The Week [excerpt]

     The comments of the English press on Mr. Roosevelt’s accession to the Presidency are generally complimentary and hopeful. The Chronicle alone thinks that he will out-Monroe the Monroe Doctrine in his interpretation of the policy which goes by that name, and adds that his attitude toward the Isthmian Canal question can be inferred accordingly. A safer augury as to his position on the canal question can perhaps be drawn from the few words which he pronounced when he took the oath of office almost at the bedside of the dead President. He said, with much solemnity:

     “I wish to state that it shall be my aim to continue absolutely unbroken the policy of President McKinley for the peace, the prosperity, and the honor of our beloved country.”

This promise does not commit Mr. Roosevelt to a slavish imitation of his predecessor. It does not require him to find out in every instance and in minute detail what Mr. McKinley would have done, and then to do the same things; but it does commit him to Mr. McKinley’s policy of honorable peace with other nations, so far as it has been made clear. In no other way has that policy been made so clear as in respect of the Isthmian Canal treaty. It was reduced to writing and sent to the Senate. After amendment by that body, it was referred to the British Government, and some of the amendments were objected to. Since that time there have been negotiations, which are likewise in writing but have not yet been made public. All that need be said now is that a conscientious adherence by President Roosevelt to the promise he made at Buffalo, will satisfy every patriotic desire as to the Isthmian Canal on this side of the water, and relieve all apprehensions on the other side.