Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-02-27
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA.


British Ambassador James Bryce
has, been formally presented to Presi-
dent Roosevelt with simple ceremony,
in which the inevitable exchange of
felicitations figure conspicuously. Mr..
Bryce has assured the president that
he personally is very proud of his
knowledge of the American people,
gained through visits to this country
in his capacity as a student of our in
situations, and that he has learned Ito
admire the untiring energy and intel
lectual ardor of the inhabitants and to
appreciate their devotion to the cause
of moral and social progress and their
passionate desire to make the lives of
the people worthy of the material
blessings which Providence has be-
slowed upon them with so bountiful a
hand"
Admiration of the American people
is apparently a part of the inherent
possessions of every member of the
diplomatic corps who calls at the
White House to present his creden-
tails, but it must be said that none of
Mr.. Bryce's predecessors, from Great
Britain or elsewhere. has been more
happy in the form of expressing 1t.
The American people know Mr.. Bryce
and like him and will doubtless be
pleased to learn in this direct way that
the feeling of admiration is recipro-
cal. Having given utterance to his ex-
preston OF personal pleasure at being
appointed to represent his country In
America, Mr.. Bryce adds, in true diplo-
matte form, that sin expressing my
sincere respect for you personally
am expressing the sentiments of my
sovereign and of his subjects gener-
ally" ~
President Roosevelt. never without
equipment to meet a caller bearing
either broadswords or olive branches,
promptly responds to Ambassador
Bryce, bidding him to convey ito your
honored sovereign my cordial wishes
for his personal welfare and the pros
perity of his country and people" The
president also calls attention to the
cordial relations existing between
Great Britain and the United States
and predicts that they will always be
found working together 'in the fur
theranee of the great principles of rep
resentative government, and that COM
munity of material interests, whereby
the most complete stability, individual
development and national prosperity
may be achieved"
Now that the incident Of formal
greeting is over a careful study of the
addresses shows that both the presi-
dent and the ambassador are strict in
their observance of one cardinal rule
of diplomacy, the use of words 70 con-
ceal thought. The most Jealous mem
Der of the foreign diplomatic corps at
Washington will be unable to fnd a
word or sentence that can be construed
into favoritism for Mr.. Bryce or the
power he represents. There is no hint
of an alliance or any unwritten under
standing of partnership between the
Anglo-Saxon governments, such as was
charged when Ambassador Reid. In
wishing Mr.. Bryce Godspeed when he
left London. told him that the people
of the United States and England
loved" each other and every foreign
power at once became suspicious. In
ternational Irritation is permitted In
diplomacy, but Glove" is barredN For
tunately for all concerned. the presi-
dent and Mr.. Bryce leave other dipio-
mats no alternative but the conclusion