New-York tribune., 1900-12-10

sary 20 expend millions upon a futile attempt TO
render inpregnahle ports which are not natural
~ defensible; and when the low lying. shift
ing sand dunes OF Greytown. which are com
maneed by the hills few miles inland. were
fortified az great cost a campaign with any for
eign Power would be centred there and fought
under highly disadvantageous. II not impos-
sible. conditions Great Britain began her cam
paign with the Beers over six thousand miles
from home in an inaccessible corner OF Upper
Natal The fortihcstion OF the ends cf The
Nicaragua Canal would compel the United
States 20 conduct a campaign in Nicaragua. for
the canal itself would be a great prize OF war.
and would AT once be exposed 20 attack es-
peciauy II any attempt were rnaie 20 close Il
against al war vessels not under the American
flag. The most pacific nation in the world does
not want war with any Power: much less does
81 need 70 construct a great work OF commerce
in such way as 10 menace he peace OF the
world and 70 involve the American people in
defensive campaigns at inaccessible points far
removed from natural base for operations ane
supplies.
II the Hay-Pauneefote treaty does not pro-
vide for the construction OF fortiheations at the
canal entrances IL is in accord with the natural
conditions OF the coast Engineering science
could not protect Greytown against the long
range guns of powerful feet OF hattleships:
and the high ground behind II were occupied
by hostile force il would become untenable
The real defence OF the Nicaragua Canal must
always be a strong feet with coaling stations
accessible on each ocean; and there are only
two Powers capable OF making 4 successful
naval defence. These are the United States
and Great Britain each Of which has coaling
stations accessible in the vicinity OF the canal
Germany would not be able TO coal feet IN
that quarter OF Central America II neutral ports
were closed against her by the ordinary rules
of war. France has two islands in the Leeward
grOup, but is without a good port or defensible
coaling station. Russia Austria and Italy have
no facilities for coaling and provisioning war
vessels for cruising in the Caribbean Sea. Den
mark ana the Netherlands have islands in the
West Indies with good ports, but Il is idle
10 speculate upon the chances Of war with two
such pacific Powers. coaling facilities are in
dispenssble for naval warfare and the United
States would have a marked advantage IN this
respect over any European Power in time Of
The British feet certainly could not be
kept out OF the Nicaragua Canal by any fortif-
cations which might be built at SO indefensible
a port as Greytewn; and the investment OF
millions IN fortresses and guns would not be
justified by the remote chances OF a campaign
with France. Germany or any ether Power on
the European Continent.
Recent events have demonstrated that when
America and England are helpful 10 each ether
they also promote their own interests and pol
icies. This is the elementary fact which ex-
plains the natural development OF friendly re-
lations between the two countries. Neighborly
feeling and seif-interest go hand IN hand When
England thwarted European scheme Of inter
vention at the outbreak OF the war with Spain,
she served America a good turn. but at the
same time increased her prestige in Europe.
where she had been paralyzed and Inundated
by Continental intrigues against her. When
England ordered Admiral Dewey's feet out OF
Hong Kong. she rendered necessary q descent
upon Manila and the conquest OF the Philip
pines: and while she opened the way for victory
for the United States she was also establishing
a precedent for her own interest that neutral
ports must be closed in time Of war against bel
ligerfnt fleets. The enforcement Of neutral obl-
cations in the British West Indies during the
war win spain ard the application or the suez
regulations against Admiral czrnara's feet AZ
Port Said were points heavily in favor OF Amer
lea; but English action entirely in line with
English policy. America, by the occupation OF
the Philippines. by the guarantees for the open
door principle obtained from the maritime Pow
ers and by other recent acts. has adopted
courses agreeable 10 England and az the same
time has been promoting her own interests and
the welfare of civilization. The REIMBURSEMENT
q the dual control over the Nicaragua Canal is
a good turn that deserves another; and the in
PRODUCTION OF the Suez principles in Central
America is a reasonable concession in return for
a diplomatic favor; but il is for the interest OF
England 70 have the new waterway open, and
il iE equally 10 the advantage Of America 10
have the Suez regulations enforced for the new
canal. So true is IL that when two nations are
just generous and helpful 10 each other. they
find that they have common share in the bene-
fits of association and friendship. and OF mutual
service. J. n. T.
FAmOTe TFEOR IN ALNGHOUSE