26 JANUARY 1901, Page 2

We will say nothing as to the heartfelt sorrow at

the nation's loss expressed at home and throughout the Empire. We were as sure of it as that the sun would rise on Wednesday morning. But though we were almost as certain that the heart of the other half of the English-speaking race would be deeply stirred, we cannot omit to chronicle the fact that the grief shown by all sections of American people has been sincere and profound. The President and his Secretary of State, Mr. John Hay, have declared a regret for our loss and a sympathy with the nation which were official only in name, and throughout the vast continent of States the Press has given voice to the popular feeling. The American people, taken as a whole, not only loved and honoured the Queen, but they have felt and sorrowed with the nation as we, in spite of the fact that an epoch of inter- national friction was only just closing, felt and sorrowed with them when Mr. Lincoln perished at the hand of a murderer. Such expressions of true feeling make amends for all the ineptitudes of the politicians, the diplomatists, and the publicists on both sides. If any one wants to understand why we refuse to class the relation between this country and America as that of foreign Powers let them study the attitude of America at the present moment. Other nations are friendly enough and respectful enough no doubt, but mark the absolute difference of tone.