The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-02

those whom her own people had chosen
as the first officials of the new republic
cuba lies at our doors, and whatever
AFFECTS her for good or for i'll affects US
also. So much have our people felt this
that in the Platt amendment we def
nitely took the ground that Cuba must
hereafter have closer political relations
With us than with any other power
Thus in sense Cuba has become =
part of our international political sys-
tenn. This makes it necessary that in re-
turn she should be given some of the
benefits of becoming part of our eco
nomic system 1t is. from our own
standpoint, short-sighted and mis-
ch1eVouS policy to fail to recognize this
need. Moreover, it is unworthy of n
mighty and generous nation, itself the
greatest and most successful republic iii
history, to refuse to stretch out a help
ing hand to a young and weak sister re-
PUBIC Just entering upon it's career of
independence. We should always fear
lessly insist upon our rights in the face
Of the strong. and we should with I'M
grudging hand do our generous duty
by the weak l urge the adoption OF
reciprocity with Cuba not only because
1t is eminently for our own interests to
control the Cuban market and by every
means to foster our supremacy in the
trooical lands and waters south of us,
but also because we, of the giant re-
public of TIE north. should make all
our sister nations of the American con-
tlnent feel that whenever they will per-
NIT It we desire to show ourselves disin-
terestedly and effectively their friend.
A convention with Great Britain has
been concluded. which will be at once
laid before the senate for ratification
providing for reciprocal trade arrange
mentS between the United States and
Newfoundland on substantially the lines
OF the convention formerly negotiated
by the secretary of state, Mr.. Blaine. l
believe reciprocal trade relations will be
greatly to the advantage Of both coun-
tries.
AN ERA OF COMPARATIVE PEACE.
AS civilization grows warfare becomes
less and less the normal condition or
foreign relations. The last century has
seen marked diminution of wars be-
tween civilized powers; wars with un-
civilized powers are largely mere mat
terS of international police duty. essen
tial for the welfare of the world. Wher-
ever possible, arbitration or some sim
lar method should be employed in lieu
of war 70 settle difficulties between civil
hZed nations, although as yet the world
mas not progressed sufficiently to render
1t possible, or necessarily desirable to
invoke arbitration in every case The
formation of the international tribunal
which sits at The Hague is an event of
good omen from which great conse-
quences for the welfare of all mankind
may flow. 1t is far better where pos
sible. to invoke such a permanent tri
Dunal than to create special arbitratOrS
for given purpose.
1t is a 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 sum-
mer with most satisfactory results in
the case Of claim at issue between us
and our sister republic. 1t is earnestly
to be hoped that this first case will serve
as precedent for others, in which nor
only the United States but foreign ma
tons may take advantage of the ma
chinery already in existence at The
Hague
commend to the favorable considera-
ton OF congress the Hawaiian fire
claims, which were the subject of care
full investigation during the last session.