this view. They con-
proved state OF good feeling, already have
all the practical advantages OF an ALI
ance without any of the Inconvenience
and drawbacks. They assert that England.
by her enforcement OF neutrality obliga-
tons and coaling regulations. and by her
refusal to unite with the European powers
in any scheme of intervention in the Gu
ban affair. has promoted international
amity and placed America under obliga-
tons 10 her. They are confident that
Americans Will remember. England's
friendship and kind Offices and that when
ever suitable opportunity arises they
will return the favor on the principle
that one good turn deserves another. They
consider mutual good will more important
than the formal engagements Of an ALI
anca. with the Inevitable result OF COM
pensaiive advantages and full equivalents.
which is likely TO produce Irritation and
friction. These are not tho opinions OF
tious men who consider that artificial at
tempts 10 bring about an alliance. before
public opinion In either country. will only
serve to retard and hamper a movement
rich In promise for the future Of the An
glo-Saxon race. They believe that the
trend Of events and the stream OF race ten
denotes are pointing In the direction OF an
alliance between the two countries but APP
prehend that premature action on either
side may prove detrimental 10 common In
terests
lie, well enough alone" they say In
effect.
Events are marching rapidly. Tendon
oies are operating surely. If silently.
An alliance should not come from any
forcing process. but should be a natural
and spontaneous growth. We already have
a state OF international amity which In
spires each country with sincere desire
TO help the other whenever an emergency
arises. and that IL great gain for civil
iZation. Let us NOT be In any undue haste
20 entangle ourselves with any definite
pledges and engagements which may en-
barrass US and intercept the course Of good
feeling.
Another argument which In also urged
by conservative Englishmen IL based
upon the fact that there can be no secret
alliance between England ara America. az
there IS between Russia and France. IL
is not denied that the prestige of France
has been greatly Increased I'm Europe by
virtue OF Ia confidential relations with
Russia. but Il is asserted iwth confidence
that II the precise terms OF partnership
were revealed. there would be discomfort
on one side or the other and the alliance
would cease TO have any practical value.
There can be no secret engagements. r. IL
urged, between England and America.
the confidence OF the government ard the
whole world VIII know the extent az the
liabilities and obligations which are as
summed on either side. An open alliance
OF that nature will he different from the
ordinary secrets of diplomacy. which re-
main inscrutahie mysteries until the time
comes fer Joint action
An Angio-Amsrican alliance viii be ex-
posed 10 the full glare OF publicity and
narfisan criticism.
For this reason many wary Engilshruen
believe that events should be allowed 20
take their course and an alliance be re-
fsrreS until Il Is iTnDerativaiy required by
common interests. IL Il net because they
underrate the importance OF American co.
s1s1erat iof with England. I, - tseesAase
they value American friendship 80 aignlv
ira. thev do nof wan. 10 take the risk
Of having IL cIoudAd with nsgIader stand
ings Of definfte engagements.
FIRST summer evening band c0ncert.
Madison park. tonight 81 s.
" ~ ysaur