The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1881-12-15

Items aud editorials on the possible oompll-
cations and MISUNDERSTANDING between
the United states and Chill growing on;
Of tho Clhll.IoruyIan war ON the one hand,
and between the United States and Mexico
and the Central American States on the
other, arising from two causes, the dspo-
sitlon, first, OF Mexico TO swallow up the lit
tic states sodth Of her, and the Monroe
Doctrine, secondly, as applied to
the Panama Canal We have always
had great admiration for Mr.. Blaine's
intellectual briliancy and dash and indeed
as big-hearted man, but he has unques-
tionably allowed his ambition his desire to
render the Garfield administration an ag.
gressive and famous one, to carry him into
some serious diplomatic errors, not, it is
true, in the abstract, but, certainly so in
view of our present condition. He began
by announcing to the European powers that
the United States would not permit any
foreign influence to dominate over the 18TH
mus or any other portion of this continent.
And following this he declared that none of
the other nations in North and South
America would be allowed to destroy the
identity of any other, or seize any portion
of its territory. In other words Mr. Blaine
has declared to the world that the United
States is the guardian of and arbter of the
destinies Of the nations of the New World,
and it will permit no other agency to step
in. Chill conquered Peru, and proceeded
to set up provisional Government of her
own in the conquered territory and to re-
tain southern provinces as an indemnity
of the war debt. But that was virtual
destruction of the Government of Peru,
and dismemberment of her empire. True
to the position he had taken,
Mr.. Blaine, through Hurlbut, our Min
lister to Peru, notified the Chi
liam government that it was going too far
and must not overthrow the Calderon or
Peruvian Government. Thereupon, our
Minister to Chill, who had married
Gillian wife, and Hurlbut, each partaking
of the sentiment of the country to which
he was accredited, fell to disputing, and
Chill proceeded to do as she chose in the
premises, laughing at the threats of the
Great Republic of the, North. And so the
matter stands. Here was the Secretary's
blunder. 1t is absurd to assume the exer-
else of authority without having the
means ut hand to render the assumption
respectable. But Mr.. Blaine knew that in
the condition our Army and Navy is at
present, we could no more coerce Chilli into
doing as we directed, than we could coerce
Europe. The result is a,'commission, of
whom one is his son, has been secretly sent
down to ''fix matters up" and once again
through an inexcusablc diplomatic bunder,
the United States has received death-blow
to her national prestige and become again
the laughing-stock of the world. 1t is hui
initiating to make the confession, but it is
true Mr.. Blaine is responsible for it |
and the outcome will neither add to his
reputation for craftsmanship or increase
his influence in the future. This is the |
history of our South American complies |
tions. But after such a declaration from
the State Department at Washington, a |
declaration in effect spreading the wings of
the eagle over the weak and oppressed of
the continent, it was but natural that the
little Republic of Guatemala, when her
more powerful neighbor, Mexico, began
to equip armies for her destruction, |
should reach out her hands to
Mr.. Blaine and invoke his protection.
1t is true Mr.. Arthur thinks mediation by |
us will prevent war between these powers
but suppose, as is just as likely, that it
does not? What then? Another back |
down, which will be laughable and more
disastrous complication will ensue, for
true to the spirit and letter ofthe State
document the weaker power must be pro-
tected. AS regards trouble with Mexico, it |
must be admitted we stand better prepared
to sustain any position we may take, for
armies can be marched across the border
and the fighting be done without
rily retard American enterprise
and ieopardze millions of American CAPT
tai now.there and still pushing into our
Southern neighbor, and would prove too |
costly an affair, just as we are beginning,
too, to get up again after our own pro-
tuitous interference in behalf of an insig-
nificant Central American State. Take
Q her horn of the dilemma, and we are,
through the "dashing policy" of Mr..
Blaine, in very unenviaQe and
embarrassing situation. We de-
sire to see American influence ex-
tended as much as any one, certainly |
as much as Mr.. Blaine. but ii seems TO
us the height of absurdity to take positions
that the whole world knows
we cannot in our present condition make
good. The better plan would, it seems to
us, be, TO recognize, first, the necessity for
taking action in certain direction. Then
coolly count the cost and means to accom-
plish that end in case Of opposition. After
wards provide these means and speak
positively. Not TO do this is to
blunder and become ridiculous, and |
as Mr.. Blaine retires from the cabinet
his most ardent admirer cannot but feel
that his administration has been a failure
and has only succeeded in leaving for nd
Justment, as best he can, to whomsoeyer
may follow him, some exceedingly yexa-
tious and vitality important questions az
fecting the nations interests and b5aor.
First give us a powerful ravy and then
tried diplomats in foreign capitals and we
can talk about Debating the policy Of the
New World. Until then, silence is
golden"