Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-12-08
THE CTIILE-PEKUVlAN WAR

The war between Peru and Bolivia on the
one side and Chill on the other began more
than three years ago, Oh the occupation by
Chile in 1850 of all the literal territory Of
Bolivia. Negotiations for peace Were con-
Quoted under the direction of the United
States. The allies refused to Conccdc any
territory, but Chile has silce become master
of the whole coast of both countries aud OF
the capital of Peru. A year since, ms you
have already been advised by correspondence
transmitted TO you in January last, this
Government sent Il special mission to The bel
ligcrcnt powers to express the hope that Chile
would be disposed to accept II money indcm-
nifty for the expenses Of the war amt TO re-
linguish her demand for n portion of the
territory of her antagonist. This rcClmmcn-
dation. which Chile declined to follow, this
Government did not assume to enforce, nor
can it be enforced without resort to meas
ures which would be in keeping neither with
the temper of our people nor with the spirit
OF our institutions. The power OF Peru no
| longer extends over its whole tclrit 0ry, and
| in the event of Our interference, TO dictate
peace would need to he surplcmcntc by the
armies and navics of the United Stllos. Such
interference would almost inevitably lead to
tie establishment of a protcctoratc, a result
utterly at odds with our past policy, iujuli-
Gus to our present interests, and fun Of en-
barassments for the future. Far cileCting
the termination of hostilitics upon terms at
once just to the victorious nation and gcncr-
Gus to its adversaries this Government has
| spared no efforts, save such as might involve
the complications which | have indicated.
1t is greatly to be dcplorcd that Chile seems
resolved to exact such rigorous conditions OF
peace and indisposed to submit TO arhilra-
ton the terms of an amlcable settlement No
peace is likely to be lasting that is not suilc-
ienlly equitable and just to commend the ap,
proval of other nations.
The Proposed Peace Congress.
About year since invitations were extend
ed 10 the nations of this continent 20 scut
representatives, to n peace Congress to assem-
BILE ut Washington in November, 1852. Til,
time of meeting was fixed at II period thcr
remote in the hope, as the invitation itself
expressed, that in the meantime the distur
bance between the South American Repub
lies would be adjusted. As that expectation
seemed unlikely, asked in April last for al
expression of opinion from the two House
of Congress- as TO the advisability OF holding
the proposed convention at the time appoint
ed. This action was prompted in pant by
doubts which mature reflection had suggest
ed whether that diplomatic usage and trldi
tons of the Government did not make i
fitting that the Executive should consul
the Representatives of the people before pur
suing line of policy somewhat novel in il
character and far-reaching. In view of tn
fact that that no action was taken by Con
gress in the promises, and that no provision
had been made for necessary expenses, ! sui
sequcntly decided to postpone the conv0ca
ton and 50 notified the several government
which had been invited TO attend, am III
willing to dismiss this subject without assui
5 ing you OF my support OF any measures til
wisdom of Congress may devise for the promC
S ton of peace on this continent and through
out the world; and trust the time is nigh whc
c with the universal assent of civilized people
all international differences shall be detc
f mined without resort to arms by the being
ant process of arbitration.