The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-03-07

It would be a very absurd. unfortu-
nat thing for the Unitad States to do IL
through n by the present govern
ment a war over China should result
with Russia or any other power or pow
ers. China is a long way or and TO
fight for free trade with her, when the
stuDendous wall to sLut out o-her
nations from trading with LIT" (con-
gressional English) called and known
as a high protective tariff, would be
about the most wicked and foolish thing
a nation could do. 1t is a fact and so
recognized. that the United States -:s''
to be an ally Of England and Japan,
That is an accepted tact by Roosevelt,
Hay & Co. The secretary OF state has
notified Russia Of this purpose. That is
the practical meaning of his note. He
tells Russia that the proposed treaty
between China and Russia can but be
viewed with the greatest concern by
the government Of the United States"
What does he mean? Is II idle talk,
merely words without s~ignidcancy?
That may mean ALPHABETICALLY no little
1t may convey a threat If SO. 1t Is a
SNaPAo Az - ihoy Aic VA u
phur and fire works. The belief IL that
the war with Spain could have beeL
avoided Do Roosevelt and Co, wish
to rush into another conflict ard witE a
power rather digger and stronger than
effete Spain? .ti geo
The secretary is much given to Eng
lish phobia. Hhe stayed in England
long enough to become tainted Eng
lish-mania- He writes in terms that
MIGHT offend a power not Indifferent to
L. -4s racket" over by the United
States. He tells the Tsar that his
treaty with China woui be "a distinct
break of the stipulations Of the
Chinese treaty" and n violation of re-
peated assurances given by himself.
This and other statements are possibly
mere poppy-cock really signifying
nothing. III why would Manchuria
held by Russia with China's consent
be hurtfui to this United States Re-
ferring to Secretary Hays commercial
ism the Indianapolis Sentinel says:
at is charged that russia would dis
criminate against us. 1t Is a charge
that concessions to her would close the
open door," Why? What reason is
there to believe that d Russian railroad
through Manchuria Will hurt the Uni
ter States? 1t would only open UP the
country to foreign trade, and there is
no probability that China would ever
build it.
1T is a little late to make such an OBJ
lection. We have stood by and, seen
one European power after another seize
on zone of influence in China. which
were IN fact appropriations of Chinese
territory, Russia has held control of
Manchuria for several years. This is
a virtual notice to her to get out There
is no probability that she will obey
In that event what will gay old
Uncle San do? Will he send his big
ships to begin the fuss mat will be
heard around the world? Will Teddy
Roosevelt button on his Rough Rider
uniform and mount MS Rosenante for
the fray? We hope this war-like BUSH
ness will calm down.. Do let us have
in 1902 no fuss and feathers" We
have quite enough at present to attend
to at home-to deal with the Philip
pines. to attend to Cuba. to raise
moneys from the people to carry on an
e~xtravagant government and to perfect
plans Of folly and madness. This coun-
try if wise will let Russia severely
alone. Do not be caught in the British
death-trap. Do not become a cats
paw of England" Our country can have.
no genuine interest in Manchuria and
What becomes of it. Suppose Russia
some day concludes to invade India.
part of the British Empire, What will
this country do about it? Go to wal to
help England? Who says so.
There are always crazy fellows looking
out for a big blaze of some kin But
the sober, conservative people should
not yield to any Hay cry for resistance
of Russia and China making a treaty
satisfactory to themselves 3d.. .''