The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-13
Circulation Statement.
The nefence of cnnada.

II is impossible to avoid feeling OF in
terest in the plans for the defence Of
Canada. which, according to Is London ca
bic despatch to The Times yesterday are
being prepared by the British military au-
thorities. For some time, it is reported
the War Intelligence Office : been inVes-
tigating the subject of a defensive system
Tor Australasia and the Dopainion, and much
progress has been made in respect of The
former. But as to Canada the scheme is
not SO far forward, since the conditions
are more complex, and Canada must De
placed in condition for offence as well as
defence The authorities, however, have
decided to largely increase the garrisons
at Halifax and Esquimault. and they are
represented as being much pleased De
cause a committee of naval experts, acting
in cooperation with the War Office. has
discovered short and easy way for the
entrance of large war vessels into the
great American lakes.
We are not aware of any differences
with Great Britain serious enough to JUS
tify that Government in placing its Cana
dian frontier on a war footing against us.
We have already surrendered large area
of undisputably American territory to her
without a fight. Should Englands friend
and ally the Hanna Mckinley Administra-
lion, be returned to office in November
there would be not the slightest difficulty
about increasing the bounds of that ces-
sion SO as to include within it Pyramid
Harbor, the Lynn Canal. and anything else
which England or Canada might want
Again. Republican success next autumn
would place Great Britain in an excellent
position TO secure ratification by this Gov
eminent of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty.
and that, of course. would remove the
east danger that an exclusively American
lnter-oceanic canal would ever be dug
across Central America.
Why then are our British cousins and
sons-in-law alarmed: and Why do they
scheme to I'LL our lakes with their battle
ships. and fortify strategic positions
against cur coasts We are afraid thst.
10 the minds Of most Americans. the ques-
son answers Itself. Not long ago. British
statesmen generally we're completely con-
fdent that Mr. Mckinley would succeed
himself; in which case the Mckinley
Salisbury alliance, the ay-Pauncefote
Treaty, and the Hay-Tower Alaskan I'm
ierstanding and esoteric convention would
be safe. But that confidence has all but
vanished and now there is well settled
fear among the governing class in Eng
land that the election of Mr. William J.
Bryan to the Presidency. and the election
Of a Democratic House of Representatives
are very strong probabilities.
Our transatlantic relatives are. or act
as II they were. aware that should tie
next Administration be dominated by Mr.
Bryan and the people. instead Of by Mr..
Hanna and the trusts and monopolies. the
Alaskan territory surrendered to Great
Britain would have to be returned with
the alternative of war; and that the Hay
Pauncefote Treaty, the Clayton Bulwer
treaty, it purposes to enact. and the plan
Q, British control over the Nicaragua
Canal, would all and severally be rejected
and the American waterwav constructed.
even if the privilege of construction could
only be secured by third fight with Great
Britain
So it may be regarded as reasonable
deduction that Canada Is not being placed
IN a war basis against her friends and
patrons now in power OH this side Of
the line. but against the sixth day Of No
gember next.