New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-02-04
APROTEST FROM Mr.. BLAINE.

PROTEST FROM Mr.. BLAINE.
WAsHNGToS, Feb 3.-The following letter was
sent to President Arthur to-day by ex-Secretary
Blaine:
WASHINGTON u. c.. Feb. 3, 1889.
To the President ofthe United States.
The suggestion of Congress of all the American
nations to assemble in the City of Washington for
the purpose OF agreeing on snch basis
Of arbitration for international troubles as
would remove all possibility OF war on the
Western Hemisphere warmly approved by
your predecessor. The assassination of July pre-
vented his issuing the invitations to the American
States After your accession TO the Presidency |
acquainted you with the project and submitted to
YOU a draft for Such an invitation. You received
the suggestion with the most apprecative consid-
cration and after carefully examining the form Uf
the invitation directed that it be sent. il was ac-
cordingly dispatched in November TO the inde-
pendent Governments Of America. North ana south,
including all from the Empire of Brazil 80 the
smallest republic. In q communication addressed
bv the present Secretary of State on the 9th of last
month to Mr. Prescott and recently sent to the Sen
ate l greatly surprised to hnd proposition
looking 20 the annum2nt of these invitations, and
was sill more surprised when read the reasons
assigned. quote Mr.. Frenghnysens language:
the earth the President wishes hereafter 10 deter
mine whether II viii condnce to that general peace.
which would cherish and promote for this Govern
Dent enter nto negotiations and CONSULTATION "r the
atios without extending q ike confidence TO
other peoples with whom the United States is on equally
friendly terms II such IaTtai confidence woud create
jealousy and nlwi, peace tho object sought by such
consultation, would not be promoted Tbs principles
controlling the relations 4 the republics OF This hcni-
sphere with other natlonalties may ON nvesti&aon,
he to De well established that little would be
gaiued this time by reoponing subject which ls not
if correctly apprehend the meaning Of these
words il is that might offend European
Powers if we should hold in the United States
congress of the selected natonalites" of America,
This is certainly new position Tor the Cmled
States to assume, and one which | earnestly
hco Won viii not permit this Government
to occupy The European Powers assem-
ble in congress whenever object seems
TO them of sufficient Importance to Justify
it. have never heard Of their consulting The Gov
ernment of the United States III regard to the pro
priety of their assembling; nor have | ever
known of their inviting an American representative
to be present Nor would here in my judgment, be
aEy good reason for their so dong.
Two Presidents of The United States, in
the year 1881, aiiudged it to be expo
dent that the American Powers should
meet in Congress for the solo purpose of agreeing
upon some basis for arbitration of differences
that may arise between them, and tor the prcYcn-
ton as far possible, of Ia the future. If that
movement is uow to be arrested for fear that It may
give offence in Europe, the voluntary humiliation OF
tllis Government could not be more complete, I'M
less we should petition the European Governments
for he privilege Of holding me Congress.
| cannot conceive how the United States could be
placed in a les cnviahle position than would be
secured by sending IN November cordial invita-
tiou TO ali the American Governments TO meet in
WASHINGTON for the sole purpose OF conceItng meas
urcs of peace and in January reca ling The Invitation
tor fear that it might create jealousy and ll-wll
the part OI UlOLalCn!il III LiiOpt
1t would he difficult to devise more effective mode
for making enemies Of the American Governments
and il would certany not add to prestige III the
EurOpean world. Nor can | see, MI President
how EuroDcan Governments should feel Jealousy
and il-wIll" toward the United states because Of
an effort our part 10 assure lasting peace bet Ween
the Nations of America. unless, ludeed, II bc TIE IL
tercSt Of European Powers that American Nations
should at intervals fall INTO war and bring reprOach
republican government. But IRON uat very
circumstance | see al additional anc powerful mo
Ii We for the American Governments 10 be al peace
among themselves.
The United States is indeed at peace with all the
world as Mr. Frelinghuyscn we'll says. but there
are and have been, serious troubles between other
American Nations. Peru ChIli and Bolivia, have
been for more than two years engaged in despcr-
ate conflict II was the fortunate Intervention of
the United States last spring that ayerted war be-
tween CLih and the Argentine Republic. Guata-
mala is at this moment ASKING the United States to
iDterpose its good Offices with Mexico u keep of
war These important facts were all communicated
in your late message to Congress. IT. Is
vars that Influenced President Garfield
and as ! supposed, influenced yourself, 10 desire
friendly conference of all the Nations OF America, 10
devise methods OF permanent peace ana consequent
prosperity for all. Shall the United STATES now turn
back hold alouf and refuse 10 exert It's great moral
power for the advantage OF lis weaker nelShOors
If vol have not formally 9nd hndlly recalled the
jnyItatious TO the Peace Congress, Mr.. President,
beg you 10 consider well the elect 0I 50 dong Ihc
Irritation was not mine. IL was yours performed
only the part OF the secretary 10 advise ana TO
draft You spoke in the name OF the United
states tc each of the independent Nations
of America. 10 revoke that invitation Tor any
cause would be embarrassing; 10 rev0he II Tor the
aVowed feaI of Jealousy and ill-wil" on the part
OF European Powers would appeal as little 70 Amer
lCan pgldc as TO American hospitality. Those sou
have uVlted may decline, anu having DOW cause 40
Doubt their welcome, viii. perhaps do 50. THIS
would break up the Congress. but II would not
touch our dignity.
Beyond the philantnropic and Christian ends to be
obtaiLcd by an Amerlcdu conference devoted to
peace and good wall among men, We might we'll
hope for material advantages, AS the result OF
better understanding and closer friendship with the
Of Al. Al nrn..nt Tho c1maItln of