The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-10
THURSDAY. MAY 10, 1900.
The MISUNDERSTANDING Alliance.


One fact stands out with great promi-
nence in connection with the struggle of
the Administration TO defeat the American
Canal proposition. 1t is said that this Ell
fort is so obviously in the interests OF
British designs in Central America, and
of the Panama Canal syndicate. that it
again raises the old question Of the al
legged secret treaty between the American
Executive and the British Government.
The existence OF such treaty or under
standing has been persistently asserted on
the one hand and vigorously denied on the
other ever since midsummer of 1898. IN
the case OF an Administration as insincere
and sometimes defiantly perfidious as the
present one has shown itself, denials, no
matter how carefully worded, or howsuno-
tuously uttered would not be accepted as
conclusive. even in the absence of internal
evidence of their inveracity. II happens,
however in connection with the secret al
lance. that We have cumulative evidence
which must be considered as strongly
tending to demonstrate at once the truth
OF the charge. and the verbal inaccuracy
of the many official disclaimers.
The public will remember that. when
Admiral Dewey was blockading Manila
with his fleet, there was considerable fric-
tion between him and the naval comman
der of the German squadron of observation.
At one time the situation became SO Sc
rous that a regrettable international COM
plicstion seemed possible. In the circum-
stances named. the naval representative
of the British Government acted in a man
ner, in support Of Admiral Dewey, which
appeared to afford moral proof Of a preee-
dent agreement between Washington and
London. That such a thing existed, the
Administration strenuously denied. but
without much success.
II was a noticeable feature of the gath
ering in Paris at which the Peace Treaty
with Spain was negotiated and signed, that
the American Commissioners throughout
the proceedings were hand in glove with
The British Embassy and visiting diplo-
matists from England who were present in
the French capital merely on excursions
of pleasure. 1t was alleged at the time
that our representatives were much be-
holden to their highly trained and expe-
rienced British friends for advice and as
sistance in meeting the shrewd and deer
diplomacy of their Spanish opponents. OF
course all such stories were declared ic-
titious in Washington official circles but,
nevertheless, they we're widely believed.
The most convincing proof of the secret
alliance was offered in the manner in
AZ g., rfnr
/fe Hay-Pauncefote Treaty upon the Sem
ATE and the country. Where the formula
ton of that startling document began can
not be definitely stated. 1t bears all the
earmarks of the British Foreign Office.
When first presented it was stated, appar-
emily on official authority, that it was a
voluntary contribution to the history OF
nations by that eminent poet and historian.
the Hon. John Hay. and that neither Lord
Salisbury nor even Lord Pauncefote had
any previous knowledge of it until the lat
ter one day was called into the American
Foreign Office, when IL was handed TO and
after being read was signed by him of
hand.
little later however, II transpired that
draft OF this proposed treaty had been
passed around among the European chan
celleries. had been discussed, and amended
until finally it was confected into shape
satisfactory to the cabinets OF England,
Germany, Russia, France. Austria. and
Italy. Not until then was single mem
Der of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations permitted TO know that conven-
ton relating 10 an inter- oceanic canal had
been negotiated, or was contemplated
On its face, the -Pauncefote Treaty
bears indubitable evidence of its foreign
pareutage Secretary Hay, out of abund-
ant loyalty TO Hanna, Mckinley, and the
isnal combination behind them. may BIZ
willing TO adopt the illegitimate offspring
of the British Government and the Panama
syndicate as his own. But We assert with
absolute confidence that no American Sec
Rotary of State would deliberately take the
initiative In framing an agreement which
proposes to estop the American people from
ever constructing. owning. and defending a
National canal, to give life and effect to
the illegal and void Clayton Bulwer Treaty
anil to surrender the Monroe Doctrine u
the Concert of Europe. The evidence 81
a secret understanding between the Ad-
ministration and the British Government
in this case, it is true, is circumstantiaf
But circumstantiaI evidence was never
stronger. On logical chain far less CON-
plete many felon has been convicted and
hanged.
Finally. the existence OF Mckinley
Salisbury close corporation is demons
trated in the fierce determination of Hanna
and his associates in Congress to proven,
any expression OF sympathy for the Beers
by either House. The Administration is
perfectly aware that majority Of the
american people sympathize with thf
Dutch in South Africa The merits of The
cause in which one or the ether beliigereni
is nghting do not matter. A majority. not
only Of the outside masses, but of sena-
tors aud Representatives, without distinc-
ton OF party, are on the side Of the under
deg IN the fight, and it is their right to
put their sentiment or record. Even at
The risk Of great unpopularity. MI. Nick n
ley will not allow them 10 do SO. Just as,
even with the prospect OF an overwhelming
defeat next November before him, he will
not consent TO let tho Americans in Con-
sress provide for an American canal, but
bitterly struggles 10 force British treaty
upon them. which, Il ratified, viii end NOT