New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-11
SOMELETTERS ON THE WAR.
IRISH VIEWS OF THE STRUGGLE.
Mr. RHODES. THE HISTORIAN. THINKS THEY ARE
NOT BASED ON TRUE AMERIcANIsM-

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: United for controversy am, 1t is
impossible for me TO do more than offer some
general suggestions on the South African War
which necessarily take a personal form OF ex-
preston. Last summer during sojourn in Eu-
rope I read much on the differences between
England and the Transvaal Republic. and hav
ing approached the question as calmly and ju-
dicially as was compatible with certain bias
in favor OF England I arrived al the opinion
that II you set the rights of Great Britain
one side and those Of the Transvaal on the
1rher he balance viii be largely to the credit
q Great Britain II she be right. sympathy
from the descendants Of Englishmen not only
becomes easy but takes on a heartiness for the
reason as II Is conceded. that she is battling for
III cause OF civilization. On the western coast
u Europe said Webster in 1852. referring TO
e. gland, political light exists. There is
sun in the political armament and that sun
sheds his light on those who are able TO enjoy
81" With greater force may that now be re-
pested- It's application TO the present struggle
is obvious. suggesting s II does the train Of
thought the burden OF which is what debt
the world and especially America owes TO
England.
Having all my life seen much of our Irish
American citizens and admired their wit, their
ecureness. and their high ideals OF personal
morality II certain matters. 10 which there has
cor1e TO be added considerable degree Of thrift
I have observed with some regret that their
disposition n this trouble is 10 be more Irish
than American L is manifest that il is for the
interest % this country to have the friendship
o. Great Britain. To my mind il is equally
clear that justice and ulagDanimity should in
cline Us 70 accord 70 England now what Charles
Francis Adams encountered one day in London
n 1853, a genuine English heartiness Of good
VIII"
Since me Treaty Of Washington in 1871 Great
Britain has treated US fairly. perhaps in some
cases even generously. Her friendly neutrality
and the hearty sympathy Of her people during
the Spauish-Anerican War too fresh to be
forgotten. Now, II seems me that our Irish
American citizens, n urging our Government
depart from its policy OF strict neutrality by
a offer OF mediation between the two contend
Ing parties knowing fun well. despite the pre-
tenCe Of humanity. that such an offer would
b. regarded as an unfriendly act by Great
Britain, are Influenced more by hatred TO
England than a regard for the best interests
q their adopted country
The gloom and depression after F7redericlys-
burg and Charlottesville were followed bv the
glory Of AppomaItox. the surrender Of Johnston
20 Sherman, and elation at the complete success
Ct the North. The military prestige Of the Re
pubic, which had been seriously impaired be-
fore The battle Of Gettysburg took place in July
ls5z3, became as great that OF any Power
when II the spring OF 1865 Grant and Sherman
were 81 the head Of one million soldiers flushed
win victory. Does any one who knows the his
tory q the English race believe that the result
q this war VIII be difereut2
JAMES FORD RHODES
Boston. Feb. T. 1900.