Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1882-02-03
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WAsHISoToN, Nov. 20, 1881.

Sir: The attitude OF the United States
with respect to q general peace on the
American continent 10 known through
its persistent efforts for years past to
avert the evils Of warfare. But these Of
forts have failed to bring positive con.
flicts to an end through pacific coun-
sells or advocacy OF impartial arbitration.
This attitude has been constantly main
tanned and always with such fairness ~
10 leave NO room for aitributing to u
government any motive except the hui
name and disinterested . OF saving the
kindred States OF the American CONT.
mem. from tho burdens Of war. The po-
sition OF the United States as the lead
ing owe Of the New World, might we'll
give to its government q claim to the au
t~horitatiyo uttsrance for the purpose OF
quieting discord among its neighbors,
with oil OF whom the most friendly rela-
tons exist. Nevertheless the good offices
of this government are not, and have
not ut any time been rendered with .
show OF dictation or compulsion but
only as exhibiting the solicitlous good
will OF o common friend.
For some years past o growing dispo-
si,ion has been manifested by certain
States OF Central and South America to
refer disputes affecting grave questions
Of international relationship and bound
aries to arbitration rather than the
sword. Il has been on several such &C.
casions q source OF profound satisfaction
to tho government OF the United States
to do 30. This country 'is in o large
measure looked to by all American pow
ers as their friend and mediator. The
Just and impartial counsel OF the Presi-
dent 10 such cases has never been with.
held, and his efforts have been rewarded
by the prevention Of %sapguinsry strife
or angry contentious between people
whom we regard as brethren. The sI-
istsncs OF this growing tendency con-
yinces the President that the time 10 ripe
for . proposal that shall enlist the good
will and active cooperation OF the States
OF the western hemisphere. both North
and South, in the interest OF humanity
and for the common veal OF nations.
Impressed by these views. the Prssi.
dent extends to all the Independent
countries OF North and South America
On earnest invitation to participate In .
general congress TO be held in the city
OF Washington the 22d OF November.
1882, for the purpose Of considering and
discussing the methods Of preventing
war between the nations OF America.
He desires that the attention Of the con-
gross shall be strictly confined to the one
great object; that its sole aim shall DO to
seek o way OF permanently avsrting the
horrors OF cruel and bloody contests be.
tween countries bound by the ties Of one
blood and speech. or tho even worse
calamity Of internal commotion and civil
strife.
The President Is specially DESTROYS 10
have 1t understood that In putting forth
this invitation the United States does
not assume the position Of counseling.
or attempting, through the voice Of the
congress, to counsel any detrimental
solution Of existing questions which may
now divide any OF the countries OF
America. Such questions cannot prop
erly come before the congress. Its mis-
sion II higher. It Is to provide for the
interests OF all In the future-not TO
settle the individual differences OF the
present. For this reason especially the
President has indicated o day tor the a.
ssmbling OF the congress 30 far In the
future a. to leave good ground for the
hsps that BY the time named the present
situation on the South Pacific coast will
be happily termintsd. and that those en-
gagged In the discussion may take o
p~sassabls part In the settlement Of gen.
eral questions affecting In an equal de-
gree the well-being Of oil. II seems
also desirable 10 disclaim In advanos
any purpose on the part OF the United
States to PREJUDICE the issues to be pre-
ssnted to tbs congress. 1t 10 far from
the intent Of this government to appear
before the congress a. In any sense q
protector OF its nsighbors or the predes-
tined and necessary arbitrator Of their
disputes. The United States will enter
into the deliberations OF the congress on
the same footing % other Powers repre-
seut.d, and with the loyal Dissemination
to approach the proposed solution not
merely 10 ils own interest. or With o view
to assert its own power. but % Q single
member among coordinate and co.equai
States. So far a. the influence Of this
government may DO beneficial. 1t viii be
exsrted In the direction Of conciliating
whatever conflicting interests Of bieod'
or government, or historical tradition
which may necessarily come together In
response to . call embracing such vast
and diverse elements.
You will present these views 10 the
Minister OF Foreign Affairs or enlarge
them II need Be In such terms a. will