New-York tribune., 1899-01-02
The AuERICAN SYSTEM.


The United States begins the new year in a
new place among the nations and with new
responsibilities. Americans who note The kind
comments Of many English journals at the
years end Will not lack in appreciation. This
young Nation has seen considerable foreign
criticism. first and last. and much Of il in the
years gone by was Of the sort 10 amuse rather
than 10 assist. But the criticism did not him
der and possibly helped. and the warmer -ecog-
I milton OF klnship and Of affinity in language
and institutions VIII not lead Americans 10 for
{ get that their problems will have 10 be solved
and their responsibilities met in their own way,
4 and possibly not IN the way which may seem
good TO friends across the sea. II is most natu-
raj for even the best friends abroad 10 forget
that we have forms Of government quite unlike
those which exist elsewhere. and are compelled
by the necessities OF the situation 10 solve the
problems pendin. here by methods which would
be for friends az distance perhaps impossible
or highly undesirable
Doubtless il will seem 10 scme eager traders
OF Great Britain that this Nation might well
open 10 foreign ships and foreign trade the
ports Of all islands lately acquired from Spain.
TO them "an open door" means something Ike
an Abandonment Of The American National pol
icy But there are things 10 be considered
which nav not occur TO English critics. Ameri-
cans find that they have surpassed all other
nations In development Of industry. and believe
that their National policy has been most In
portant cause They remember that FOR centu-
ries Great Britain defended her own Industries
nv regulations even more rigid and severe. and
I'm a sense more hostile 10 those OF other coun-
t,ies than any the United States has ever
sdop;ed apd that Great Britain never relaxed
Them until il came 10 believe that those indus
tries could withstand any competition what
ever II was the right Of The old country 70
fudre for itself when the time had come 10
modify it, course. and that right absolutely be
longs ~ 1ae United States when Us industries
and future prosperity are at stake. English
men will see every day assertions by some
Americans that the people here are about ready
70 set aside the Protective policy as obsolete
They would be wise 10 notice that the persons
from whom such utterances come are Free
Traders.
II is the belief Of the Americans who govern
this country. having an overwhelming majority
az the later National elections, that the Pro
tective system Is ss essential today 70 the vel
fare OF this country as il ever has been. Iney
also consider thai II the system has wonder
fully developed their industries and their pros
perity Il NAV work out similar results IN some
NJ the islands which now come under American
,unrence. They reflect that II they wish 70
encourage American manufacturers and enter
prise and capital 20 take the controlling part
in developing the resources Of new possessions
:, may be difficult attain that end II they have
less defence and less advantages In outlying
islands nelr us than they would have IN the
same employments within the states for tnis
country and for the whole civilized world II is
the one thing most desirable that these lately
snsnish possessions should be developed ana
pnshed forward IN civilization as fast as pos
sible Americans Will think twice before they
neglect means which they Judge most effective
TO that end.
II would be better for Great Britain TO have
powerful friend than one so weak that IL
cou,d with dificulty sustain Itself lf this
<srrixs were IN the financial position II ocon-