The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-02-27
HAY MAY HESITATE TOO LONG.
(Chicago Chronicle.)


most humble and respectful representa-
tions to the British government the
Honorable John Hay moves with a de-
liberation and sluggishness which
might almost be characterized as timor-
Gus. 1t is evident that Mr.. Hay dis
likes to venture upon any proceeding
which betokens the slightest criticism
of her majesty's government or of dis
satisfaction with any of it's proceed
ings.
Hence we can very we'll accept with
out reservation the statement-ap-
parently official-cabled from London to
the effect that no action has been taken
by the British government in regard
to Mr.. Macrum's charges and that EN-
bassadore Choate has received no in
structions to make inquiries respecting
the matter. Mr.. Hay may eventually
screw his courage to the point where
proach Lord Salisbury with proper hui
mility and request that nobleman II
say something in reference to the viola
tion of United States diplomatic COR
respondence, but he desires to postpone
the disagreeable ordeal as long as pos
sible. 1t grieves and disquiets Mr.. Hay
that he should be obliged by the per-
nicious activity of Congressman Wheel
er to address a seeming remonstrance
to his patronizing friends in Downing
street. He regrets the appearance of
disrespect involved.
Nor is Mr.. Hays disquiet without
substantial foundation. He has already
experienced the disapprobation and
resentment of her majestys govern
ment as the result of his respectful in
quiries concerning the Seizure cf the
high seas of American merchandise By
British cruisers. Although Lori Sails
was guiltless of personal disrespeCt-
being forced to act by congressional
resolution-his lordship brought tears
to Mr.. Hays eyes by the cold and
cruel way in which he responded to the
inquiry. Your Yankee four" snapped
out the most noble marquis, "is at
Durham. If you want it 70 and get it.
The fact that it was destined to Lou
renzo Marquee, a neutral port, cuts no
figure. You yankee merchants had no
business shipping flour to South Africa
when we were fighting down there.
Don't let it occur again."
These were not the exact words of the
marquis, but they contained the spirit
of his remarks, and Of course Mr.. Hay
felt the implied reproof keenly. He rea.
lized that he had incurred the displeas-
ure of Lord Salisbury and of her gra-
cious majesty by obeying the orders of
congress. He naturally breads to arouse
that resentment a second time by
bothering the Downing street people
about trifle like the opening of letters
sent under the seal of the state depart
ment of American diplomatic represen-
tatives. If it rested with him personal
ly Mr.. Hay would cheerfully give Am
bassadore Pauncefote the run of the
American state department, so that It's
operations could be directed in accord
ance with British policy. AS it is
though he will eventually have to com.
ply with the Wheeler resolution anC
ask the marquis for an explanation Of
the Macrum episode, he won't do it un
til the very last moment. He postponei
sacrilege as long as possible.
Nevertheless he must discharge th'
painful and distasteful duty sooner O.
later, and If he is wise he will not de
lay much longer. For, though tn
Honorable William Mckinley is like
wise loyal supporter of the throne, hi
loyalty is subordinate to his self-in
terest. If he cannot serve Victoria an,
his own interests at the same time h
will throw Victoria overheard, and
Victoria goes overheard the Honorabl
John Hay will go with her. The ma
who made Alger a vicarious sacrifice t
public resentment is quite capable Q
offering up Hay in the same way.
The Honorable John Hay will do we
to remember the fact OF one Stafford
and as Stafford was an Englishman tn