New-York tribune., 1900-11-10
FOREIGN VIEWS OF THE ELECTION.

FOREIGN VIEWS OF THE ELECTION
The deep interest which was taken in our
election in advance by European Powers is
reflected in the widespread comments upon
the result. The general tone of these is, as
was to be expected, intelligent and friendly
The fine sentiment of The London Times
which we have already quoted sounds the
keynote of English comment with the
exception of part of the Liberal or Rad
ical press which has been largely anti
American and is consequently mourning the
defeat of the candidate whose election would
have meant disaster, if not ruin, to America.
These papers do not approve Free Silver But
they are enamoured of Mr.. Bryan's social pro-
gramme," to wit his hybrid policy OF dealing
with Trusts his inequitable income tax, his
prostitution Of the courts to political ends, and
his preaching of class distinctions and class
hatreds. Some Unionist papers, friendly to
America and rejoicing in Press McKinley's
reelection. are speaking of Mr.. Bryan as an
american Gladstone" They make this gro
tesque comparison on the ground that Mr..
Bryan would have pulled down the American
flag in the Philippines Gladstone did the
British flag in the Transvaal. That scarcely
seems sufficient ground for coupling the names
of two so dissmilar men.
On the Continent, German comments are dis
eliminating and cordial, as is eminently fitting,
seeing how close and agreeable have been the
relations between the Empire and the United
States during the present Administration. Nor
is there ground for complaint concerning the
friendlineSs judgment of French remarks,
with possibly one exception The curious OBJ
servations-more mistaken than unfrendly-are
made by the Temps" of Paris, that Congress
may have Democratic majority, which would
ho1o TO mic a1c
where in the Government, and that the policy
Of the Republican party nearly cost it the White
House and cost the country dearly morally and
financially, wherefore President Mckinley
should take warning and mend his ways.
These observations will be regarded here with
more amusement than anything else, seeing
that the Republican majority in the new Con-
gress is largely increased over that in the pres
ent Congress, and that the Republican party
elected its Presidential candidate by largely
increased electoral and popular maJoritles. 1t
will not do, of course. to assume that be-
cause of this handsome victory the rul'
ing party is free to act with arbitrary
disregard Of principle, precedent and pop
ular will. AS we have already said, the
emphatic character of the popular verdict i'm
poses responsibilities commensurate with the
power bestowed. But it is a mistaken view
or the case tnat MT. Mckinney mas just
squeezed in or that the Republican party
nearly lost the White House. AS for the fnan-
cial and moral cost - The country caused by
Republican policies We are quite satisfied with
the balance shown in the unrivalled prosperity
of the people and the vindcation Of honest
money and an Independent judiciary. 1t IS
balance of financial and moral profit not Of loss.
Talk IS renewed in some quarters about this
country having become n world Power
and having at last entered into world politics"
1t is calculated TO make the judcious Gricye.
Doubtless the international Importance OF the
United States has increased with It's increase
in population. wealth. commerce and territorial
possessions. But the discriminating reader of
history will scarcely contend that at any time
since its birth this Nation has been anything
less than a so-called world Power" meaning
a sovereign Power equal In all the functions of
world. If our sending American warships on
triumphant errands of conquest into the waters
of the Old World and our reading the Monroe
Doctrine to the Holy Alliance three-Q quarters OF
a century ago were not acts OF participation in
world politics. we should like to have such
an act described The presence OF the United
States among the Nations may be more felt now
than ever before but 1t Is no new thing. The
United States arrived" more than a century
ago.