Declares Panama Protest Is Serious.

New York Times 100 years ago today, December 13, 1912:
London Times Says the British Nation Will Require It to be Firmly Maintained.
FEARS WE MISUNDERSTAND
Studied Courtesy and Moderation of Sir Edward Grey's Dispatch Don't Mean Matter Is Not Grave.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Friday, Dec. 13.— The Times, in an editorial article on Sir Edward Grey's Panama dispatch, refers to indications that the serious nature of the British protest is not universally understood in the United States, and says:
    "The studied courtesy and moderation with which the Secretary of State reiterated our objections to the act and replied to the arguments of President Taft's memorandum are apparently regarded as signifying that the protest was not made in earnest and that it will not be pressed. That is a complete misconception of the dispatch and of British opinion.
    "We have a constitutional dislike to use strong language in diplomatic intercourse. We think it does not add to the strength of a good case, that it is apt to create a state of mind unfavorable to the treatment of controversies with coolness and dignity, and that it is to be specially deprecated where provision exists for referring the matters in dispute to arbitration.
    "In closing his dispatch Sir Edward Grey observes that it was 'only with great reluctance' that he and his colleagues felt bound to take objection to the act at all, and that they confined their objections within the narrowest possible limits.
    "That sentiment is fully shared by the nation. They are sorry that this protest should be made necessary, but they are convinced that it was necessary, and they would have judged the Government guilty of grave dereliction of duty had the Ministers neglected to lodge it. They will expect and require it to be maintained with the firmness which confidence in their rights and knowledge of their interests justify.
    "They hope for a speedy settlement by diplomatic means, for such a settlement would be to them welcome proof that the readiness to meet American wishes which they have so conspicuously shown on this question is reciprocated. Should, however, this hope be disappointed, they will undoubtedly demand that the whole subject be submitted to arbitration. They are confident that their view of their treaty rights is the true view."