New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-11


istence during war time is dependent upon the
food supplies into her harbors. A country
which during the last thirty years has main
tained not only an immense army, ostensibly
for the reconquest OF the lost provinces. but
also a powerful feet a OF resettling
the Egyptian question, is not likely &c be easily
beguiled into a humane policy based on the in
herent rights Of private property The American
proposal would restrict the operations Of the
French fleet TO unequal contest with
superior English fleet. and deprive naval war
fsre OF an important resource against country
whose chief peril in war time II failure Of food
supplies. Unless France IL willing to make this
sacrifice Of potential energy against her rivals
merchant marine. England will also be indiffer-
ent to the voice OF reason and the interests of
h imanity. The Manchester school has gone out
Of fashion and the imperalst spirit is domi-
nant in the press The current idea is that Brit
ish commerce is safe long the most
powerful navy retains command Of the sea- and
that shippers we'll AFFORD to pay high insur-
ance premiums In time Of war
A PROFIT TO INDUSTRIES.
1t must not be forgotten that while there are
vast commercial interests to be protected by
International guarantee for the safety Of private
property at sea, there are also many English
industries which profting by the militarism
OF the times. While England has been ordering
her naval and military ornaments on a stu
pendous scale during recent years. her ship
builders ana gunmakers have been placing for
eign nations on high evel Of self-defence. II
not on war footing All these industries of
war have been flourshing during long interval
of peace. and their output year after year has
hoe dor 10 of no
trade Of England. 1t is militarism that has
stimulated in no small degree the industrial
energies Of the shipyards Of the Clyde. the Tyne
and the Thames and helped to keep the iron
trade of the Midland counties in a prosperous
state. Industrial England no longer listens to
the doctrinaires of the Manchester school. and
deplores the wicked waste Of national arma-
ments and preparations for war A very infiu-
entail section Of 1t is convinced that militarism.
while possibly bad ir morals, Is good for general
business. 1t stands behind the Imperialism or
the day and strongly uphods the principle of
Sea Power as the strong rock Of national de-
fence. The Manchester Guardian would find
1t easy undertaking to rally the shipping and
Industrial interests Of England in support of the
American proposal for minimizing the evils OF
militsrism by protecting private property at sea
and thereby diminishing the necessity for naval
ornaments. ln0uStTldl IL III
opinion on the material advantages OF any re-
Taxation OF belligerent rights.
The American delegates at The Hague Will
have TO do good deal Of missionary work be-
fore their project can be generally accepted.
Italy is already committed to the principle or
the immunity of private property from seizure
and Germany Is strongly disposed to favor IT,
Russia and Austria Hungary are not opposed TO
the project and the snail maritime Powers
are heartily in favor of 1t. 1t is France that
blocks the way primarily, and Russia, while
not acting openly with her at the Peace Con-
gress is still her ally. Great Britain has taken
q strong stand in favor OF permanent aroi-
tration tribunal and lifted at once the Peace
Congress to a high level OF action. 1t Is not easy
to believe that its representatives. have been IN
structed to oppose the American proposal TOT
limiting naval warfare TO a contest between
warships II such action has been taken, 1t VIII
not lack influential support in England. Never
has there been a higher valuation Of naval SUI
pr,macy and Sea Power as the main safeguards
Of the Empire: and now. as in the past England
Is doing a profitable business in enabling natlo's
to defend their erests and by increasing their
ornaments friendly America. however, offers
a humane policy for the common interests of all
nations and one which will be a safeguard for
British commerce In naval warfare. Lord Sails
bury will assume grave responsibility ne
oontrives, directly or indirectly to set 1t aside.
I. n. f.