These might not seem in common} times to be the words of diplomatic caution viewed in the abstract, but there are times such as the present when the most experienced diplomats realise the inefficiency and inadequacy of diplomatic notes and the dead sea fruit of diplomatic promises and' assurances The highest diplomacy is often that which speaks the truth and is not afraid to own and support it! I hope Tam not ignorant enthusiast nor a weaver of fantasies, but £ would certainly be unmindful of the interests of my cowitry if L Kren serious note of whut is going Thave seen with my own eyes at Pel other important points, But noth farther from my mind than to express "wnfriendly criticism of the policy of any viewed from the standpoint of such Each government knows what is best for itself and doubtless there are ay able and good men at Petersburg and Paris as at London and Washington." This matter of comial competition is no more than the relentless working of the cruel but all per-principle of the survival of the fittest—anit the devil take the hindmost. Let us take care that your country and my not feel lis hot breath irinan, Ladies and Gentlemen,—I have digressed to this extent from my main subject, first, becaitse of the importance of the istes discussed,, in which know you are all interested, and secondly, because it may be the only and tunity before my return to my to emphasise them and add my mickle to the muckle of agitation of a good cause, Now to resume in the Philippines.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.