'The American Senate at large seems to be identifying itself
with the policy of opposition to President Roosevelt's action with regard to the Algeciras Conference. This week it has been the tum.of the Republicans, as last week it was that of the Democrats, to criticise the President's conduct. The attack, however, is really directed against all participation of the United States in a world-policy, and comes ill from the mouth of a Republican leader like Mr. Hale. The true explanation is probably that the President has been offending that delicate growth,--Senatorial susceptibilities. Mn Hale wants the Senate not only to ratify treaties, but to play a part in negotiating. them,—the old claim to interfere with the Executive, which, if admitted, would make efficient adminia-
tration impossible. In reply, the Secretary of State, Mr. Root, 'has published his instructions to the American delegates, which show that these have no power to accent any important proposal or sign any treaty without further mandate. Mr. Root also makes it clear that, as a signatory to the Treaty of 1880, the United States could not decline the Sultan's invitation to the new Conference.
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