The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-02-11
BRITISH GREED.
Efforts Made 10 Take Advantage an
the American Sense of
Gratitude.

Great hopes from the present estab-
lished community of interests between
this country and Great Britain fiji the
English mind as well as the minds of
those in this country whose handiwork
il is 10 advance British interests. The
style of advantage we are expected to
receive from the British cooperation
was outlined in n repeatedly false ru-
NOR that we were TO lease Socotra
from England for a naval coaling sta
ton, without power 10 interfere with
British trade by coaling our own mer-
chant ships there The fact that the
rumor was promptly denied has no
bearing on the pro-Brltish idea OF the
commercial advantages we will be al
lowed to derive from the cordial re-
lations established between the two
countries.
There seems nothing that England
is not claiming as reward for her
friendship. On one hand we find that
our law allowing MS to print our own
books, as well as some for the English,
is Objectionable TO British publishers,
and they think il Is a good time TO have
il altered. On another we find that the
extension OF our coastng trade TO
Porto Rico is inimical TO British mari
time interests, and Immediately the de-
mand is made that our navigation laws
shall be SO amended as TO stil further
increase the tolls we pay to England
for the privilege of getting our goods
10 an oversee market. (This seems a
particularly unkind claim. as they pro-
pose TO pass a free ship bill)
But the great claim, the claim for
which everyone who expects British
recognition or free dinners and other
ilattcriug attentions when in England,
must work, is for nj open door in the
Philippines. The British trade route
between IIong-Kong and Australia lies
through the Philippines, and they wish
TO do all the coasting trade OF those
islands and maintain a center OF British
influence in every little port center
that will discriminate against the en-
ployment OF Americans against the
use Of American goods; and there arc
some inhabitants OF this country tkat
would lac proud and happy to travel
through American possessions under
the British flag.
We are asked 70 efrace all opportuni-
ties for employment on the sea, and 10
minimize the consumption OF our goods
In Porto Rico. Hawaii and the Philip
pines by extending TO those islands the
lack OF competent wages and the want
Of free trade countries because Great
Britain is said 10 have refused TO enter
European combination to prevent
our freeing Cuba. The fact is that
Great Britain found herself without n
chance Of friends in this world unless
she made friends with the United
States. But she apparently insisted ON
payment in advance for any friendly
act. Before anything was done by her
Il seemed necessary 60 neglect and yir-
tually abrogate the declaration in the
republican platform, OF two years ago.
In favor Of a discriminating duty on all
goods, wares or merchandise which
shall be imported in vessels not Of the
United States; and she positively pro-
hibited tonnage tax of 20 cents per
ton ON all vessels, American and Brit
ish alike, entering our ports
Every body knows that without the
strength given TO her 10y the recognized
mutual good understanding between
the two countries the lately made ar
rangement with the emperor OF Ger
many could not have been obtained.
And for all OF this we are TO extend n
Wilson-Gorman tariff over our new
acquisitions despite their present pow
erty and sore need of development.
This is too much.