The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-02
THE REPUBLICAN CHIEFTAIN
A Letter Showing that Blaine Is Pa
cific in Principle and Policy.
International Differences Should Be Settled
by Arbitration Receiving the News
Of the Balloting at Chicago.

the question of lnternatlonal ArDltrat1oh
The following is correspondence between the
president of Richmond, Ind, bank and the
Arbitrationists. 1t ought to fully dispose of the
accusation that Mr. Blaine is not pacific in prin-
ciple and policy
RICHMOND, Ind, 9th Mo- 10, 1884.
R. McAIurdy d. D., LII. D.. Corresponding Secretary
National Arbitration League:
Dear Friend-Having learned that you are in
q condition to know something as to the views
of the Republican nominee for President, James
G. Blaine, upon the question of international
arbitration and peace, beg leave to inquire of
you in reference to them. Do you suppose that
in his earnestness for the growth of commerce
and for unfolding the position of our country
in the family of nations, there is any danger
that he will fail to exhaust all proper resources
for the preservation of peace, especially by the
use of international arbitrationl / am very
truly your friend, CHARLES F. COFFIN
WASHINGTON CRY. June 25 1884
My Dear Sir-I reply to you not as a Repub-
ican but as an Arbitrationist. The national
Republican party in the late Chicago convention
made the settlement of international differences
by international arbitration distinct part of
the Republican creed. Blaine and Logan have
not only approved Of the Republican platform
In extenso but have emphasized the arbitration
plank as the direct and sure method of perpetu-
ating peace. So much for the present attitude
OF MT. Blaine toward Jn6 fNepuDncan party.
James G.. Blaine for years has been a member
Of the National Arbitration League, as you are.
He has encouraged the league in its work.
nnd letter on file of date of January Z, 1882,
In which he heartily indorses our policy and
principles. His concluding words are: Il am
glad that you are doing such earnest and able
work for the principles The Arbitrationists
here Democrats and Republicans, regard James
G. Blaine as an active apostle of peace. The
letter continues:
Ms -A.Hc =.
dorsed the arbitration principles and the National
League. In his invitation (approved by Presidents
Garfield and Arthurl to the Peace Congress of the
American States in the city of Washington, he re-
ferred to the attitude of the United States with re-
spect to the question of general peace the Ameri
can continent as well known through its persistent
and TO the growing disposition to settle disputes by
tendency convnces the President that the time is ripe
for proposal that will enlist the good will and active
cooperation of all the states Of the western hemi
Sphere both north and south in the interests Of hui
mainly. He conceives that none of the govern
ments Of America be less alive than own
to the dangers and horrors of state of war. F"
Mr.. Blaine then urged the sacred duty of making
every endeayor to do away with the chances of
ratricida strife. He 1.-THE Presidency desires that the
attention of the Congress shall be strictly confined to
this great object that its sole aim will be to seek
way of permanently ayertiHg the horrors Of cruel
and bloody contests. What graphic description did
Mr. Blaine give Of war which he would avert by arbi
tration and peace congresses THE burdensome and
farreaching consequences Of such struggles, the leg
sro, ~ cs pf naraiy4ad indus
tries of devastated fields of ruthless CONSUMPTION of
the slaughter Of men, of the grief of the widow and
thsorpnan of embittered resentments that long sur
vived those who provoked them, and heavily afaict
the innocent generations that came after.
Mr.. Blaine, in taking leave Of Sir Edward
Thornton, long the British ambassador at Wash
lngton, especially commended his aid In settling
serious, and possibly bitter differences be-
tween the two countries by peaceful methods. /"
He commended Thornton's zeal and ABILITY in
striving to engraft the principle Of international
arbitration upon the laws Of nations" "
President Garfield fully Endorsed Mr. Blaines
policy. Mr.. Arthur has closely followed in, this
direction. Hon Mr.. Henderson, chairman of the
bs 81
to peace Your own Senator Harrison said to
the Indianapolis ratification assembly that Mr.