The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-02-09
OFFICIOUSNESS, H NOT JOB
berry.

Mr.. Blaine, it is seen, is getting
before the country with his explana-
tions regarding the South Ameri-
can troubles. He may continue to
explain, but the oftener he does so
the more convinced will everybody
be that he prevaricates and that his
purpose was simply to create SEN
sation, or make job, and
finally that he determined
at least to give nice little
inheritance to his successor. Secre-
tary Evarts declined to interfere in
these South American broils, and he
thus preserved the dignity of this
country. Had ali the parties in
these disputes requested the
arbitration of the United
States it would then have
been proper for Mr.. Blaine
to put his finger into the pie, but as
it was, he made, not sad mistake,
but an officious blunder. for which
he will be held responsible by the
American people if this dispute
leads to any humiliating position,
which, at least appears very likely.
The COm'ier-JOurnal is inclined to
the opinion, and Mr.. Blaine's
past history gives reason for the
| belief that there was jobbery in the
intt,erference. Mr.. Blaine was for
forcing the arbitration of the United
States on the belligerents, whether
they all desired it or not. He was
taken with the idea of annexing
Peru, suggested by Christiancy; and
then Shepherd got hold of him with
the Peruvian company's guano
claim, and next backed Hurlbut in
his absurd Peruvian partisanship
and III his pledge that the United
States would back them. Blaine
favored the Peruvian company all
the time, and vas out of humor with
Fitzpatrick for standing up for Chili's
rights as victor.
When Mr.. Frelinghuysen became
secretary of state he perceived,
after cursory examination
of the situation, that Blaine
had got affairs badly muddled in
South America, and he hasteped to
instruct Trescot, who had left for
Chill, not to take any action until
he wrote to him. This he did on
the ninth of January, and COM
pletely reversed the policy of
Blaine, emphatically declaring that
Arthur's policy as to the South
American republics and other for
eign nations was " that of the inn
mortal Washington" which every
body knows was peace and unity.
The secretary instructed Trescot,
also, to avoid any dictatlon to Chilli
and Peru, with whom we are now
at peace. ,TrescOt has reported that
the Chilian government disclaims
any intention of offending the
United States by its arrest
of President Calderon, OF
Peru. which Blaine denounced
as q high-handed outrage,
and that the good officers of the
: United States will be accepted by
Chill. Chill very properly claims
the right of demanding and obtain
ing q war indemnity from Peru to
the extent of $20000,000 and the
cession of the Tarafuca district. Ol
} course, our government cannot prop.
erly dictate to Chill as conqueror
what she shall do. 1t can only re-
commend a mitigation of the wal
indemnity demanded by Peru. MI
, Frelinghuysen will go no further
1t is fortunate that he was called tC
the department of state just at {
critical period, for Blaine was push
ing us into the most serious anG
f needless complications. The coun
I try has certainly had enough of thu
Blaine style of diplomacy. WheI
we get into mood for foreign con
; quest the country may possibly cal
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