United States Like All The Others

UNITED STATES LIKE ALL THE OTHERS

The exact facts about Manchuria are known to few Americans. Probably they are not known to Secretary Hay. Yet, without facts, national sympathies and ethical principles are little better than weapons which contain no bullets. It may be interesting to talk about what Russia did, to our advantage, in the Revolution or the Civil War, but it is well to remember also that only a short time ago she met one of our unwelcome customs regulations with a tit-for-tat. We do not know how strongly entrenched she is in Manchuria, or how firmly she intends to rule there. Moreover, her ideas will develop with time, and possibly diverge from what they are at present. England, with Egypt in her memory, to say nothing of opium, and we, with our far speckled record toward Mexico, have  no need of any large moral words in discussing the Russian diplomacy. we imagine that Mr. Hay thinks out the situation about like this: "We know what we have, but know not what we may get. Now we have a good thing. We have a large fat trade in Manchuria. China is too weak to interfere with it. Russia may or may not lessen it if she gets control. China is sure to be divided up among the powers some day, but the foxiest thing I can do, while I hold office, is to postpone that fated hour." There is always hypocrisy when a superior nation undertakes to control one that is inferior in strength and different in civilization. We wiped out the Indians, we sandbagged the Mexicans, we have given Cuba only a fraction of her rights, and in the Philippines our own interests are all that we very seriously consider. We prefer to deal with China, rather than with a group of powerful nations., because she can not do unto us as we do unto her. In that regard, we are like all the European nations, and we are happier than they are in the position and resources which prevent the great yellow continent from being the possible menace to us that it is to them. We find our own race questions difficult enough, simple in comparison as they are. The negroes and the Philippines, however, are a far less complicated and dangerous problem than those which Europeans face in Africa or Asia. Russia is close to a nation of myriads, which has what she wants now, and may some time be in a condition to help or to maim her. No wonder she is strengthening every position she can get. Hers is a long and deep policy. Ours is mere opportunism in comparison. It is to get the best temporary arrangements we can, from time to time. At present the sun shines, and we are making hay in Manchuria. - Collier's Weekly.