New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-25
AMERICAN VIEWS OF THE WAR
AN ENGLISH OBSERVER FINDS A PREPONDEF-
ANCE OF SYMPATHY FOR ENGLAND.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: For some time I have been studying the
feeling Of the American public and press on the
South African war question, with the result that
have no hesitation IN incning to the opinion that
the greater weight OF sympathy Is with the British
and note with satisfaction that by far the greater
percentage Of expressions OF pro-Boer sympathy
eranate from the second rate and tonal type
Of newspapers and the more ignorant portion OF
the community
That there is a profusion OF legitimate and IN
nreiu4,ce5 criticisn-even among the pro-British
party-is undoubted, and such criticism entirely
comedies in most instances with the criticisms Of
the British public. That there is in certain quar-
ters a strong pro-Boer feeling cannot De denied
In England where pro-Boer feeling exists It's
origin is traceable TO the influence Of TransyaaI
agents and q judicious application OF the Trans
vaal secret service funds. If its origin IN this
country is not Bile TO the same cause quite
fail 20 see why II exists.
Whatever may be the cause the fact remains
that everything that be said or suggested to
Brttatn'g discredit is made as much Of pos
sible; her rnIsfortunes gloated over; she IS
described as the bully, the oppressor OF two poor
weak little republics and her object in carrying on
the present war is said 20 be solely one Of greed
for territory Correspondents who have asked for
Information as to the cause of the present war in
South Africa have been told that it was war OF
conquest. Mr.. Chamberlain's speech has been
quoted authority for the statement mat
II is a war OF conquest
II those who cannot understand why there is
war IN Africa would only take the trouble TO study
The facts for themselves II should not be ditcult
matter for them 10 find answer 10 the question
The best way Is refer the tnterrogator 10 the
terms of the convention II preference be given
to quoting a politicians speech the subject, let
the whole speech. rather than extracts from It, be
quoted To put It briefly, the convention was TO
the effect that the Beers received their indepen-
dence on their strict agreement 10 allow British sub
who chr 70 live country
franchise rights with themselves and also under
took 70 leave all foreign intercourse in the hands
OF the British Government. II was the persistent
and determined way in which the Transvaal Gov
eminent ignored these terms that ultimately
brought bout the crisis. Through long period OF
years and even up the last minute, the BRUSH
Government eXerting every eIort 70 DIII's
ebout a pacific settlement Of the question; in fact
not until President Krdger's ultimatum was re-
ceived in London and his troops had overrun Brit
ish territory did the British Government take any
serious and hostile steps The cause for Whlch
Great Britain is to-day lighting in South africa IS
the cause for which she has ever been the cham
all men Is with which, to judge from the zone
ne ToDs from America Qnstead of from
Eucland5 were settled in any part Of the world and
were subjected TO the same sort OF unjust Iest-
ment and their rights ignored IN a SinlIlaI ll1i,t
the American Nation would specify SET about
righting the wrong and would probably hot nay 5
much patience and forDearance WIN .tC7 f W. W.
wrongtng them as has been IN sVlGeLce III 5ile
RrfTi
public BY the quotation Of only an extract from
Mr. Cham berIain's speech II has been made 10 ap-
near that Rrftains sole object in entering upon the
war was the conquest Of the republics and the as
sertion Of British supremacy IN south AFRICA
whereas II can hardly be doubted that the contest
FOR supremacy 10 which Mr.. Chamberlain referred
is for the supremacy Of right over wrong ana JUS
OF course now that war is in progress, there Is
no doubt that II Will be carried on until Britain
supremacy of power Is also asserted and no DOUBT
either that when that end is attained stable an0
fust form Of government will be established. under
which all men and naJionalitfes Will have equal
rights But had the Transvaal Government grant
have found 4 place in history fail 70 see now
the fact that Great Britain took I'D the cause OF
rhA Outanders, with view 10 securing them
rhair rights and Just trea tment, can possibly De
construed and quoted evidence OF her desires for
CONQUEST; nevertheless. this has been done. WHAT
would Americans have thought II the British had
attributed her actions in the Philippines 10 the
same motive During the Spantsh-AneC1can War
IL must be admitted that the British public ana
press in way lacking n hearty expressions
OF sympathy with the American cause. and IN no
single instance could example be found 20 SHOW
that The opportunity had been used means OF
yoicng expressions Of hostility and contempt; what
ever criticisms may have been made mad At least
the merit that they based upon the facts and
had some claim 10 be described just
I travelled for several years this side OF
the Atlantic. and have many times / ard
pressons Of hatred Of England, Eng ~ and
have failed TO discover substantial foundation for
such hostile preiudices II is gratifying realize
that the feeling between the two countries Is
proving, especially among the better classes At
time IL ls calling to know that much
dnirnosy stu exists. especially wnen II IS borne
in mind that II is not always based Justice and
the truth. ARTHUR @. BEACH.