New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-05-26

assumed in this humanitarian enterprise is entitled u
the eulogv Of the entire word and to the most avorao
considerations OF the Nations interested therein
Excelencys Government deserves particular enconun
for m resnsc for the right lot distinguishing between
the weak and the strong. when 1t protests tnat IL oo
not pretend either dictate or compel in this question:
but only shows the good will and dlnterested sohcuue
OF friend.
This exhibits the position of our most power
full and progressive neighbor in North America
The leading power of South America was not
less emphatic and not less candid. Our Minister
at Rio Janeiro. Mr. Osborn, presented the lnvl-
totion rs soon as he received it. and read 1t
in nerson 10 the Brazilian Minister OF Foreign
Affairs. Mr. Osborn gives this account OF 1t
The reading progressed quite slowly, and was fire.
Guently interrupted with questions, explanations ana
discussions Senior Franco de sa seemed much ln
teresed subject paying the strctest attention 10
the language OF the instruction and to what had 10
offer and his frequent expressions Of approval as wei
as his manner convinced me that the project which
was presenting had his entire approval. He seemed
especially impressed with presentation OF reasons
in support cordial cooperation In the movement ny
Brazil.
On the very next day the invitation was ac-
| cepted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ill
| these words:
In response to his note have the satisfaction OF com
municating MI Osborn That His Majesty the Emperor
in accord with Minister'S resolved to accept the sao
invitation and that consequently, Brazil will be repre-
sened at the Congress that Is projected in conformity
with the terms OF dispatch Of the American Govern
ment.
In transmitting this acceptance, MIR. Osborn
wrote to Mr.. Freinghuysen as follows
II will be seen that my predictions to the character
OF the answer correct The Government OF Brazil
has accepted the invitation and am not without rea-
sons for knowing that His Majesty the Emperor looks
forward to the assembling OF the Congress with much
interest and that he hopes that great good may result
| therefrOm.
Several weeks later Mr. Osborn advised Mr..
Frelinghuvsen that European influences at
Rio were quite actively cxcrted against the
Peace Congress, but they failed to influence
the Government of the Emperor, which, as late
as the following June, renewed the subject Ill
| q communication to our Minister, declaring that
"the Congress is worthy of the best support,
and that "thc Imperial Government still
maintains its resolution to be represented Ill
its deliberations"
1t is noticeable that the European influences
at RIO were never heard OF until after the re
ccipt of Mr.. Frelinghuysen's dispatch which
suggested that Congress of American Nations
might prove offensive to European Powers
No intimaton OF European hostility would
ever have been heard if the humiliatins sug-
gestion of it had not first come from tht
American Secretary of State.
Following the example of the two great Pow
ers of Mexico and Brazil, other American Ma
tons accepted the invitation as soon As ii wa'
delivered, always with expressions OF the
heartiest approval. Venezuela declared thai
$50 exalted conception bears with 1t the
"a>surancc of it, accomplishment by the lnIlu
"encc of the Government which undertakes
"to carry it into effect" President Barroi
declared that Guatemala Immediately and witt
the greatest enthusiasm accepts the invita-
ton" Nearly ten months aitcrNard Guatcmal;
EXPRESSED great regret that a project OF Suci
vital importance to the Central American
States should have failed even temporarily,
and also "the hope that the project would be re
yiyed at no distant day" The remainin;
Central American Sta,es--Nicaragua, Hon
duras. Costa Rica and San Salyadoi-gaye eX
pressions of approval similar to those 4"
Guatemala. The Gillian Minister of Forcigl
Affairs declared that " the laudable puIpo~
for which the Peace Congress was invited
could not but meet the approval of all Ma
tons
In short. the acceptance of the invitation
WAS general and hearty beyond all expectation
No man is able to measure the good tina
might have followed from the as,emblage o
the Nations had they been allowed to meet
There has never been a suggestion that an
harm of any conceivable character could hay
resulted. Much bloOdshcd might have bee
saved, great prosperity might have been pro
motcd. ciyilizing and outstanding influence
might have been carried where they are sadl
needed No excuse, no apology. 30 oXpana
tion has ever been gwen for President Arthur
ungracious withdrawal of the invitations /
January which he had heartily approved Il
November. All that the other American Gov
ernments know is Mr.. Frcinghuyscn's sug
eestion that the European Nations might no
relish movement sorxclusiyely American. TIL
closest observers only know that the proicC
was stranglcd, and Mr.. Blaine, the origna
author Of the design, was Immediately afto
denounced by papers friendly to the Prcsldcl
for irving TO get up international troubles
The invitation to the Peace Congress was tn
conclusive proof that lie cx-Sccretary of Stat
desired war. One other Indictment was br0uel
against the Peace Congress by Mr.. Arthur
friends: at was originally conceived by tn
Garfield administration and should die wit
: it, Perhaps the real reason for Mr.. Frclng
huysen's singular conduct may he found
these words.
TIE PERJL PISSED.