Omaha daily bee., 1898-11-13
THE AMERICAN FACTOR,

Tie somewhat "enigmatical reference
by Lord Salisbury, In his address Mt he
banquet of the lord mayor Of London, TO
the appearance of the United States
among factors Asiatic and .possibly In
European diplomacy, Is yet sufficiently
clear and suggestive to merit the care
full consideration Of American statesmen.
The foremost living British diplomatist
and Il statesman of long experience and
keen sagacity, regards as one of the
unhappy omens Of this epoch in the his
tory Of man the introduction among
nations whose dominions are expanding
and whose instruments, to a certain ex-
tent, are war, of the mighty force OF
the American republic. 1t Is, he de-
clared, a grave and serious event, (which
may not conduce to the interests or
peace" though in any event, he thought,
it is likely to conduce to the interests of
Great Britain.
While Lord Salisbury was careful to
say that he was not refusing sympathy
to the American republic in the diff
culties through which it has passed.
difficulties far less serious than it may
yet have to meet If the policy OF terri
torial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT in the fan east
shall prevail-it is easy to believe that
were he an American instead of a
British statesman, or were he to counsel
Independently of all considerations of
British interests, his advice would be
unqualifedly against the United States
becoming involved in Asiatic affairs,
with the Inevitable danger of being
drawn into the complications and the
conflicts Of European diplomacy. The
tenor of the u%tterances of the British
prime minister very plainly indicates his
belief that the new position of the
United States among the nations is a
menace to the peace of the world and
1t Is a reasonable Inference that he seri-
Ously anticipates worldwide trouble,
sooner or later, as q consequence of the
carrying III of a policy of territorial ex-
pansion by this country which would
make it Il factor in the affairs OF Asia
and possibly in European diplomacy.
Lord salisbury understands pretty thor
Oughly the temper and the aims of the
European powers. He knows that none
of them has at this time any really
cordial feeling of friendship for the
American republic. They respect us, be-
AUS we have demonstrated that we
have the power to compel respect, but
they are not heartily friendly. French
sympathy Is still largely with Spain.
Tho aynrnSciona IF thn lan1ipu nrunns
Of German opinion are unfavorable to
the attitude of this country. Russia I'M
questionably looks with disfavor upon
the proposal that the United States shall
become Il factor in Asia. These Nations,
whose dominions are expanding, are Of
fering no interference with the demands
of this country upon Spain, but it must
not therefore be concluded that If these
demands are conceded or are secured by
force those powers will then have moth
ing to say. To be sure Great Britain
processes most cordial good Will TO
America, but it is chiefly because Eng
land sees in our attitude no danger to
it's interests.
Do the American people wish their
country to enter upon a course which a
friendly British statesman warns them
may not conduce to the interests OF
peace? Do they desire the adoption OF
u policy that would inevitably involve
the American republic in the diplomatic
complications of old world powers, with
constant danger to our peace and Sc
! curity? 10 we want n DOSitiOn among
the nations which would be provocative
of incessant international controversies
and difficulties? Would possession of
the Philippines compensate us for the
vastly increased cost for self-defense
which our new relations with the rest
of the world would necessitate? These
are questions which should command
the most serious attention of the Ameri-
can people.