The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-22

between treat britain ana the BOer
states Of Africa. We have remained
faithful to the precept Of avoiding en-
tangling alliances as to affairs not of our
direct concern. Had circumstances sug-
gested that the parties to the quarrel
would have welcomed any kind OF express
sion OF the hope of the American people
that the war might be averted, our good
offlces would have been gladly rendered
Strict Neutrality Preserved.
AS the war went on, the president.
while regretting the suffering and sacri-
fces endured by both of the combatants
could do nothing but preserve a strict
neutrality between them. This he has
steadily and conscientiously done, but
there never was a moment when ne
would have neglected any favorable oc-
casion to use his good offices in the In
terests of peace.
"On the 10th OF last March we received
from Mr.. Hay. the United States con-
sui of Pretoria, this telegram: I am
officially requested by the governments
of the republics to urge your interven-
ton with view to cessation of HOSTILE
ties. Same requests made to representa-
tives OF European powers"
Communicated Their Request.
The president at once directed me to
convey the substance of this telegram to
the British government, and In communi-
eating this request I was directed by
him to express his earnest hope that a
way to bring about peace might be
found. and to say that we would he glad
to aid. In any friendly manner. TO pro-
mote so happy a result. The Transvaal
government was, at the same time, In
formed OF the presidents action in the
matter. Our representative in London
promptly communicated the presidents
instruction to Lord Salisbury.
I'm answer he was requested to thank
the president for the friendly interest
shown by him, but Lord Salisbury
added that her majesty's government
could not accept the Intervention OF any
power. This communication also was
Immediately transmitted to our consul at
Pretoria, to be communicated to the
president OF the South African republic
SO far as we are informed. the United
States was the only government in the
world. of all those approached py the
South African republics, which rendered
Its good offices to either of the combat
ants in the interest of cessa ton of hos
tilities.
BEARING of The Hague Conference.
AS ailusion had been made 10 Tho
Hague conference and as action had been
suggested based upon that Instrument II
may De as we'll to quote a phrase from
article HI, which states: Powers strang-
er to the dispute may have the rigat to
offer good offices or mediation, even dur
ing the course of hostilties,' and article
", which says The unctons OF the medi.
ator are al an end when once Is de.
clared either by one Of the parties 10 the
dispute CT by the mediator himself that
the means OF reconstruction imposed by
MN are not accepted This would seem to
render any further action OF the United
states unadvisabie under existing circ,rn-
stances.
The steps taken by the president in his
earnest desire to see an end to the strife
which has caused much suffering NAV
already be said to have gone to the ex-
trene limit permitted to him Indeed H.
IN his discretion. he had chosen not to pre-
sent TO Engiani the South African request
for good Offices. he might have justified
his action by referring to the following
declaration which was made In the very
act OF signing The Hague convention by
the plenipotentiaries OF the United States:
Nothing contained In this convention
shall be 80 construed as to require the
United States of America to depart from
It's traditional policy OF not intrudng upon
interfering with, or entangling itself with
questions of policy or internal administra-
tion Of any foreign states: nor shall any
thin~ contained In said convention be con
strued TO imply REIMBURSEMENT by the
United States of America OF its traditional
attitude toward purely American questions
Sympathetic hut Firm.
''The president sympathizes heartily IN
the sincere desire OF all the people OF the
United States that the war which is now
affecting South Africa may for the sake
OF both parties engaged. come to a speedy
close; but. having done his full duty In
preserving strictly neutral position be-
tween them and in seizins the first OPP
portunity that presented itself for tender
Ing his good Offices In the interests OF peace
he feels that In the present circumstances
no course Is open 10 him except to persist
IN the policy OF impartial neutrality To
deviate from this would be contrary TO all
our traditions and all our national inter-
ests and would lead to consequences which
neither the president nor the people OF tho
United States should regard with favor"
Lord Pauncefote Calls.
Lord Pauncetote called at the state de-
partment while the Beers were consulting
With Secretary Hay. He was shown into
the diplomatic reception room and there
displaced Gen o'Brion, who also had been
waiting to see Secretary Hay
The ambassador was not kept long for,
in the course ~ fvc minutes. the Beers
tary.