The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1903-02-12
OUR FRIENDS. THE ENGLISH.

we NiS HtuSptSu W au dNqoeNahtShNS
in England for a copy of the London
Daily News of January "a. that con-
tains strikingly singular editorial
reference to the Venezuelan matter,
ana one that will do much to obliterate
the sentiment still existing In the
United States that Englands boasted
friendship for our country is largely
mythical. Indeed, the Daily News is
50 decidedly pro- American in its views
that there could not reasonably be any
doubt of its sincerity. In unmistak-
able Language ii upholds our attitude
in the contention that threatened a
great world war and roundly scores its
own government for becoming party
to the German scheme OF forcible coll
lection of the Venezuelan claims.
The bomhardment of San Carlos was
an outrage, says the London newspa-
per, and absolutely inexcusable. THE
blockade" it continues. ought to have
been raised directly Mr.. Bowen an
nounced, as he did on his arrival at
Washington. that he brought with him
guarantees for settlement of all
claims that were satisfactorily estab-
lished. 1t was an offense not only
against good manners, but against all
the usages of civilized states, to con-
time to make war--and we know that, |
in MIR. Balfour's view, the blockade is
an act Of war--when the accredited rep
resentative of Venezuela and the Unit
ed States appeared on the scene with
peace proposals in train for settlement.
What are we TO think, then, when Ger
many selects this moment Of all others
to announce 10 Venezuela and the
world that there is no question of
breathing space by pouring in a storm
Of shell on a Venezuelan fort-an act
which incidentally has led to great loss
of life amongst the non-combattants?'
After insisting that England must de-
cline to accept the glorifcation of Ger
man blueIackets and German honor as
consolation for the predicament in
which the British nation has been plac-
ed, the Daily News AYERS that the DO
sition is not only Of ignominy, but of
very grave danger. Withdrawal of
the British feet is the only course left
oren fur Lord Lansdowne, with or
without German consent, for England's
business is first with Mr.. Bowen, and
then with The Hague tribunal 1T is
useless to argue that We are not re-
sponsible for Germany's methods" the
Daily News points out. An alliance {
is an alliance, and America and the rest
of the world will reply that we are in
the same boat with Germany, which
could do nothing without our support,
and they viii be perfectly right. The
essence of the situation is that, whilst
Mr.. Roosevelt has insisted on an ar
rangement by arbitration, Germany .
with England and Italy in her wake
is doing all in her power 10 get a set
tlement at the cannon's mouth.
Public opinion in America is being
rapidly exasperated" concludes the !
Daily News. and it is evident from the
of ourWashington correspond
ent that Mr.. Roosevelt's hands may
be forced at any moment. Pressure is
being brought to bear on him through
he press and his supporters in congress
and every shot fired by Germany is ad- c
ding to the tension of the situation
We do not know how much longer the c
American people, whose friendship has
)een heavily taxed will be disposed to
iraw distinctions between England and
Germany; but every day that leaves US
led helplessly to Germanys heels is N
Igainst us. Which is the better policy RI
-tc wait until Mr.. Roosevelt asks us e.
o dissoeiate ourselves from the power +"
which has explicitly challenged the pol =, y
cy laid down by America, or TO init to
nate at once our intention to abide by h,
he findings of The Hague tribunal and III
0 abandon the blockade?" M
II Is refreshing to observe that this ~ ~
influential journal is so straightforward
n Its declaration for peaceable settle T 7
nent of the matter, and that 1t SO :.
rankly expresses its convictions. ouri :
policy throughout has been a consider
lte one, and we are gratifed to know
hat u finds substantial backing
abroad. We heartily agree that, If