The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-01-30
THE PRESIDENT
Has a Chance To show His Friendship For
Boer and Briton.
Baltimore SUM-

NDdllllllOlC DuiA'(
n speech in the senate yesterday Mr..
Hale, of Maine, said he was friendly
to England but he regretted that such
great power should now be trying to
crush a republic which is seeking to
establish itself in South Africa, especi-
ally as England claims to be a nation of
liberty" In this sentence Mr.. Hale ex-
pressed the sentiment of many Ameri-
cans, who view with sorrow not un-
mixed with indignation the policy of
conquest which Great Britain has
adopted toward the South African re-
publics. Condemnation of this policy
does not involve hostility to England
or to the English people. 1t means
simply that the course of the English
Government is regarded as unjustifia-
BILE on the part of one of the most
powerful nations of the world, and
makes for oppression and the triumph
of mere brute force rather than for
liberty and justice.
Mr.. Hale's speech was based upon a
resolution, introduced by Senator Allen,
calling upon the secretary of state "for
information as to whether any repre-
sentative of the Transvaal had applied
to the United States government for
recognition, and If such application had
been made, whether it had been accept
ed and If not, why not?" This resolu-
tion was amended so as to request the
president, 'if not incompatible with
public interests, to furnish the informa-
tion." A few days ago the senate adopt
ed a resolution in regard to the seizure
of American flour by British warships
in Delagoa Bay. So questions relating
to the war in South Africa are now
formally before the senate for con-
sideration
The administration has refused to
receive as a diplomatic representative
of the Transvaal an American citizen,
who was authorized to act in that
capacity. Recognition was withheld on
the ground that it was not considered
advisable to receive citizen of the
United States as the diplomatic agent
of another country. Mr.. Montagu
White the consul general of the Trans
Vaal at London arrived in New York a
day or two ago, and it is reported that
he comes accredited as the diplomatic
representative of the South African re-
public to urge the meditation of the
United States to end the war. Obviously
the president could not refuse to receive
him except upon the ground that the
Transvaal is not an independent power.
This is the contention of Great Britain,
and out of consideration for the deli
cate sensibilities of the British govern
ment it may influence the course of the
president.
If Mr.. White comes to ask mediation
by this government to stop the war
and arrange settlement without
further bloodshed, the administration
may have the opportunity to perform
noble service for humanity and in
behalf of weak power. 1t has been
stated, almost semi officially, that the
United States would not offer media
tion except upon the application Of both
parties to the conflict. But. even with
out request from the British govern
ment, it would seem that the admins
tration might use its influence in be-
half of meditation on the broad ground
of humanity. There is no other govern
ment so we'll fitted to mediate between
combatants as that of the United
States. Our relations with England are
most friendly; the two countries have
many interests in common, and it is
not conceivable that Great Britain
would resent disinterested and tact.
full effort by this country to prevent
further slaughter and to secure a settle.
ment honorable to both Boer and Briton
Mediation is not Intervention, and tC
offer it, although it is now unsolicited
should not prove offensive to England