The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-24
The Canal in England.

1t is very evident that recently published
remarks by Republicans of prominence in
this country, like Senators Elkins and Haw
ley, on the subject of the Nicaragua Canal,
are creating surprise and annoyance in Eng
land. A few days ago the London corre-
spo1dent of the New York Tribune"-e
journal favorable to the McKinley-salisbury
aliiance-cabled to his paper as follows:
The reopning Of the csnal question, which,
70 far ~ England was interested, was satisfac-
torily adjusted in the -Hay -psnceiote Treaty.
Is not desired here. The ratification of that
cdeyentioe IN he original form will mark the
settlement of one of the most tangled skeins in
Anglo American diplomacy That convention is
,es1raed here as great concession from Eng:
broad minded Imperialst, for leaving the Wash
ipxtnn and London Governments free TO settle
. long standing controversy without reference TO
Canadian interests.
We are aware that the British Govern
ment assumed. as matter of course, that
II Mr. Mckinley were reelected all oppo-
sition TO the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty would
cease. That it has not, is a severe jar to
Downing Street. Great Britain has waited
with more or less patience for months; has
even allowed and grinned at little sea-
sonable tail twisting. all for the purpose
Of helping its great and good friend on this
side to tide over election dangers. and get
himself in position TO be once more the
bold but cautious ally of the Queen. But
the outspoken opinion of leading men Of his
party causes hesitation. Some of them
actually have the temerity 10 denounce a
policy and a contract which would compel
us to build and pay for a canal which, when
completed. would be more in the power and
control of the British Government than of
ours.
There is not the slightest doubt that the
canal question, $50 far as England was in
terested. was satisfactorily adjusted in the
Hay-Pauncefote Treaty. which, if ratified
would relieve thai country of The menace of
the Monroe Doctrine. give her naval tlomi-
nation of a vital stretch of our coast line
and furnish her with a strategic base from
which to wage war against our east and
west shores-all at the expense Of the Yam
KEGS. once more taken in and done fer by
the cunning diplomacy Of John Bull Lord
Salisbury would indeed be greedy beyond
conception If that precious proposed gift to
his Empire were not eminently satisfactory
TO him, and easily worth mis- promotion 10
ducal rank. with national grant Of money
10 him. as public benefactor.
Yet the Tribune" correspondent says,
and probably with truth. that the Hay
Pauncefote Treaty is regarded in the
United Kingdom as "a great concession
from England to America" which, doubt
less, accounts for the conviction in Brit
ish official circles that we should stop
talking about the matter ratify the con-
Tention as soon as Congress meets, and
proceed at once TO build the waterway and
pay for it. and get the Job done as quickly
ss possible, so that the British feet
speedily may have fresh water station
1n Lake Nicaragua. and British COM
merce enjoy the use Of the facility.
From the above quotation. and other
things Of cognAte character that have
been brought to our attention, We are
compelled to think that the slightest al
tempt on the part Of any Senator to OBJ
struct purpose which Lord Salisbury
seems TO regard as practically accom-
plished already, will lead to trouble. Ii
was as much as NJ. Hay could do last
Uuiuiuei ~ Cuip Inc Piopci liupdtttuCe OF
some British elements, by surrendering n
piece Of American territory in Alaska to
che Crown. Now that his old friends are
firmly fixed In the saddle for the next
-four years, the Premier may be excusable
in thinking that campaign debts should
be settled with promptness, and he would
DC the most astonished man in the
world II the -Pauncefote Treaty,
DO carefully and laboriousiy connected
under his personal supervision, should be
rejected by the Senate.
We are afraid hat. II it were, he would
begin casting about for opportunities Of
seprisal He might stop the presentation
OF American pork lard. and timed beef
actresses at court. He might 20 around
the corner and buy a paddock for the
Open door in China; or, he might recognize
The beliigerency of the Tagal insurgents
On the Philippines. In some way. we are
apprehensive that he would find means
TO humble our pride and remind us that
ths British Lion. albeit somewhat covered