The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-30
Nv l.. WHITE BUsBEY.
LLTANCES between great ma
tons are like happy marriages,
the union of opDosites This

LLIANCES between great ma
~ tons are like happy marriages,
"A the union OF opposites. This
seems to be true to-day as 1t
was some years ago when Bjornstjerno
Bjornson, the Norwegian poet and dram
atist, used the illustration in reference
to the traditional friendship between
the United States and Russia. / was a
summer idler In Paris and one morning
received an invitation from Mr.. Born
son to take tea with him at his home in
the suburbs OF the French capital
had met him In Chicago when he made
his first visit to this country and he
kindly recalled that meeting In his in
Vltation. IL Is needless to say that the
young American was pleased with the
compliment and set out at once for the
suburban retreat of the great Morse
man. | was at once shown into the
little garden which was Bjornson's work
shop as well as his place of recreation.
and his greeting was even more cordial
than his note of invitation. lie at once
began to recall incidents of his visit to
the United States and spoke with en-
thusiasm of the West. where he found
30 many ~ his own compatriots pros
porous, happy and loyal American Citi-
zens. His talk was filled with optimism
MS to the future Of this country, where
men OF all nationalities and even OF all
races not only lived In harmony but
became loyal citizens and heartily CO.
operated In their efforts to make this
the greatest and most prosperous nation
In the world and demonstrate the vital
ity Of the principles OF democracy.
Suddenly the big Norseman rose
from his rustic chair. strobe about the
little garden for a minute or two and
then turning To me rs his lone auditor
changed the drift OF his monologue
to a discussion Of international ALI
ances. lie spoke Of the iealousies and
rivalrles Of European nations and their
tendency to seek alliances with their
opposltes instead of cooperating along
lines which they all PROGRESSED to be
working to develop civilization.
Your United states is not an ex-
ception to this rule" said he. with n
shake Of his big head. "rhere the
tairest product Of civilization has
taken to her bosom the great Russian
Bcnr and We have an alliance Of dis
tlnct opposites IA the greatest con-
trddictiun i'm international relations.
TheSo two great nations, representing
the extremes In government, are in
alliance against all Western Europe.
| know you will say that there is no
alliance between Russia and the United
States, aud do not suppose there could
he found In the official archives Of any
Government any evidence Of an agree
mcnt between these two Powers to
cooperate for their mutual advantage
or an alliance either offensive or dc
fcnsivc. But there is to-day better
understanding and flrmer friendship
between Russia and the United States
than between any other civilized ma
tons In the world You call II
traditional friendship, and 1t Is recip-
rocal. do not blame the United
States for acknowledging In many ways
the great service OF Car Alexander
when he sent his fleet to New York
as a warning TO England and Franco
not to interfere in the great contest OF