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

We are unable 10 regard with seriousness the
story that this country is TO be asked TO mediate
between Great Britain and the South African
Republic for n settlement of the current con-
troversies. Great Britain is not likely 10 make
such a request nor TO agree 10 such al arrange
ment If II were suggested That is not because
she would have any objection TO intrusting her
interests TO American Judgment, but because
she does not deem this fitting case for arbitra
ton al all AS for the Transvaal Government,
we have observed no indication Of respect for or
confidence in the United States on its part. The
American colonists in the Transyaal are prob
ably the most feared and hated Of all Outland-
ers. They took leading part In the Jameson
business and in the agitation that led up 10 it,
and they are ut present conspicuous among the
0utlaDders for their OutspOken and aggressive
resistance TO the tyranny Of the KRUGER oil
garchy. The United States is probably the last
country in the world the Pretoria Government
would regard a proper umpire.
But the conclusive feature OF the case is that
there will DO no arbitration, by this any other
Power. Mr.. Kruger wants IL, but Great Britain
will have none Of il. And we must say that so
far as we can see Great Britain is right A
sovereign does not admit arbitration between
himself and subject \ suZeraln Power does
not admit arbitration between itself and a
sal State. To do so would be to renouuce its
suzerainty and TO recognize the vassal as an
equal. Now the Transvaal is In a state OF vassal-
age TO Great Britain. 1t enjoys complete auton-
oniy I'm local affairs. But the very instrument
which guarantees such independence to II also
imposes a measure of British suzeranty upon ii.
The measure may be small. 1t Is sufficient. The
Transyaa is rs much bound to respect that
suzerainty as Great Britain is to respect the
local autonomy of the Beers. And as long as
that relationship exists we cannot see how arbi'
tration is possible. We certainly should not
have listened 10 any talk about arbitration be-
tween this Nation and the State OF South Caro-
lima in 1861 We would not listen now 10 talk
OF any between us and the Philippines. Those
eases are not exactly similar 10 that OF Great
Britain and the Transvaal. But the difference
is OF degree, rather than Of kind
No, we look for arbitration In the Trans
vaal There Is far more likely 10 be coercion.
That will, II II comes, be deplorable, But the
blame will rest not upon Great Britain, but upon
the Beers, or upon that hidebound faction Of the
Beers which now controls the Pretoria Govern
ment, and which Is setting It's face as flint
against all progress and against common jus
tice and the rights OF man. II Will be depora'
bic IL Great Britain has TO uss force. 1t Is nj.
ways deplorable TO have TO use force in clearing
obstacles out Of the path OF civilization. But II
Is often necessary. There will be at any rate
no room for sentimentallzing over the fate OF
the Beers. They will. at the worst, he served
better than they have served others. 1t is true
that they were driven successfully out OF Cape