Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-02-09
Blaine to Arthur.

the stalwart and liberal, or halfbreed
divisions of the Republican party are
about TO lock horns in very interest
ing fight leading up to 1884, for adj
justment. 1t appears from the letter
of Mr.. Blaine that President Garfield
in his lifetime determined to call
Congress of the American Republics to
meet at Washington, with a view of
adopting basis of arbitration for the
peaceful settlement orany information
al trouble that may occur between
governments on the American cont
nent, as well rs such measures of
agreement as might tend TO cement
the friendly relations of these govern
ments and prevent the necessity of a
resort to arms in attaining a proper
solution of any GRIEVANCE that might
arise. The project is one which Mr..
Blaine alleges the late President had
much at heart, and had directed invi-
tations to be prepared and sent to the
different governments of America,
North and South, for the call of the
Congress, but before these invitations
were sent out, the President was assass-
mated. After the accession of Ar
thur to the Presidency, these facts
we're made known to him, and he di.
rected Mr.. Blaine, who was still Sec
rotary of State, to issue the invitations
in accordance with the views of the
late President, which was accordingly
done in November last Now it seems
that President Arthur whether to dis
credit the Intervention of Mr.. Blaine,
has through the present Secretary,
Mr.. Frelinghuysen, indicated a de-
termination to recall these invitations,
alleging that the meeting of such a
Congress might be offensive to Euro.
pean powers. On this point Mr..
Blaine comments as follows:
This is certainly new position for
the United States 10 assume. and one
which | earnestly beg you will not per.
NIT this government 10 occupy. The
European powers assemble in congress
whenever an object seems to them of
sufficient importance TO justify it.
have never heard OF their consulting
the government of the United States in
regard TO the Vrnprieiy of their so as.
sembling. nor have | ever known OF
their inviting an American representa-
tive TO he present. Nor would there.
in my judgment. be any good reason
for their so doing. Two Presidents of
the United States in the year 1881 ad.
judged it to be expedient that the
American powers should meet IN con.
gress Tor the sole purpose OF agreeing
upon some basis for arbitration OF diff
ferences that may arise between them
and for the prevention, as far as posi-.
hlp. Of war in the future. II that move.
ment Is now tn be arrested for fear that
1t may give otfense in Europe. the vol
utary humiliation Of this government
could not more complete, unless we
should press the European governments
for the privilege Of holding the congress.
cannot conceive how the United
States could be placee in less enviable
position than would be secured by send.
ing in November n cordial invitation To
all the American governments TO meet
In Washington for the sole purpose of
concerting measures of peace and in
January recalling the invitation for fear
that 1t might create jealousy and III
will" on the part OF monarchical govern.
ments in Europe. IL would be difficult
to devise n more effective mode for
making enemies Of the American Gov
ernment and it would certainly not add
to our prestige in. the European world.
Nor can see, Mr. President, how Euro.
pean governments should feel jealousy
and III will'' towards the United States
because Of an effort on our part to as.
sure lasting peace between the nations
Of America, unless indeed, it be to the in
terest Of European powers that Ameri.
can nations should at intervals fall into
war and bring reproach on republican
government. But from that very cir
cumstance see an additional and pow.
erful motive for the American Govern.
ments to be at peace among themselves.
Referring to the unhappy conditions
of some Of the South American states,
the necessity existing for tho friendly
intervention of the United States to
restore peace and keep off war between
her weaker nieghbors rs proof Of the
evidence and advisability of the pro-
posed Congress. he says If you have not
formally recalled the invitations 10 the
Peace Congress, Mr. President, beg
you to consider well the effect of 50
doing. The invitation was not mine.
Il vas yours. | performed only The