Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-05
PERU AND chill.
Senator Blair Before the Foreign At
fairs Committee.
lie Testifies n Regard 10 His Associa'
ton With Shipherd.

ton With shipherd.
WASHINGTON, May 4.
The examination of Senator Blair was re-
sumed this morning before the foreign affairs
committee.
Chairman Williams said: | understand
you are more interested in the policy of the
United States than in any financial schemes
The witness replied that he early became
interested in the subject of the Inter-Oeeanic
Canal, and in that connection with the oper-
ations of De Lesseps. He thought with the
proper policy towards Peru by this country,
her integrity of territory might be preserved,
and an alliance with her might be Of great
value to this country.
The witness thought some decided action
should have been taken at the extra session
of Congress. At that time the strongest as
sertion of the Monroe doctrine should have
been given ont, No other than American
control should he allowed over any isthmian
transit just what the United States ought
to do to preserve the territorial integrity OF
Peru | have never considered, other than
that we ought to go just SO far as polite.
believe in North and South America, for
North and South America. | believe Prov
idcnce has designed the leadership on this
continent with this country.
Wiliams-When did YOU first meet Ship
herd:
The first interview took place at his (Ship-
herd's) office, in New York. The second in
terview took place at Shepherds office, about
the 18th of July. The witness was under the
impression that ex-senator Cragin was with
| him, but went away again.
The witness would not undertake to give
the dialogue with the fuency and apparent
accuracy that Shipherd had employed, but
would endeavor to give the substance of it..
which was in effect that Shipherd explained
the points of the Cochet claim and discussed
the situation in the Chili-Pernvian affairs.
The probabilities that Chill would accept the
money indemnity and the desire on the part
of those Shipherd represented to assist Peru
in raising the amounts required, using the
Cochet claim as a basis of negotiation with
Peru. and by settlement of this kind to Sc
cure for the United States the incidental
commercial advantages which otherwise
might go to foreign powers.
Wil!iams-Just what Shipherd wanted you
to do, will you please be careful to state to
the committee your understanding of it!
He wanted me primarily to examine his
papers, and give my opinion upon them, but
more particularly he desired ME to ascertain
the attitude of this government toward Chilli
and Peru He wanted ME to see the secre-
tary of state and learn what the policy of this
government would be. / thought it proper
and right to do so.
Williams asked if the witness knew of any
other counsel at the time retained by Ship
herd.
The witness replied that he (Shipherd)
showed me Boutwell's opinion and mentioned
having consulted other counsel. At that time
he (Shipherd) seemed to entertain no doubt
whatever of the validity OF the Cochet claim,
the specific and important thing. The initial
thing, in fact, for them to know was whether
the policy of this country would be such as
would make it safe for them to enter into
politics or hold the property on Peruvian
soil
Witness understood our government to
assume position of warning away other
powers, which was entirely in accord with his
views of what it ought to be in all matters
affecting the affairs of this continent.
| Williams inquired relative to the interviews
of July 18th and Goth. at Blaine's house.
! The witness saw Blaine and told him some
thing in relation to this matter, bnt said he
did not care in so important matter to trans
nit to Shipherd the views of the department
but desired Blaine to see Shipherd and talk
with him. Blaine readily assented, and an
interview occurred on the 25th. Blaine
seemed full of company, and the interview
| was brief, perhaps half an hour. The con-
versation was general, nothing was said BY
anyone that was not heard by all. Witness
could only give in general terms the subject
matter. The conversation turned upon the
probable policy of this government, what at
titude our government would take, and when
its policy would be permanent and WELT n.
destood. Blaine seemed to know something
49, n L.
COchet claim, after it was explained to him,
he raised some questions at the interview the
next morning, lasting about an hour. Wal.
ker Blaine was there short time and took
part in the argument. The substance of the
interview was pretty thorough discussion OF
the Cochet claim.
Blaine made the point that it originated as
claim upon Peru, by a French citizen, and
that Shipherd could have no rights against
Peru that Peruvian would not, have; that
the claim seemed to be merely an assignment
to an American citizen. Shipherd asserted
that the claim was not a choice in action but
was based upon actual property.
Blaine then seemed to assent to the propo-
sition if it was as Shipherd represented that
the American claimant would be entitled to
kindly offices from this government
Blaine seemed quite; clear from previou,
history of the Landreau claim that it was one
for which this government could properly
exercise its good offices unofficialy in secur.
ing hearing and adjudication by the govern
ment of Peru.
Witness was asked why the secretary did
not consider the Cochet claim as entitled to
the same consideration and replied, because
he said it was an assignment from foreigner
to an American citizen"
Questionable not Shipherd claim that he
also represented or owned the Landreau
claim.
The witness understood that Shipherd
told Blaine that for the purpose of negotia.
ting with Peru he (Shipherd) was author
lied to represent the Landreau claim. that, in
fact the Cochet claim was a prior lien and
should take precedence.
Williams-At this interview did YOU hear
any illusions made by Shipherd to his offer
of $3.50, in stock to Hurlbut?
Answer-None whatever l certainly
would have heard it if anything of the kind
was said.
The examination was then postponed till
tomorrow.
i FIGHTING ON THE FRONTIER.