The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-16

The FrCS1Oent ana the BOer ENJOYS.
While we have no doubt that the Presi-
dent and his party leaders would greatly
like to ignore the presence Of the Boer
ENJOYS in this country. the conditions are
of such character that it cannot be done.
Indeed we are much mistaken IL the popu-
lar events of the next few days do not
force the Administration hand and compel
an abandonment or tacit acknowledgment
OF the Mckinley Salisbury alliance.
Irrespective of the merits of their cause,
the errand of these simple burghers to
America is hopeless one. They probably
are quite unaware CT the practical differ
ence between a sympathetic people and
Government held by the most binding en-
gagements to their enemy. If they fancy
that public opinion can break the grip OF
England on Mr.. Mckinley, they should be
told of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty scheme
to surrender our canal rights and our els
Atlantic paramountcy to Great Britain and
the Concert of Europe! Then, perhaps,
they might understand how the whole
American people may be united upon
policy or proposition which they have no
hope Of forcing upon their Government, be-
cause the same may be obnoxious to the
views and interests of the capitalists who
rule the Administration and direct its con-
science and conduct.
President Kruger's Peace Commissioners
are said to land upon our shores full OF
childlike faith in the willingness snd
ahf1;,,- of he. United States IN fell Eng
land that her bloody hand must be stayed.
and compel her to grant the Traasyaal and
the Free State an honorable peace with
independence. These poor trusting Afri-
kanders are reported as believing that.
failing to secure such terms for their peo-
pie, Great Britain could not prevent the
United States from establishing pro-
tectorate over the Boer territories. or
from annexing them. should that seem
more convenient. We need not stop to
discuss such impracticable ideas. 1t is
more TO the point that the Administration.
which could not intervene In South Africa
without bringing en- war with its ally.
does mot even dare to join with ma
Jor1ty Of Americans. native and natural
lied. in expressions OF sympathy and en-
couragement for a brave people struggling
for their homes and liberty.
We will give the President credit for .
desire to swim with the tide. which is pro-
Boer. and is setting strongly toward the
tdes Of November. But he is bound to
withhold the smallest unit Of good feel
ing on the part OF his Government. No
one can tell what might be the effect in
Europe Of even a few words OF sympathy
for the South African Republics. If pro-
nounced officially by the President Of the
United States. Lord Salisbury never would
consent to take the risk of what might
follow a definite utterance by Mr.. McKin-
ley representing American feeling regard
ing the war; and, without the advice and
consent of the British Foreign Office, moth |
ing of the kind could be expected Or |
thought OF.
We shall know in a few days just about |
what the popular sentiment favorable to |
the Beers and inimical to Great Britain |
amounts to. The fact and extent of pub |
lie feeling will be shown in the reception |
given to the ENJOYS in New York and else |
where on their way to Washington. II the |
upheayal is as great as it may be, il is J
really impossible to think how poor Mr.. |
Mckinley is to escape from his dilemma.
uu.Ha t. HB~H~ xu.A-