New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-05

1; is difficult; 20 treat with any degree Of
patience or liberation the !ntmations current
il certain newspapers hostile 20 territorial cx-
pansiOn that the Senate VIII decne-for rea-
sons largely personal and parisan-to ratify
tie trca;y Of peace between tie United States
and Spain now rapidly nearing completion at
Paris. Such talk can only be based on a
complete ignorance Of the real state of feeling
In the Senate as well as OF the traditions
which surround that body's exercise OF the
treaty making power. Were the convention
about TO be submitted for ratification simply
the settlement Of some ordinary diplomatic dis
pute, or did il merely concern the application
of some abstract principle like arbitration to
given facts under given circumstances. It's re-
lection, after discussion. might readily be con-
ceivable. Such refusal on the Scnatc's part
to accept the Administrations initiative would
have DO very serious consequences. 1t could
involve no great financial sacrifices; it could
interpose no check 20 National progress; it
could throw no cloud on National credit and
National prestige In the defeat of treaty
Of the ordinary sort the minor considerations of
internal politics might even BE- allowed to have
a deciding weight. and partisan opponents Of
ratification could perhaps find some valid argu-
ment for shaping their action on an issue Of
foreign policy by exigcnclcs purely domestic
IN their character.
But 10 rejection grounds wholly personal
and partlsan-a treaty Involving the settle
ment OF questions Of worldwide importance.
restoring Just and honorable peace and IN
surnc to the Nation the enjoyment Of the full
fruits Of successful and costly war, would
imply n recklessncss on the part Of the treaty
making branch Of Congress which nothing in
rs past record hints at or iustines Failure
10 approve The Paris convention would burden
its opponents IN the Senate with responsibility
for prolOngng the uncertainties and continuing
the extraordinary expenses OF the war. for re-
tarding unduly that Naturalization which tho
victor has every right 10 demand. and for
deferring that necessary readiustmcnt OF Ma
tionnl life 10 the changed conditions which the
contest just ending has brought unexpec,cdly
in It's train. Accountability for tho acceptance
or non-acceptancc Of the compact which is to
crown and seal the prosecution Of the war can
be safely counted on 20 sober the judgment
and soften the parilsanship Of the Senate; for
the upper house Of Congress, jealous OF It's
partial function as on agent IN foreign inter
course. has I'm the main risen 10 the height Of
that respons bty and discharged that func-
ton with the dignity. irmness and unity OF
purpose which should always hark Na'Ioh
dealings with foreign Powers.
The very grounds given for tie rejection CT
the treaty demonstrate their own weakness
and absrrdity. Some plausible excuse Tor
refusing the terms secured by the Peace Com
mission and continuing hostilitics might be
found In the contention that the Executive had
not wrestcd from defeated foe the full meas
ure OF Naturalization for the losses OF the con-
NJ rD
plant IS made by the opponents Of the treaty
however OF the insufiiciency Of the return de-
manded from Spain; the whole campaign
against ratification hinges. on the contrary. on
the assertion that the treaty negotiated trans
fers to the United States possessions actually
In excess of National needs and wants Such