The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-10
EUROpE's FRIENDLY ATTITUDE.

The comments of the European press
upon the Presidents message show that
all of its governments were deeply inter-
ested. not to say anxious regarding the
attitude toward other nations of those who
speak for this government. This inter-
est is something new, because for many
years the United States had not been re-
garded as a nation that was inclined to
take part in what may be called world
wide affairs. Our war with Spain and the
policy it led the government to pursue has
caused Europe to understand that hereafter
the nation will take a deeper interest IN
worldwide affairs. That this charge has
given us an influential position among the
nations the comments referred 70 Indicate
The Presidents message was eagerly read
in all the courts of Europe. Each or them
was anxious TO learn the att;tuoe Of the
UniteS States toward other nations. This
interest was intensified by the speeches of
Mr.. Chamberlain. of the British Ministry,
in which he spoke largely Of understandings
and alliances existing or possible. When
those in other governments wno take an
interest in public affairs read the message
Of President Mckinley, tn y discovered
that the United States, officially, had no
understanding with one nation that would
be unfrendly to any other. This govern
ment is not only not a party to any alli-
ance, but the President plainly indicated
that the United States had no desire for
better understanding with one nation than
with others. The German press is delighted
with the good will expressed toward that
nation by President Mckinley. France,
which had good reason to expect a GOODNESS
on our part because of its meddlesome dis
position in regard to the Spanish war, was
as well pleased as the Germans PARKWAY
Russia is satisfied with the United States.
Great Britain is satisfied, even if one of
its papers asserts that the President is
more cordial toward Germany than to the
British. Evidently. the author of that opin-
ion felt that the United States should
more fully reciprocate Englands friendli-
ness in the early stages OF the war when
other governments were disposed to be un-
friendly.
The President has caused the govern
ments of Europe to understand our wishes
in regard to the future of China, which are
that there shall be no regulations that
shall affect the commercial treaties that we
have negotiated with that government 1t
is said that all of the governments which
were sounded acceded to our request,
which Is the maintenance of the policy
known as the "open door" With that I'M
derstanding, the Presidents expression of
good will has found favor with all the gov
ernments We hold no jealousies; we covet
none of their lands or powers; We simply
desire to have the worlds markets open to
US on the same conditions that exist in re-
gard to other nations. The growth and
progress of all of them will give the United
States satisfaction rather than create jeal-
ousy covetousness. We will make no
alliances unless it should be necessary to
do so to protect our rights in the worlds
markets. Assured, as Europe must be, of.
our strength a world power, it is prob
able that all its governments will seek to
continue the good will which the President
expressed in his message.