New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-17
loss TO fill his stomach except by the selling of
roasted chestnuts or cheap grapes.
rHE SAY PROPAGAND4.

The ro-Russian campaign upon which we
have hitherto remarked continues with I'M
abated zeal. few days ago ii took the form
of statement in an INSPIRED st. Petersburg
paper, the "NOvOe Nremya. that Japan and
the United States had formed an alliance with
Russia and France to oppose. or at any rate 10
counterbalan %. the Anglo German compact.
Taking that for their cue, other Russian and
French papers dwelt deliberately and with
ostensible seriousness upon the community of
interest between the United States and Rus
STA and the natural coincidence Of their policies.
All this was, to a we'll developed sense Of
humor rather diverting, though there was. of
course. danger that some would accept it in
good faith and in consequence suffer subse-
oflent modification at finding how impossible
it was for the United States to make itself a
party to any Old World leagues, whether Of
aggression of opposition.
The campaign is pursued by the "Novop
Nremya' with an elaborate artcle--the first Of
series, We are tOld-On the relations between
Russia and Japan. In this article Russia is
made 10 appear as the ancient and constant
friend of Japan, and blame for the present
estrangement between the two Powers is
thrown upon Western European Powers"
which inspired Japan with the ambition to
seize Corea. 1t Is not denied. of course that
Russia thwarted that ambition and seized for
herself some of the spos of war which prop
erly belonged TO Japan. But that, we must
suppose. was henevolently done by Russia for
Japan's good. Russia saw how runous II would
he 10 Japan TO acquire COrea and Port Arthur
and therefore interviewed TO save japan from
suicidal an act. and was even willing to take
those territories herself rather than have Japan
hurdcned with them. This is ingenious If not in
Putt II {S 70 In 1Dy,
Will eyer be duly grateful for the service Nor is
there any indication that Rrssa's exposure of
the wickedness of Great Britain will estrange
Japan from the latter. OF course since Ger
many and France Joined Russia in coprcing
Japan. the Western European Powers" must
mean Great Britain alone. Our recollection Is.
however, that instead of urging Japan 10 take
Corea British opinion was opposed to that step
and inclined to regard it Japans best policy
to maintain the security of her purely insular
position.
1t is difficult to see what is to be hoped from
such a propaganda. Possibly if 1t were de-
Clared with sufficient earneStneSs and frequency
that black was white some persons would
be persuaded to believe IT, hut that belief could
never prevail. There il no i'll will against
black manifested in maintaining that 1t is
not and never can be white. Neither Is there
the least hostility toward RusSia-a Power with
which American relations have generally been
most friendly-in recognizing the radical differ
ence that exists between il and the United
States, in social and political system. in spirit,
in ambition and in policy. whether In China
or elsewhere. Powers that differ need not al
ways clash. Each may pursue its own policy
nnmolested by the other. Nor is there any
unfriendliness or lack OF international comfy
in maintaining the freedom and independence
of the United States from all foreign alliances
and intrigues. love me. love my dog is
not the tombstone Of international relation
ships. This country has not inherited and does
not mean 10 acquire the legacy Of fcuds with
which some Old World lands are hurdened. 1t
can be and desires 10 be the friend Of each,
without making itself party to the hates the
ieal0usies the selfish ambitions Of anv