Evening star., 1899-10-05
America and the Trnnsvaal Trouble.

america ana the Irnnsyaa1 Trouble.
A less logical or less promising attempt
to hurry this government into dangerous
policy was never undertaken than that
which is just now in evidence in an appeal
to President Mckinley to Interfere to pre-
vent a war in the Transvaal. 1t is so ILL
timed and unjustitied that it might even be
construed deliberate attempt to plunge
this government into of trouble. For
there is absolutely no warrant for Ameri-
can intervention in this case, whether it is
viewed from the standpoint of humanity,
public policy or International relationship.
Geographically. as well politically, the
South African republic is very far removed
from Washington. The threat of war there
does not disturb a single item of our do
mestic program. Our own citizens are not
involved save so far as Americans may
chance to be concerned in any conflict in
any quarter of the globe. Such Americans
conflict in the Transvaal will be amply pro-
tected to the limits of our rights
The only possible excuse for American in
tervention there would be that the United
States is prepared to assume among the
powers the role of universal and compul-
SCry peacenaker. 1t is easy to believe
that the fact that we interviewed between
Spain and her rebellious colony has led
some enthusiasts to think that the time has
come for a grand American propaganda in
the name of peace. Nothing could be less
reasonable. The war with Spain was vir-
tually caused by domestic conditions. 1t
was based upon principle so broad that
ii covers this hemisphere. but this hemis-
phere only. 1t was directly inspired by
mingled considerations of humanity and
self-protection. Where there were a hum
dred links in the chain which led this re-
public into the campaign of last year there
is not one to draw it into the arena Of the
threatening conflict in Africa.
Only radically partisan view can justify
the claim that England has no right to
force the TransvaaI Issue to the point of
war. The Plea for American intervention is
based upon the assumption that the Beers
are threatened by cruel and unwarranted
visitation. that they are urable to fight and
win the battle which confronts them and
that Intervention is required to prevent the
spectacle of a great power cruelty crushing
a weak one without right or reason. Eng
land contraGicts this statement and vigor
ously contends that the record of the recent
negotidtions shows that the Beers have
sought to evade the issue and to confuse
reforms for the outlanders with untenable
declarations as to the relationship with
England. The Boer view is that the
republic is wholly indepe ndent. What
warrant has the United States to step for
ward and reinforce that proposition by
threat of war with England? Where does
history offer a single fact to justify so
radical d display of partisanship?
The neutrality of the United States is re-
quired upon wholly domestic grounds. To
intervene in this affair is to precipitate
conflict with England. For of what avail is
a staying hand if it be not armed? Are we
ready to start out on a career of challeng-
ing the powers? If we intervene now be-
tween a progressive suzerain and an unpro-
sressive subject state in Africa why should
we not become the champions OF PROSTATE
China to ward off the powers that now seek
to dismember her? Where is the process
to stop?
A bit of recent history answers the prop
osition of Interference. In the early stages
of the negotiations which led to the war
with Spain year ago last spring teata-
tive coalition of the European powers was
formed TO prevent his country from liber
ating the Cubans. 1t lacked only the assent
of England TO be formidable and effective.
England, 10 ner great creult, refused 10
join The Impending war she said, was
the result of conditions of which the United
States had every right to complain. Aside
from the merits of the case, however. it
was no business of the European powers.
Can we do less say less now that Eng
land has an even more plainly domestic
crisis on her hands which threatens war?
The county fair is again in evidence. and