Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-12-04

she should be given some of the benefits
OF becoming part of our economic system.
It II, from our own standpoint, short
I sighted and mlschievous policy to fail
| to recognize this need. Moreover, II is
unworthy OF a mighty and generous ma
! ton itself the greatest and most success
J ful republic in history to refuse to
! stretch out a helping hand to a young
4 and weak sister republic just entering
upon its career OF independence. We
should always fearlessly insist upon our
/ rights I'm the face of the strong and we
| should with ungrudging hand do our gem
1 erous duty by the weak. I urge the adop-
! ton of reciprocity with Cuba not only
because it is eminently for our own in
| terests to control the Cuban market and
/ BY every means to foster our supremacy
In the tropical lands and waters south of
| us but also because we, of the giant re-
public OF the north, should make all our
| sister nations of the American continent
feel that whenever they will permit it we
desire to show ourselves disinterestedly
and effectively their friend.
! , A convention with Great Britain has
1 been concluded, which will be at once laid
| before the senate for ratification, pro-
viding for reciprocal trade arrangements
| between the United States and New
foundland on substantially the lines OF
| the convention formerly negotiated by the
| secretary Of state, Mr.. Blaine. / believe
reciprocal trade relations will be greatly
to the advantage OF both countries.
Arbitration For 0uarrels.
As civilization grows warfare becomes
| less and less the normal condition of for
| eien relations The last century has seen
a marked dininution of wars between
civilized powers wars with uncivilized
powers are largely mere matters of inter-
| national police duty, essential for the
welfare of the world. Wherever possible,
arbitration or some similar method should
be employed In lieu OF war to settle diff
culties between civilized nations, al
though as yet the world has not pro-
crossed sufficiently to render 1t possible,
or necessarily desirable. to invoke arbi-
tration IN every case. The formation of
the international tribunal which sits at
The Hague is an event OF good omen from
which great consequences for the welfare
Of all mankind may flow. II is far bet
| ter, where possible, to invoke such per-
manent tribunal than TO create special ar
bitrators for a given purpose.
1t Is matter of sincere congratula-
| ton to our country that the United States
and Mexico should have been the first to
| use the good offices of The Hague court.
| This was done last summer with most
| satisfactory results in the case of a claim
At issue between us and our sister repub-
| lie. It is earnestly to be hoped that this
| first case will serve as a precedent for
| others, in which not only the United
| States but foreign nations may take adj
vantage of the machinery already in ex-
istence at The Hague
i command to the favorable consider
alton of the congress the Hawaiian fire
claims. which were the subject of careful
investigation during the last session.
Inter-oceanic Canal Urged.
The congress has wisely provided that
we shall build at once an isthmian canal,
/ II possible at Panama. The attorney-gen-
| eral reports that we can undoubtedly ac-
quire good title from the French Panama
canal company, Negotiations are now
| pending Colombia to secure her assent to
our building the canal. This canal will
be one of the greatest engineering feats
/ OF the twentieth century; a greater en-
cheering feat than has yet been accom-
| piished during the history of mankind.
/ The work should be carried out as con-
! tinuing policy without regard to change
| OF administration: and it should be be-
| gun under circumstances which will make
It matter of pride for all administra-
tons to continue the policy.
Pacific Cable History.
During the fan of 1901 communication
was addressed to the secretary of state,
asking whether permission would be
granted by the president to corporation
to lay a cable from point on the Cal
ifornia coast to the Philippine islands
by way of Hawaii. A statement of condi-
lions or terms upon which such corpo-
ration would undertake to lay and oper-
ate cable was volunteered.
1nasmuch as the congress was shortly
to convene, and Practicable legislation had
been the subject OF consideration by the
congress for several years, it seemed to
me wise to defer action upon the applica-
ton until the congress had first an OPP
portunity to act The congress adjourned
without taking any action, leaving the
matter in exactly the same condition in
which 1t stood when the congress con-
vened.
Meanwhile it appears that the CONNER
cial Pacific Cable company had prompt
~ proceeded with preparations for laying
its cable 1t also made application to the
president for access TO and use of sound
fngs taken by the u. s. S. Nero, for the
purpose of discovering practicable route
for a trans-Pacific cable, the company
urging that with access to these sound
ings. II could complete it's cable much
sooner than II 1t were required to take
soiindings upon its own account. Pending
consideration of this subject. it appeared
important and desirable to attach certain
conditions TO the permission to examine
and use the soundings, If 1t should be
granted.
In consequence OF this solicitation OF
the cable company, certain conditions
were formulated, upon which the presl-
dent was willing to allow access to these
soundings and to consent to the landing
and laying of the cable, subject to any
alterations thereto imposed by the con-
gress This was deemed proper, especial
~ as It was clear that cable connection
OF some kind with China, foreign
country. was a part Of the company's
plan This course was, moreover, in ac-
cordaice with a line Of precedents, includ-
ing President Grants action in the case
OF the first French cable. explained to
the congress in his annual message OF
December, 1875, and the instance occurr-
ing In 1879 OF the second French cable
from Brest to st. Pierre. with branch
to Cape Cod.
or Porto Rico It is only necessary to
say that the prosperity of the island and
the wisdom with which 1t has been gov
erned have been such as to make 1t serve
as an example OF all that is best in insular
administration.
Peace In Philippines.
On July last, on the one hundred and
twenty-sixth anniversary of the declara-
ton OF our Independence, peace and am
nesty were promulgated In the Philip
pine Islands Some trouble has since
from time to time threatened with the
Mohammedan Moros, but with the late
insurrectionary Filipinos the war has en-